Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarship (OURS)

The Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarship (OURS) at Farmingdale State College empowers students to explore meaningful research, engage in scholarships, and develop the skills needed to excel in graduate education, professional careers, and leadership.

Building upon the success of the Summer Undergraduate Research Institute (SURI), IGNITE, and external fellowship opportunities, OURS serves as the College's central hub for undergraduate research, mentorship, experiential learning, and scholarly achievement.

Whether you are beginning your first research experience or preparing for national fellowships, OURS provides the opportunities, mentorship, and support to help you succeed.

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Transforming the Undergraduate Experience

Research is more than an academic activity—it is a pathway to innovation, discovery, and personal growth.

OURS is committed to creating an inclusive culture where students from every discipline have equitable access to mentored research, creative scholarship, and experiential learning opportunities. Through faculty mentorship, structured programming, funding opportunities, and professional development, students gain the knowledge, confidence, and credentials needed to compete in an increasingly complex global workforce.

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Our Mission

The Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarship transforms the undergraduate experience by fostering intellectual curiosity, innovation, and scholarly excellence.

Through exceptional mentorship, dynamic programming, and equitable access to research opportunities, OURS empowers students to:

• Conduct meaningful research and creative scholarship
• Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Present and publish scholarly work
• Compete for prestigious scholarships and fellowships
• Prepare for graduate school and professional careers
• Become leaders capable of addressing society's most pressing challenges

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Research Opportunities

OURS coordinates comprehensive undergraduate research experiences that support students from their first exposure to research through scholarly dissemination and professional development.

Undergraduate Research Apprentice Program (URAP)

Entry-level research apprenticeships that connect students with faculty mentors and provide hands-on experience in active research and creative scholarship.

Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Programming

Students receive individualized guidance throughout the application process, including identifying opportunities, preparing competitive applications, developing personal statements, and connecting with faculty mentors.

Summer Undergraduate Research Institute (SURI)

Immersive, stipend-supported summer research experiences conducted on campus and through external research placements.

IGNITE

A campus-wide annual symposium for students to highlight their work and experiences in research, civic engagement, applied learning, and creative works.

Faculty Mentoring Program

Professional development and mentor credentialing that equips faculty to provide exceptional undergraduate research experiences and meaningful student mentorship.

Undergraduate Research Micro-credential

A formal credential recognizing students who complete research training, engage in mentored scholarship, and disseminate their work through presentations, publications, or other scholarly activities.

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Scholarships

OURS serves as the central resource for students pursuing nationally recognized scholarships and fellowships.

Scholarships Include:

• Northwell Scholars
• Dream.US Scholars
• Sillcox Scholars
• NSF SSTEM Scholarship

By centralizing scholarships, OURS expands access to these prestigious opportunities for students across all academic disciplines.

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Why Undergraduate Research?

Research transforms learning into experience.

Students who participate in undergraduate research often:

• Build stronger critical thinking and analytical skills
• Develop meaningful faculty mentorships
• Gain hands-on experience solving real-world problems
• Present at conferences and publish scholarly work
• Become stronger applicants for graduate school and employment
• Graduate with confidence, leadership skills, and professional experience