The First-Year Summer Research Project gives students an opportunity to pursue independent research under the supervision of a Dartmouth faculty member in the summer following their first year of study. The Project's purpose is to introduce students to the pleasure of creative scholarship and the satisfaction of individual collaboration with a Dartmouth professor. A student may research a topic related to an intended major, or pursue an interest in an entirely unrelated field of study.
Liana Chase '11 conducts interviews about residents' health in Chongkar.
a village in lower Mustang, Nepal. Photo by Tshewang Norbu Lama
Read the following article from Dartmouth Life on Liana's First-Year Summer Research experience:
http://www.dartmouth.edu/~dartlife/archives/18-6/independent.html
In the winter term we will be hosting an information session for students interested in the project. We also encourage interested students to schedule an appointment with your dean by calling 646-2681. Whether you have a defined idea or your plans are still in the formative stage, we can assist in identifying a faculty sponsor and advise you on your proposal. Eventually your proposal will consist of a project summary, budget and two letters of recommendation.
All first-year Dartmouth students who will have completed three terms of study by the start of the summer following matriculation may apply. Selection is competitive and is based on the strength of the proposal, the feasibility of the research, the support of the faculty and the quality of the student's academic work during the first year.
Past projects have ranged across the sciences, the social sciences and the humanities. The key is that they focus on independent work that produces knowledge - research. The grants are not intended to fund travel or community service projects although both may be components of the research project itself. Students are encouraged to think imaginatively about possible projects and to discuss them with relevant faculty members. Proposed projects must be brought to satisfactory conclusion during a single summer term.
The First-Year Summer Research Project will award selected students a stipend of $500 to $1,500 to cover the costs of conducting research.
