About the Program

The Dean’s Research Scholars program provides a unique opportunity for students with undergraduate research experience to engage with alumni, donors, and friends of NatSci and MSU. Scholars learn critical science communication skills while serving as ambassadors for the student experience. Scholars also receive a scholarship for their participation in the program. 

Qualifications 

• Scholars must be enrolled full-time (12 or more credits/semester) in a major in the College of Natural Science (Lyman Briggs majors are not eligible). Students may have additional majors in other colleges, but their primary major must be in Natural Science.
• Scholars must have completed at least one semester of research with an MSU faculty mentor (the faculty mentor can be from any college, not just Natural Science) prior to application.  

Expectations 

The Dean’s Research Scholars represent the College of Natural Science at events and speaking engagements across the U.S. 

As representatives of the College of Natural Science and Michigan State University, scholars will be expected to abide by the terms set forth by the Program as well as general university rules and regulations governing student conduct and discipline. 

Scholars are named for a 12-month term from May through the following April. During that time, scholars will be expected to do the following: 

• Serve as a student ambassador to NatSci alumni, donors, and friends during events on an as-needed basis; 
• Attend an orientation meeting on being a Dean’s Research Scholar in August (usually the Monday or Tuesday before classes begin);
• Attend the NatSci Alumni Awards program in April;
• Attend and potentially participate in a panel discussion during Classes Without Quizzes in April;
• Write a student point-of-view during the school year for web publication. 

Application 

The Dean’s Research Scholars Application will be live during part of spring semester. Be sure to check back here for more information. Connecting with NatSci on social media and staying on top of your student email account are other great ways to be aware of when the application is open. 

Application to apply

Selection 

When candidates submit their online application, they will be contacted by a staff member from NatSci Alumni Relations with a Qualtrics request for their availability. Candidates must respond to this survey in order to be considered. This email will also include more specifics on dates for the evaluation process.  

After the application closes, all applicants will be interviewed by a member of the Evaluation Committee comprised of College of Natural Science alumni. 

• Interviews with applicants will be conducted via telephone shortly after the application closes, during dates and times that are mutually-agreeable to the Evaluation Committee member and the candidate. 

• The College of Natural Science will coordinate all interviews via email, so it is imperative that candidates be responsive to email in this process. 

Ten Dean’s Research Scholars will be selected during the interview process. 

Applicants will be notified via email if they have been selected as a Dean’s Research Scholar. Selected students will have a week to accept their appointment. Students not selected as a Dean’s Research Scholar will be notified after the acceptance period has passed.