President's Undergraduate Fellowship (PUF)

The President's Undergraduate Fellowship Program (PUF) encourages UC Davis undergraduates to carry out an independent research or creative project under the guidance of a UC Davis faculty member. Funding is made available to meet direct costs associated with projects up to a maximum of $2000. Students from all disciplines are encouraged to apply.

Past projects have involved laboratory research, field studies, survey research, film production, design and creation of art elements, music composition, fine arts performances, travel to library or research collections, and many other endeavors. Group projects are not appropriate; separate, but linked, projects may be. The maximum award is $2000.

Due to the serious budget cuts on campus, the Undergraduate Research Center is unable to fund the President’s Undergraduate Fellowship for the November 2009 call. Please check back in January to find out the status of the President’s Undergraduate Fellowship for the remainder of the 2009-10 year.

Eligibility

Applicants can be either full or part time registered UC Davis undergraduates, the time their research is conducted. If the project is to be done over the summer, the recipient must be on continuing student status during that summer, and must be an enrolled undergraduate at least the following Fall quarter.

Application Process

Annually, there are two opportunities to apply for a PUF grant. Applications are reviewed by the PUF Advisory Committee, an interdisciplinary committee of faculty, chaired by the PUF Program Coordinator. In evaluating proposals the committee considers the following:

  • the educational opportunity that the project will provide for the applicant
  • the applicant's academic preparation that is relevant to the project
  • the feasibility of the project
  • the faculty sponsor's letter of support
  • the overall clarity and quality of the proposal

Applicants will be notified of the Committee's decision by the end of the quarter in which they have applied.

See suggestions for making your application a successful one, and examples of PUF projects and comments from past recipients.  You may also view previously awarded proposals at the Undergraduate Research Center. Any questions concerning the President's Undergraduate Fellowship Program or this application may be directed to Tammy Hoyer, Undergraduate Research Center, (530) 752-3390.