Bucks for Brains Summer Research Program Guidelines

The Bucks for Brains Summer Research Program is designed to provide undergraduate students with opportunities to work one-on-one with leading faculty on research projects that are funded by the state’s Research Challenge Trust fund (RTF), commonly known as “Bucks for Brains.” The goal of the program is to increase diversity of the student population in UK laboratories, thus strengthening the student research pipeline at UK.

The program requires a minimum of 6 hours per day for a period of 8 weeks, depending on individual faculty requirements. Generally, students should expect to work at the discretion of their faculty mentor, not to exceed 40 hours per week or 10 weeks. Students may take one summer school class concurrent with this experience, but those who elect to take academic courses must accept responsibility for paying all tuition and fees. Students will receive a $3,500 scholarship for the summer, and participating RCTF faculty will receive $1,000 for supplies and research needs.

Each scholarship application will receive a comprehensive individualized assessment by an independent selection committee. The committee will periodically evaluate progress toward achievement of the educational benefits of diversity.

The RCTF Summer Undergraduate program considers multiple selection characteristics that contribute to the University of Kentucky’s compelling interest in diversity.

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be an undergraduate student, preferably at the University of Kentucky
• Must have at least a 2.5 Cumulative GPA
• First-time participant preferred, but returning students/faculty partnerships encouraged
• Must be highly motivated, an independent thinker, responsible, and enthusiastic

Student Requirements

• Must “interview” with faculty mentor
• Attend 2-3 seminars during the summer
• Write an abstract on the summer research and a brief report describing research experience

Faculty Requirements

• Participating faculty must be associated with either the RCTF Enhanced Programs or the RCTF Endowed Match Program.
• Must “interview” student candidate(s)
• Must complete Summer Research Plan with selected student(s)

Sponsored by the offices of the President and the Vice President for Research in collaboration with the Office of Multicultural Affairs