The purpose of SPUR is to provide undergraduate students with an intensive 10-week research experience under the mentorship of a University of Utah faculty member. The program provides opportunities to gain research experience in a variety of disciplines.
The deadline to apply to SPUR 2021 has passed. Notifications have been sent to all accepted and waitlisted applicants, with the exception of those who applied to one or more HAPPIEST projects. Final notifications will be sent to remaining applicants by mid-April. We are still waiting on guidance from upper administration about what on-site activities will be allowable during the summer semester. Questions about the status of your application? Contact Megan Shannahan at megan.shannahan@utah.edu.
Program Emphases
The program emphasizes a collaborative research experience under the supervision of a University of Utah faculty member. At the time of application, students will indicate to which available projects they are applying. Final student placement will be determined by the Selection Committee. Details regarding expectations and/or requirements of the research are negotiated between the student and the faculty mentor, following program guidelines.
The program also emphasizes a cohort experience via welcome and closing receptions, peer advising, weekly education events, bi-weekly program meetings, and optional on-campus housing. Additionally, students will have opportunities to interact with participants in other summer programs on our campus.
NOTE: While we are hoping for an in-person SPUR experience, given the structure of SPUR (many participants are not U students and/or are not local to Salt Lake City) and depending on U policy for summer 2021 (on-campus research and/or U-related travel restrictions), we are prepared to offer a fully remote SPUR experience should events necessitate the transition. Travel reimbursement and the use of on-campus housing is contingent upon U travel and/or housing policy for spring 2021 and/or summer 2021 semesters.