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The College of Natural Sciences will award three research fellowships (to be completed in Summer and Fall 2025) with preferred research focus in microbiology and/or biochemistry. The fellowships would allow undergraduate students in the College of Natural Sciences to obtain research experience working with a faculty research mentor in the college over 2025 Summer and Fall semesters. Each successful applicant will be supported with $6,000 fellowship and $1,000 for travel to attend a conference relating to their research experience. The funds will be distributed through the faculty research mentor’s unit. 

The Hoch family Undergraduate Research Fellowship was made possible by Dr. James Hoch (’61 B.S. Bacteriology) and Dr. Sallie Hoch in recognition of the outstanding undergraduate academic education Jim and his siblings received at ������Ƶ. Drs. Hoch hope that the fellowships will inspire undergraduate students to seek greater knowledge and explore aspects of research in life sciences. They enjoyed extensive research careers at Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, California.

Application Process

The following materials need to be submitted via email to sdsu.naturalsciences@sdstate.edu with the subject line “Hoch Family Undergraduate Research Fellowship Application”.

1. A one-page statement of the applicant’s educational and professional goals that includes an explanation of how this research experience would help the applicant to achieve these goals (Written by the applicant).
2. A two-page original proposal describing the research project with the following components. The section needs to be written independently by the student, but the mentor can be consulted.
   1. Background, Significance, and Rationale that briefly describes the research problem, its importance to society and/or the scientific field, and justification for the specific question or goal being addressed by the research project (~0.5 page)
   2. Specific aim(s)/Objective(s): List of aims that would be completed to help accomplish the project goal. Include hypothesis if available (~0.25 page)
   3. Approach/Narrative: Describe each aim and activities/experiments and relevant methods to be used for each (~1 page)
   4. Timeline: Timeline for completion of the aims and expected outcomes (~0.25 page)
3. Applicant's unofficial transcript and/or course listing.
4. Applicant's resumé that includes a description of co-curricular activities (not to exceed one page).
5. A letter of support from the mentor that exemplifies the student’s drive/motivation and their commitment to mentor the student to gain the necessary skills (emailed directly to: sdsu.naturalsciences@sdstate.edu) 

Applications are due by 9 a.m. on Tuesday, March 26, 2025; Decisions will be announced by April 7, 2025.

Evaluation Rubrics/Criteria

• One-page statement of goals and mentorship experience (15 points)
  • The statement is well written (syntax, grammar, style).
  • The statement clearly reflects the student’s goals and the value of the mentorship experience to achieving these goals.
• Two-page Proposal (55 points)
  • The proposal is original:
    • while mentor guidance is expected, must be written by the student
    • research is novel and not a repetition of previous work
  • The proposal is well written (easy to read and there is a logical flow of information).
  • The importance of the research topic is clearly presented. The research question is relevant and is well-justified
  • The hypothesis/research question is sound and clearly stated.
  • The research methods/approach are appropriate and described in sufficient details to demonstrate an appropriate level of understanding.
  • The research plan and timeline are feasible and of appropriate scope.
• Students Transcripts and Curricular Activities (15 points)
  • The student’s grade point average and courses taken indicate academic excellence and preparation for success in research.
  • Extracurricular activities indicate engagement, leadership and achievement.
  • Previous experiences indicate initiative, interest and aptitude for research.
• Mentor’s Support Letter (15 points)
  • The mentor’s letter supports the motivation and drive of the student by providing specific examples/sufficient details.
  • List of mentorship activities and how they will help the student accomplish their goals
  • Demonstration of a commitment to scientific training of the student.