MANHATTAN — Thirty-three Kansas State University students are getting funded research experiences thanks to the College of Arts and Sciences’ Undergraduate Research Award program. Award recipients conduct faculty-mentored research projects and receive $1,500 scholarships from the college. Allison Ricker, Ellinwood, a sophomore in fisheries, wildlife, conservation and environmental biology and mentored by Loretta Johnson, professor of biology is a local Summer Award Recipient.

“These paid research experiences help students deepen their expertise, practice the concepts they learn in class, and prepare for careers and graduate school,” said Chris Culbertson, dean of the college. “We are committed to providing our students with research and creative opportunities and financial support to make them more attainable.”

The students’ research areas span the physical, natural, social and behavioral sciences as well as the arts and humanities. They are studying topics including cancer therapeutics, fish spawning influences, music’s impact on athlete performance, how individuals experience solitude, the use of dance to improve movement skills, the impact of nitric oxide on microbial competition and the impact of supportive workplace relationships outside of work.

Undergraduate Research Awards offered multiple times per year, spring application deadline Nov. 1

The awards are competitive and offered three times a year, with applications due May 1 for fall, Nov. 1 for spring and March 1 for summer. All undergraduate students enrolled in any of the college’s 46 majors and secondary majors are eligible to apply