^{Emerita/Emeritus Society} _{Retired Faculty Serving the Future}

Excellence in Undergraduate Research Awards

2026 CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

The WSU Emerita/Emeritus Society is pleased to announce the 2026 Excellence in Undergraduate Research Awards!

Undergraduate students who submit an abstract for SURCA (Showcase for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities) are eligible to apply for an Emerita/Emeritus Society Undergraduate Research Award. This year, the WSU Emerita/Emeritus Society will grant five awards of $1,000 for undergraduate achievement, one each in the following areas:

arts, humanities, and creative activities
physical sciences and mathematics
biosciences
social, economic, and behavioral sciences
engineering and applied science.

The awards will recognize significant individual contributions to research and outstanding creative and scholarly achievements by WSU undergraduate students. For group-based projects, only the team member who has contributed most significantly to the research project should apply. Applicants can complete the application below.

Eligibility

Applicants must be currently enrolled as undergraduates. They must submit an application and abstract for the 2026 Showcase for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (SURCA Application).

Funding Details

The award is a one-time recognition of completed research and scholarly achievement. Funds will be allocated from the Emerita/Emeritus Society to the student’s university account.

Payment Process

The student does not receive a direct payment from the Emerita/Emeritus Society. The award will be posted to the student’s account and applied to spring 2026 charges. Any residual funds will be reimbursed to the student by Student Financial Services (SFS) in accordance with university policy.

Purpose

This award honors significant individual contributions to research and celebrates outstanding creative and scholarly achievements by WSU undergraduate students.

Application Process

Applicants must first submit an application and abstract to present at the 2026 SURCA (https://surca.wsu.edu/participants/apply/) . The deadline for participants’ online applications is Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
After completing your application on the SURCA page, please fill out the following form to be considered for the Emerita/Emeritus Society award. Award Submission Deadline: Sunday, March 30, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.

Apply Using the Following Form

Emerita/Emeritus Society Undergraduate Research Award Application

Applications are due by Sunday, March 30, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Please direct questions to Haylee Hansen (Senior Principal Assistant) at haylee.hansen@wsu.edu.

Applicants are required to submit their application to SURCA at surca.wsu.edu before completing this application (due February 17).(Required)

By marking this box, I certify that I have submitted my application to SURCA.

Full Name(Required)

WSU ID(Required)

WSU Email Address(Required)

Research Mentor's Email Address(Required)

Name of Research Mentor(Required)

Project Area (Select One)(Required)

Arts, Humanities and Creative Activities

Physical Sciences and Mathematics

Biosciences

Engineering and Applied Sciences

Social, Economic, & Behavioral Sciences

Title of Research Project(Required)

Type in or cut/paste the text of an abstract of your work (be succinct)(Required)

Supplemental Essay (not to exceed two pages)(Required)

Max. file size: 146 MB.

In this essay, describe the following: - The need for study and the problem being investigated. - The objectives and/or goals for the study. -Procedures and methods of achieving the project’s objectives or goals. Specify the extent and importance of the applicant’s role when group research is involved (Emerita/Emeritus awards are intended for individual investigators only). -The results, significance, and applications of the study -State clearly your contributions to this work

Additional Materials (not required)

Max. file size: 146 MB.

Quick Links

SURCA

Donate to the Emerita/Emeritus Society Scholarship Fund!

Thank you for your generosity toward the WSU Emerita/Emeritus Society. You can make your donations here.

For assistance making your donations, you can contact the WSU Foundation’s Gift Accounting Office at 509-335-1686 or by email at wsuf.gift.accounting@wsu.edu.