Summer Scholars FAQs

The plan is for research projects to be available for in-person experience, though we will expect all appropriate safety/social distancing requirements recommended to be followed. There may be opportunities for online projects to be completed virtually, but this will depend on whether any mentors submit proposals for online projects.

Yes. Nebraska students can come here and Ames students can go there, provided you are prepared to find a place to live in the corresponding location.

The program runs 13 weeks and we allow one week off. Scheduling is usually between you and your faculty mentor but the program starts about one week after the end of classes in May. If you are going to be gone for three weeks or a month, that isn't compatible with this program. Additionally, all participants must attend Orientation in May and CVM Research Day in August.

Yes

Iowa State University considers this a full-time job. You need to discuss this with your mentor and probably one of the program coordinators. It might work for some projects and not for others.

Students receive a stipend in excess of $5,967 for the 13 week program. The stipend is paid in four checks: the end of May for the first two weeks, the end of June and the end of July for those full months; and the first week of August for the last two weeks of the program.

Yes and no. It depends on the source of funds that supported you and/or will support you. The "program" funds are only for one summer. However, if a mentor has his/her own funds, you can be in the program twice.

No. The program is designed to give students an opportunity to explore whether a career in a research field might be something that interests them.

Yes. We ask that you be open to the possibility. Some students become interested in research after this experience. Many do not. Some graduate, go into practice for a few years and then decide to get involved in research areas. Some are not interested in their own project but get excited about other possibilities Consider it an opportunity to explore options. If you have any questions, do no hesitate to contact one of the program coordinators.