Diamond Research Scholars

The application for the 2024 program is now OPEN. The deadline for student submissions is Monday, February 5th. Please carefully read through the entire accordion below before starting an application.

Program Description

The Diamond Research Scholars Program provides Temple undergraduates the opportunity to engage in a focused, mentored research or creative arts project during the summer and fall. The program requires that students participate in the all-day Undergraduate Research Institute, devote ten weeks during the summer to develop a research project in their area of interest under the direction of their faculty mentor and supported by a $4000 stipend, and complete the project during the fall semester while registered for an independent study/research course.

Additionally, students are expected to present their project at various events both formal and informal throughout the year. Revised versions of the completed work shall be submitted for the spring semester Symposium for Undergraduate Research and Creativity (formerly TURF-CreWS). Students should strive to publish their research papers and/or present their creative works in a public forum.

Eligibility

Current full-time undergraduates from all Temple schools and colleges
Minimum 3.25 cumulative GPA
Rising Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors
Full-time undergraduate enrollment at Temple during the fall of the academic year following the summer research experience--preference will be given to applicants also enrolling in the spring
Attendance at the required, in-person, all-day Undergraduate Research Institute on Friday, May 10, 2024
Have identified and reached out to a full-time Temple faculty member who has agreed to serve as their faculty mentor for the entire length of the program *
Ability to devote full-time work on the research/creative project during the 10 week summer program (no additional job, internship or summer coursework is permitted)
Students with a Merit Scholarship Stipend available may apply but must use stipend for the program
Can apply for but not accept additional fellowships/scholarships for the proposed Diamond Research Scholars project

* Applicants must reach out to prospective faculty mentors independently. The program does not match students with mentors. Please see the "Information for Mentors" section of the accordion for faculty mentor guidelines to share with prospective mentors.

Undergraduate Research Institute Activities

General Timeline for Project- Summer/Fall

Focus on project for 10 weeks (roughly mid-May to Aug. 1)
Preliminary Presentation on project in late July or early August
Register for a 1-3 credit independent study/research course during fall semester
Fall update meeting
Final papers/projects are due to mentors by December. Revised, polished versions are to be submitted to the Symposium for Undergraduate Research and Creativity.
Gather in December with mentors for a celebratory reception

Stipend

Information for Mentors (mentor responsibilities, letter of recommendation guidelines)

How to Apply

Students should review the tips for preparing a strong application here and then access the application using the link below. Applicants will typically be notified of their status by mid-March.

*We recommend that students start a draft application well before the deadline to view the prompts and ensure there are no access issues. Drafts can be saved and edited at a later date until submission.

*Faculty mentors will be notified by email after a student submits their application, prompting them to submit a letter of recommendation. Recommendations must be submitted through the TUportal in order to be considered.

Diamond Research Scholars application

Application Components:

Project Proposal (~500 words)
- Please provide a clear statement of your research question, thesis, or central argument; a specific plan for how you will approach your question or thesis or argument, including a description of the methods you will use and what you will do during the first week of your project to launch your research; the expected project outcome and deliverable; and a statement of the project's significance.
Past Experience and Qualifications
- Please list, in order of importance, up to 5 courses, internships, research or creative projects, or work experiences that have provided useful background for your project.
Personal Statement (~500 words)
- Please describe your academic and professional interests and aspirations. Your statement should discuss your reasons for wanting to undertake the proposed project and how the project will contribute to your overall academic or intellectual development. If you have been engaged in an activity or research or creative project that has been important in clarifying or strengthening your interest in your field of study, please detail that activity or project
Mentor Letter of Recommendation (~500 words)
- See "Information for Mentors" tab of accordion

If you have questions, please email: DiamondResearchScholars@temple.edu

Program Contact:

Anisha Bhat
Assistant Director for Undergraduate Enrichment
Undergraduate Studies

Emily Moerer
Associate Vice Provost
Undergraduate Studies

Undergraduate Studies

Program Description

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Go back to Research And Creativity More in Diamond Research Scholars