Program and Award Information

For Fall 2025 and Spring 2026, EXPLORE students will be assigned to one of the three program levels described below. Program levels are determined on student research plans submitted at the beginning of each semester and, when necessary, in consultation with the student's faculty advisor. 

Program Level Descriptions and Incentives

Exploring: Attending research group meetings, building knowledge in a field of interest, learning research methods, and/or shadowing other researchers. At this program level, students are eligible to earn research credits (EEPS 481).

Expanding: Conducting data collection or analysis in support of others' research or beginning a guided independent research project. At this program level students are eligible for awards up to $375 per semester (prorated for shorter terms of commitment). These awards are distributed upon completion of the research term and contingent upon receipt of a summary of the research products and a brief letter or email of support from the research advisor.

Experienced: Deeply engaged in guided independent research and potentially working toward substantial research products such as an Honors Thesis, peer-reviewed publication, or professional conference presentation. At this program level, students are eligible for an hourly stipend ($15/hour) of up to $1500 per academic year (prorated for shorter terms). A brief letter or email from the research advisor confirming the research plan at the Experienced level is required.

Additional Program Incentives

Travel awards: All levels of EXPLORE are eligible for up to $500 per year for travel to a conference at which the student will present. Requests must be supported with an official presentation acceptance letter. For additional information about awards contact Tim Diedesch (tdiedesch@rice.edu)

Research funds: Nominal funds are also available through EXPLORE to cover research materials and usage fees. Requests for research funds should be submitted with an itemized budget and justification, along with a brief letter of support from the faculty advisor.

Supplementing EXPLORE Awards

Both travel and research funding may be supplemented by funding through the Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry (https://ouri.rice.edu/minigrants). Applications for the OURI mini-grants have a rolling deadline and are reviewed on the last Thursday of every month.