Brandeis University
Undergraduate Research Program
Summer 2007

Brandeis Faculty Research Advisor's Recommendation (required of all applicants)

_________________________________________________(Name of Student) is applying for project funding through the Undergraduate Research Program (URP). As the student's faculty research advisor, you are ideally positioned to comment on the candidate and his/her project. A limited number of awards are available. Selections will be made based on excellence and originality in conception and/or execution of the project. For students doing research in grant-supported programs, it is important that the requested support cover only those expenses which cannot be covered by grant funds.

In choosing award winners, the Selection Committee will give most weight to the candidate's essay and your recommendation. When presented with equally excellent essays and recommendations, the committee will review the candidates' grades to determine winners.

Please respond to the following questions, in letter format and on university letterhead. Please put your name and the applicant's name in the upper right-hand corner of each page. Your recommendation should be returned to the applicant in a signed and sealed envelope, marked CONFIDENTIAL and addressed to:

Sheilah Coleman, Director of Fellowships, 130 Usdan, MS 001.

Please reference the student's name and "URP" on the outside of the envelope. The student will submit your recommendation as part of the application package, the deadline for which is Thursday, April 5, 2007.

  1. Please evaluate the proposed project and assess the student's ability to carry it out. Comment on the student's independence in initiating the project.
  2. In your opinion, are the student's expenses realistic?
  3. If you have funds for research, to what extent will your funds be devoted specifically to this student's project? Have you already provided the student with funding?
  4. How does this student compare to other undergraduates whom you have supervised on research projects or theses?
  5. Does the project have the potential of contributing towards your ongoing research program?

Thank you.

Undergrad Research Main Page
Life Sciences Website | Brandeis University