Timeline

The MURF program spans four years, with a structured approach to developing research skills and transitioning to independent projects. See how our Fellows progress from their first year to becoming independent researchers in their senior year.”
Program Structure:

Year 1: Recruitment and Introduction

Fall semester: Students are nominated by Proseminar faculty and invited to apply.
Spring semester: Nominated students submit applications. A faculty selection committee reviews applications, selects three students, and pairs them with faculty research mentors. The new cohort is hired and provided orientation by Mortara Center staff. Students meet with their faculty mentor to outline a strategy for collaboration and begin assisting with research tasks, developing a foundation of solid research skills. Faculty and students identify which skills workshops will be useful in the future.

Year 2: Research Skills Development

Students deepen their relationship with their faculty mentor and develop more advanced and topic-specific research skills through continued practical research experience and skills workshops as needed.

Year 3: Semi-Independent Research

Fall semester: Students begin developing individual research questions for future independent research during their senior year while continuing to work closely with their faculty mentor on other research tasks.
Spring semester: Students perform research tasks as assigned and begin independent research projects. Faculty and students will work together to balance the workload between both projects.

Year 4: Independent Research

Fall semester: Students will exclusively work on independent research.
Spring semester: Students should present their research at the annual symposium (and other venues as appropriate), complete a written product, and publish their research in appropriate undergraduate journals if they choose.