EURECA Logo

Enhancing Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (EURECA) became Midwestern State University’s Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) in April 2013.

Midwestern State University defines undergraduate research as follows:

Undergraduate research is an inquiry or investigation conducted by one or more undergraduate students, with faculty guidance, that attempts to make an intellectual, creative, or applied contribution to one or more disciplines.

Mission Statement

To promote and facilitate undergraduate research by providing incentives and a support system for undergraduate students to engage in high-quality research endeavors and creative activities in an interdisciplinary environment.

Objectives:

  • Promote interdisciplinary & cross-disciplinary research/creative activity collaborative partnerships among students and faculty, to enhance your educational experience.
  • Provide access for all students to learn basic research skills.
  • Provide students opportunities for improvement and implementation of visual, oral, and written communication skills through the Student Forum.

Perks:

  • Be part of a unique MSU endeavor
  • Receive a stipend up to $1,000 (included scholarship and funding for materials and supplies)
  • Explore beyond the classroom
  • Present your research/creative activity at regional & national conferences
  • Limited funding available for travel to conferences

Student Requirements and Expectations

Requirements:

  • Incoming freshmen: ACT score of 25, or SAT of 1130 or, top 25% of the high school graduating class
  • Overall GPA of 2.50
  • Major GPA of 2.75
  • Enroll in no more than 15 credit semester hours
  • Enroll in Creative Inquiry: Interdisciplinary Thinking, part of the Learning Community core (MWSU2003/4000)

Expectations:

  • Commit to make an intellectual, creative, or applied contribution to one or more discipline
  • Enroll and successfully complete Creative Inquiry: Interdisciplinary Thinking (MWSU 2003/4000)
  • Attend all planned EURECA workshops, presentations, & forums
  • Attend monthly meetings as scheduled
  • Present results of your project at the Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Forum
  • Write a reflective personal essay on your EURECA experience
  • Participate in all assessment activities

Funding

EURECA  student scholarships and  faculty stipends are awarded to completed proposals receiving qualifying scores. Individual student scholarships funds are awarded accordingly based on time commitment, attending required events, and completing required reports during the semester. 

MSU Texas Faculty Finder for Mentorship in Undergraduate Research

MSU Texas Faculty Finder

One of the requirements in the EURECA application process is to have an MSU Texas faculty mentor. Click here for a faculty listing of current or recent past EURECA/UGROW mentors divided by college. This does not, however, guarantee that they are currently available to be mentors for the EURECA or UGROW programs.  We strongly encourage your to visit with your professors to discuss undergraduate research opportunities. Please contact the UGR office if you need assistance at eureca@msutexas.edu, we are here to help you.

 

Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Forum

EURECA scholars will present their research experience/creative activities in an Undergraduate Research Forum in fall and spring. Presentations can be done in oral,  poster or creative activity format.

The UGRCA Forum is also open to all MSU students and faculty who wish to submit qualifying abstracts for research projects completed as independent studies,  senior design projects, and creative activities. Call for Abstracts are sent out to ALL faculty and students  prior to the UGRCA Forum each semester.

Application Process

Student and faculty apply to the program online. Members of  the Undergraduate Research Advisory and Assessment Committees, as well as a panel of faculty peers evaluate the proposals and make recommendations to the Director of Undergraduate Research. Links to the application and guidelines are on the left side of this page.