Who is eligible to apply?
All registered Hopkins undergraduates in the Krieger School of Arts & Sciences, the Peabody Institute, and the Whiting School of Engineering (freshmen, sophomores, and juniors) in good academic standing (i.e. not on academic probation, suspension, or leave for any reason) are eligible. Seniors graduating prior to the summer project period are NOT eligible.
HOUR especially encourages applications from students from underserved backgrounds (e.g. first-generation students, low-income backgrounds), students who are underrepresented in their field of study, and/or those who may not have previously had the opportunity to participate in an independent research experience.
What kind of projects are accepted?
Research, scholarly, creative, and artistic activities that lead to:
- The creation of new knowledge;
- Increased problem-solving capabilities, including design and analysis;
- Original, critical, or historical theory and interpretation; or
- The production of new art or artistic performance.
What is an ‘independent’ research, scholarly, or creative project?
- Independent projects (in any field) can be a unique project conceived of by the student with a university mentor providing guidance and support. HOUR is happy to help students connect with a mentor if they have been unable to identify one.
- Independent projects can also take place in a larger group or lab, where the undergraduate is assigned an identified portion of the project. The undergraduate is given ‘ownership’ of that portion as it contributes to the larger project.
Does my project have to be related to my major or minor?
Your undergraduate years are the time to explore your interests. We are happy to fund passion projects in addition to projects related to your major or minor.
What is required to apply?
Can I apply to and or receive HOUR opportunities more than once?
Yes, you are encouraged to continue to apply to our programs throughout your undergraduate career at Hopkins. Projects evolve, interests change, and HOUR wants to encourage your exploration. In the case of “tied” review scores in an individual program cycle, preference will be given to students that have not previously received funding through HOUR programs.
Is there a formal presentation due at the end of the project?
Yes, all HOUR program recipients are expected to present their project at Fall DREAMS immediately after their summer award. Exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis after the recipient contacts the HOUR office about a conflict.
If I choose to accept a different program I applied to (whether internal or external to JHU) taking place during the same time frame as this program, can I defer this award to a future period (academic year or summer)?
No, we are not able to allow anyone selected for a specific cohort to defer to a future period. With limited funding available, this would not be fair to the applicants in those future cycles. All students are encouraged to apply to a future cycle of PURA or Summer PURA should you choose not to accept the award for any reason. Your new application would then go through the review cycle with all other applicants as a new submission with no preference given. You are welcome to resubmit your awarded proposal with any updates or changes you feel appropriate.