Senior Thesis Research Funding

As you are developing your Senior Thesis Research Proposal, you will need to request funding from various sources around campus.  Only EEB majors will be able to apply for Senior Thesis Research funding.

Senior Thesis Awards

The EEB department is generally able to fund up to  $2,500 per student, so research projects can be planned accordingly.  Students seeking additional funding (the majority of students do) should apply for funding from other sources as mentioned in 'Senior Thesis Funding Sources'.

Senior Thesis Funding Sources

Possible sources of funding include EEB, Princeton EnvironmentaI Institute (PEI), Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR), School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA), Global Health (GHP), Grand Challenges, Program in Latin American Studies (PLAS), as well as other campus programs depending on the type of research project. Though this proposal may be similar in content to the Spring JP, it has to be formatted and organized to meet the requirements of the University funding agencies. These funding sources can be found in SAFE.

Timing

If planning to study in the field during spring semester, each student must meet with their faculty advisor and plan their research project during January’s reading period.  Students who are away during February and March find it difficult to fine tune a project via email. Pay attention to deadlines! The SAFE portal will likely open in March.

Where to Apply 

Students must work with their advisor to plan thesis project and budget. The Senior Thesis Research Forms  are designed to prepare students to write a well thought out proposal for funding. Forms are due to the department for review prior to students submitting applications in SAFE.

Students must use the Student Activities Funding Engine (SAFE) portal to apply https://puwebp.princeton.edu/safe

Creating the Budget

The Senior Thesis Research budget is composed of two components

1) Living and travel expenses (dependent on thesis type) -- If staying locally, the student will have to create a budget for the duration of their local residence. If the summer is expected to include travel (domestic or international), this should be included in the research budget. 

2) Research-related activities -- Any costs for data collection, lab services (e.g. immunoassays, sequencing), supplies (e.g. field equipment), or other possible expenses need to be included and justified for review by Princeton.  

When drafting the project budget, it is important to include every expense involved, even if those items will not be covered by university money.  It is also very important that the student and faculty adviser understand the true project cost. In addition, the faculty adviser needs to see that the student has developed a comprehensive budget, which assures the adviser that the student understands what is needed.

Compliance Review and Approvals

As the project is being developed, it is helpful to work with the applicable office within the Office of Research Integrity and Assurance (RIA) to ensure compliance with animal and human subjects research regulations. During the application time period, students must have their Senior Thesis Research proposal and budget complete in order to upload them to SAFE to request funding.

The student submits the research protocol application(s) and seeks the approval from RIA.  Travel approval will also come through the SAFE portal and approved research protocols if any must be uploaded to SAFE.  It is critical that the student submit materials to RIA in a timely fashion.  

Awards will not be released without approvals uploaded to SAFE and travel registered in Enroll MyTrip.