URM Application 2014-2015
Undergraduate Research Mentoring
Northern Arizona University
The Undergraduate Research Mentoring (URM) program is a twelve-month program for
sophomores and juniors in the life sciences. This program is funded by a grant from the
National Science Foundation (NSF). Applications are due April 21, 2014.
 URM scholars are provided $15,000 in scholarships and wages plus training in life
sciences, advising, and mentoring.
 URM research experiences vary with individual student interests. Over twenty faculty
mentors have participated in the program and new mentors are added each year. See
the URM website for more details (http://home.nau.edu/envsci/umeb.asp).
The primary goals of the URM Program are:
1) Stimulate talented undergraduates from underrepresented groups* to pursue academic
careers in life sciences fields.
2) Provide the mentoring, training, guidance, financial support, and encouragement
necessary for students to successfully complete an independent research project and pursue
graduate training in the life sciences.
Student selection criteria:
Applicants will be evaluated based on academic merit, quality of letters of recommendation,
quality of essays, and match with the program goals. While all sophomore- and junior-level
applicants will be considered, students from underrepresented groups* are especially
encouraged to apply. Applications are due April 21, 2014.
Applicants must be U.S. citizens in accordance with NSF requirements.
*Underrepresented groups in the life sciences include: African American, Hispanic American, American
Indian/Alaska Native, and Pacific Islander.
URM Application 2014-2015
Contact Information:
Name (Last, First, Middle initial)_________________________________________________
Permanent Address____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Campus Address______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Home Phone Number____________________Campus Phone Number___________________
Cell Phone Number______________________NAU Email address___________________________
Education History:
Anticipated graduation date________________
Cumulative NAU G.P.A.___________________
Declared Major__________________________
Education History (most recent first)
Institution
Location
Degree earned
Cumulative G.P.A
Do you plan to attend graduate school in the life sciences? Yes____No____
List current and past extracurricular activities (most recent first, include dates).
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
List current and past research experiences (most recent first, include dates).
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
URM Application 2014-2015
Employment History:
List your current and past employers (most recent first, include dates and brief description of job duties).
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Supporting Materials:
In what ways do you feel you are part of an under-represented group? _________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Please list any other relevant experience or qualifications. ____________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Attach a two page (max.) typed essay. New applicants: your essay should describe both research questions in life
sciences that most interest you, and your ambitions for your future in the life sciences. Current URM scholars: your essay
should ALSO describe your progress in your research and why you want to continue in the program.
Letters of Recommendation**: Letters should come from work or academic sources that can comment on your abilities
and potential. If you are a current URM scholar, one of your letters must be from your faculty mentor (or both mentors if you
are co-mentored).
1. Name____________________Postion___________________Phone #__________________
Email address___________________Address_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
2. Name____________________Postion___________________Phone #__________________
Email address___________________Address_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
By signing, you verify all information within this application to be accurate.
Signature ____________________________________ Date ______________
Print Name___________________________________
Checklist:
All college transcripts included

Two letters of recommendation included

Application is complete and signed

Essay is attached

URM Application 2014-2015
**Instructions for recommenders:
Please address the following in your letter of recommendation:
1. How long have you known the applicant and in what capacity?
2. Evaluate the applicant’s potential to conduct independent research while maintaining his/her other
academic responsibilities.
3. How well does the applicant work and interact with others?
Sign your letter and seal it in an envelope with your signature across the back. Give the letter to the applicant
to include in their application packet.