Distinguished Undergraduate Researcher Program

Distinguished Researcher candidates participate in faculty-mentored research activities and provide evidence of research skill proficiency.

Earn 270 hours from any combination of the following activities.  All course work and final course grade must earn a grade of B- or higher.

• Research Intensive course credit: 30 hours per credit hour.
• Research for pay, as a volunteer, or as part of a scholarship: Total of average hours worked per week and number of weeks worked for each semester.

All Distinguished Researchers are required to present as the 1st presenter at the University's annual undergraduate research and creativity conference, LSU Discover Day.

In addition to presenting at LSU Discover Day, Distinguished Researcher candidates are required to present or publish their work at least once to an audience beyond LSU in one of the activities listed below. 

• Presentation at a professional or academic conference.
• Presentation at a non-LSU student conference.
• Presentation of a departmental or Honors Thesis defense.
• Publication in a peer-reviewed academic or professional publication.
• Publication in a non-LSU student research publication.

Distinguished Researchers must attend supplemental workshops and activities in order to broaden their research skills and knowledge.  Students must attend 3 LSU OUR Workshops:

1. CV writing workshop.
2. Abstract Writing workshop.
3. A third LSU OUR workshop of your choice.

All candidates must complete the CITI Responsible Conduct of Research (CITI RCR) online training module and then submit their certificate.

Distinguished Researcher candidates are required to take part in at least 2 Professional Development activities.  Below are the types of events that qualify with a few examples listed after each.

Training or workshops: 

• EHSA Lab Safety
• Attend any of the Graduate Research Fellowship workshop series
• Workshops at conferences
• Take a research-related workshop offered by CxC, LSU Libraries, or another LSU department

Attend research events:

• Attend an on-campus student research event such as the LSU Discover Day events, Geology Rock Stars, Chemical Engineering Poster competition, etc.
• Attend an LSU Science Cafe event.
• Attend a departmental or college research event or guest lecture.
• Attend a Doctoral dissertation defense, Masters thesis defense, or undergraduate honors thesis defense.

In your graduating semester, senior portfolios must be submitted.  These will be sent to the faculty mentor and an LSU OUR faculty advisory board member for review and final approval.

Portfolio elements:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Reflective Essay.
• Research synopsis/abstract.
• Final copy of research paper, poster, or publication.