Ahead of your final year: Guidelines on Financing Your Senior Thesis Research
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By Andrea Reino, Social Sciences Correspondent
For many juniors at Princeton University, the prospect of the senior thesis can be daunting, with uncertainties about planning and funding looming large. However, there are resources available to help navigate these challenges.
Timing is Key
One essential aspect of securing funding for senior thesis research is timing. The Institutional Review Board (IRB) often takes months to fully process a request, so it's recommended to start the application process early.
Funding Opportunities
The Office of Undergraduate Research does not explicitly offer a specific funding programme for senior thesis research at Princeton. However, there are other funding opportunities available from various departments or programs, such as the Woodrow Wilson School. The Dale '53 Fellowship, for instance, funds year-long independent projects for seniors in the year after graduation.
In addition, there are fellowships and grants like the Dale '53 Fellowship that support senior research. The average timeline for receiving funding for these programmes is not explicitly detailed, but they typically have application deadlines well in advance of the funding period, with decisions communicated weeks to months later.
Applying for Funding
The process of applying for research funding can be long and complex. It's crucial to begin working on applications for funding as soon as possible. Each funding opportunity has its own set of restrictions that should be read beforehand.
IRB Approval
Some research projects that involve human subjects require IRB approval. To confirm whether a proposed project will require IRB approval, students can email [email protected].
Finding a Thesis Adviser
Finding a suitable thesis adviser is another crucial aspect of preparing for the senior thesis. Relying on past experiences can be helpful in this regard.
In Summary
Princeton's senior thesis research funding, such as via the Dale Fellowship, likely requires application well before or during the senior year, with funding received either during or after graduation. Exact timeframes are not publicly specified, so it's advisable to contact Princeton’s Office of the Dean for Research or specific departments for precise timelines.
[References] 1. Princeton University, no date, Princeton’s Office of the Dean for Research, [Online], Available: https://www.princeton.edu/research/ [Accessed: 2022-03-01] 2. Princeton University, no date, Woodrow Wilson School, [Online], Available: https://wws.princeton.edu/ [Accessed: 2022-03-01] 3. Princeton University, no date, Dale '53 Fellowship, [Online], Available: https://www.princeton.edu/acadprog/piirs/undergraduate/dalefellowship/ [Accessed: 2022-03-01]
- Undergraduate research opportunities, such as the senior thesis, not only contribute to education-and-self-development but also foster personal-growth by providing students with the chance to conduct independent projects in their chosen fields.
- The prospect of funding for senior thesis research can be alleviated through timely application processes to programs like the Dale '53 Fellowship, with application deadlines typically set far in advance of the funding period.
- Engaging in undergraduate research through the senior thesis offers a unique learning experience, providing students with valuable skills and knowledge that extend beyond the classroom and contribute to their overall education and personal development.
