Clare Boothe Luce Research Scholars

The Clare Boothe Luce Program Undergraduate Research Awards aim to support women undergraduates seeking to study or teach science, mathematics, and/or engineering via the research pathway to graduate studies.

Eight (8) women undergraduates will be selected each year as Clare Boothe Luce Research Scholars. Scholars will be part of the Illinois Scholars Undergraduate Research (ISUR) program and will work closely with faculty sponsor/mentor and graduate student mentor on research projects.

Click on the photos below to learn more about the scholars!

2020-2021 Clare Boothe Luce Research Scholars
2022-2023 Clare Boothe Luce Research Scholars

2021-2022 Clare Boothe Luce Research Scholars
2023-2024 Clare Boothe Luce Research Scholars

Benefits

  • $5000 award for fall and spring semesters (at least 10 hours/week doing research)
  • $7000 award for 10 weeks in summer (35 hours/week doing research)
  • Participation in ISUR programmatic activities (e.g., fall undergraduate research course, monthly research seminars, poster expo)
  • Up to $350 support to travel to present research in conferences

Eligibility

  • Must be a woman undergraduate student at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
  • U.S. citizen or permanent resident
  • Rising sophomore, junior, or senior
  • University of Illinois GPA of 3.0 or higher with good academic standing
  • Seriously considering a research career and pursuing graduate studies in science/math/engineering field*
  • Majoring in
    • Science – physics or chemistry
    • Mathematics
    • Engineering – aerospace, agricultural, biological, bioengineering, chemical, civil, environmental, electrical, engineering mechanics, computer, industrial, materials science, mechanical, nuclear, systems, engineering physics, computer science

*Students planning to attend medical school (including MD/PhD, MD/MS) upon graduation are not eligible for the Clare Boothe Luce support.

Application Requirements

  • Completion of Online Application Form
  • Resume
  • Two-Page Project Proposal
    • Background of study
    • Goals/Objectives
    • Methods
    • Project Timeline
  • Personal Statement (two pages maximum, double spaced)
    • Interest in research
    • Interest and intent to pursue graduate degrees in science/math/engineering
  • Two (2) Letters of Recommendation (Recommender may be a professional or academic contact)
    • Recommender should provide perspective of applicant’s potential to succeed in a research career and in science/math/engineering fields
    • Letters should address the applicant’s interest in research, interest in science/math/engineering careers, potential to become an independent researcher, attitude towards learning, and work ethic
    • Important Note: We prefer that recommendation letters be submitted online here.
      In case there are issues with the online form, recommendation letters may also be emailed to isurprogram@illinois.edu

The Clare Boothe Luce Research Scholars Program is ending in spring 2024. We not accepting applications for 2024-2025.

For inquiries, please email isurprogram@illinois.edu.


Highlights

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2022

2021

2020

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