The Moms Project

Undergraduate Research Scholarship

The Undergraduate Research Scholarship was established to support and mentor undergraduate students interested in conducting research. This scholarship is awarded once per year, usually in the Spring semester, for the following academic year. Students are eligible to apply for the Undergraduate Research Scholarships if they are (1) an undergraduate student pursuing a major or minor in CBCS; (2) conducting supervised research projects that can be completed in 1-3 semesters; and (3) collaborating with a CBCS faculty member and/or doctoral student who will serve as a research mentor for the undergraduate student. Scholarships of up to $1,000 are awarded to successful applicants.

Three CBCS faculty who shared a passion for mentoring undergraduate students in research, also shared the experience of caring for their mothers. As the years passed, these faculty affectionately began to refer to their mothers as The Moms. They often took The Moms to dinner, to USF basketball games, and to social events together. Each of these mothers had dreams and aspirations that were delayed or unfulfilled because of the Great Depression and World War II. The Moms Project honors these three strong women by establishing undergraduate research scholarships in areas of special interest to each mother.

Undergraduate Research Scholarship (URS) sponsored by The Moms Project gives priority to applications that address one of the three areas of particular interest to the mothers of the donors. These areas are not intended to focus your research project in one of the three priority areas but may be broadly applied. The URS provides funding to a student who is conducting research as an undergraduate and who is pursuing a major in the College of Behavioral & Community Sciences.

Alice Armstrong was interested in research that would help families who had a loved one with a substance use disorder. This priority allows for a broad range of research that will help caregivers cope with the issues presented by a person with a substance use disorder, will provide family members with information on how to access and utilize services, or holds the promise of improving the outcomes of individuals affected with substance use disorders.

Ruth Boothroyd wanted to become a nutritionist. Priority for this scholarship will be given to students involved in research related to nutrition and well-being and can include topics such as the impact of diet and exercise on specific diseases or disorders, the impact of diet and exercise on mental health, the interaction of nutrition and medication, treatment for eating disorders, and a variety of other topics related to wellness and nutrition.

Ellen Nizzi was blessed with a strong mind and good health that allowed her to stay active throughout her nineties. Priority in this area will be given to students involved in research related to positive aging and will consider the entire lifespan from birth through older adult. Topics can include research involving resilience, prevention, positive approaches to dealing with the stresses and challenges of life, ways to enhance one's performance in work or school, ways to maintain independence, and ways to sustain positive, meaningful relationships, among other research areas that affect the quality of life.

Listen to WUSF's University Beat interview on the Moms Project

Apply to the Undergraduate Research Scholarship here.

For additional information, contact Lisa Landis (Llandis@usf.edu).

Honor Your Mother

We invite you to honor your mother by making a contribution in her name. Your contribution will provide support to an undergraduate student who is conducting research. You may participate in The Moms Project by selecting any of the options here.

Please contact Precious Goodson at goodsonp@usf.edu to discuss the possibilities.