Undergraduate Research

"Freedom to Flourish" is not only Knox's motto, it's the principle idea on which we were founded. At Knox we firmly believe that college should be a place where you discover yourself -- where your talents are nourished and your aspirations become clear. A place that prepares you to turn your dreams into reality, whether that be graduate school, medical school, law school, or a career in teaching or business.

One of the ways that our students prepare for their futures in graduate and professional schools is by taking advantage of the many undergraduate research opportunities that Knox has to offer. For more than thirty years, independent student research and creative projects, undergraduate research, have been a groundwork of a liberal education at Knox. These opportunites include fellowship, research and honors programs, as well as study-abroad programs.

Ford Foundation Research Fellowship Program
As a junior at Knox, you have the opportunity to apply or to be nominated by faculty for a Ford Fellowship. This program is for students interested in pursuing careers in teaching and research. If selected, you participate in a one-week seminar on campus during December break, focusing on graduate education and on the rewards and realities of scholarly careers. During the winter and summer of your junior year, you will work with certain faculty mentors to design and carry out a research project in an area of interest. You also receive sizable stipends to support you during your summer research projects. In addition, you have the opportunity to observe and assist your chosen mentor in the preparation and teaching of an introductory course.

Honors Program
To graduate with College Honors, you must complete a program of advanced independent study, producing a major piece of research or creative work, what we call "honors projects". The Knox Honors Program has been recognized by graduate, law and medical schools around the country as offering outstanding preparation for careers in research and the professions.

Honors may be undertaken as early as your junior year, though it is normally done in the senior year. Each candidate completes three to five credits of advanced study, under the supervison and guidance of a faculty advisor and committee chosen by the student. At the end of the project, the student submits a thesis or creative portfolio, and takes a final examination. This oral examination is given by the student's advisory committee, assisted by a scholar from another college or research university who has special knowledge of the student's field.

Howard Hughes Medical Institute Summer Research Program
In this program, you, as either a Hughes Summer Scholars, or Hughes Medical Apprentice, are invlolved in a 10-week summer research fellowship program funded by a grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. As a Hughes Summer Scholar, you conduct research on campus with a Knox MNS faculty member. You are provided with a $3,200 stipend with additional funding for housing, meals, and research supplies. As Hughes Medical Apprentices, you conduct research at one of the five nearby research universities. A $3,400 stipend is provided with an additional meal and housing allowance. Both programs also provide opportunites for you to participate in professional meetings.

Richter Memorial Scholarships Program
In your sophomore, junior, or senior year you have the option of applying for a Richter scholarship. This scholarship is for students who are engaged in independent study or research under the supervision of a faculty member. These funds help you cover the costs of any expenses you come across while doing your independent work such as materials, publications, and travel. Awards range from $100 to $1,000 for one-term projects and may exceed $1,000 for work done for College Honors.

Ronald McNair Program
In this program, funds are provided by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The McNair program encourages students from under-represented groups to prepare for academic careers. As a McNair Fellow, you participate in special career-focused seminars, receive special counseling, and are supported for summer research experiences.

Independent Study
Independent study provides you with opportunites to study materials that cannot be pursued in regular courses. Once you have decided your proposed plan of study, you discuss it thoroughly with your faculty supervisor. If he/she agrees, then you begin to work out a final application.

Kemper Scholars Program
In the Kemper Scholars Program, operated by the James. S. Kemper Foundation of Chicago, you are encouraged to gain experience, contacts, and training, potentially leading to careers in administration or business. One student from the first year class is selected annually. If selected, you receieve an annual scholarship of between $3,000 and $8,000 during each of your sophomore, junior, and senior years, a $6,000 stipend for work in a major nonprofit organization in Chicago during the summer following your sophomore year, and are eligible for a project grant ranging from $2,000 to $6,000 for a summer experiential learning project during your junior year.