Attention Chapman University Undergraduate Students! Have you written a research paper or completed a project this year? Did you utilize library resources to assist you with your research journey? If so, apply to the 2025 Kevin and Tam Ross Undergraduate Research Prize, which recognizes excellent research and effective use of library resources.

Here is everything you need to know before applying:

  • Any undergraduate student at Chapman University who has completed a research paper or project can apply.
    • Researchers from all subject areas are welcome to apply, from chemistry to film and beyond.
  • Applicants need to submit an application form and a 600-800 word essay detailing how they utilized the library for their research.
    • Our judges will evaluate the essay to see how well you find and critically analyze sources using the library’s resources. Whether you communicated directly with our librarians at the reference desk or used the Start Your Search function on the Leatherby Libraries’ home page, we want to hear about your research experience!
  • Your project can be a solo or group endeavor.
  • Cash prizes are provided for the first, second, and third-place winners!
    • In addition to a cash prize, winners will receive recognition on the Leatherby Libraries’ blog and social media, a certificate, and your winning application will be showcased on the Chapman University Digital Commons. Winners will also be invited to publish their final project on the Chapman University Digital Commons, and a small celebration to honor our prize recipients.

What are you waiting for? Apply here today!

Applications close on Monday, March 31, 2025, at midnight.

For more information about eligibility and application guidelines, check out the Undergraduate Research Prize Home Page or contact the Chair of Research and Instructional Services, Taylor Greene, at tgreene@chapman.edu.

Pictures: (from left to right) Katherine Roth (Copyright Librarian), Dr. Jeremy Hsu (Assistant Professor of Biology), Margaret Puentes (Coordinator of Collection Development), Erin Simmons (honorable mention winner), Heather Ulwick (second-place winner), Gabriella Dauber (first-winner), Dr. Kevin Ross (Dean of the Leatherby Libraries), and Taylor Greene (Chair of Research and Instructional Services).