Undergraduate Research Center

Undergraduate Research & Creative Activity Awards

In recognition of the importance of undergraduate research and creative activity, the Undergraduate Research Center at Middle Tennessee State University has established several awards to celebrate the successes of our students and faculty in undergraduate research. Sponsored jointly by the Vice Provost for Research, the Undergraduate Research Center, and the Student Organization for the Advancement of Research, these awards recognize outstanding achievement in research and creative activity, faculty mentorship, and service in the undergraduate research community.

Award Catagories

Make a Nomination

Outstanding Undergraduate Mentor of the Year

This award recognizes a Middle Tennessee State University faculty member who demonstrates exceptional dedication to engaging undergraduates in research or creative activity. The recipient exemplifies excellence in content knowledge, impact, patience, positivity, constructive feedback, ethical standards, integrity, and lifelong learning.

Eligibility:

Current MTSU faculty or retired within the past year.
Open to all faculty ranks; previous winners are eligible after three years.

Evaluation Criteria:

Evidence of consistent research and scholarly activity involving MTSU undergraduate students in research or creative inquiry.
Substantial influence on the academic and professional pursuits of students that may include support for publications, creative performances and products, and presentations at national or international conferences or performance venues.
Innovative approaches to mentoring undergraduates, including the involvement of graduate students and post-doctoral scholars in undergraduate student mentorship.
Evidence of distinction in the following areas: content knowledge, patience and positivity, the ability to provide constructive feedback, ethical standards and integrity, and a commitment to continuous learning.

Nominations:

Nominators must provide a 200-word or less statement on why they nominate this person. Be sure to highlight qualities identified in the evaluation criteria.

Nominations must be submitted online through InfoReady no later than midnight on March 14th, 2026. Late or incomplete nominee packets will be evaluated at the discretion of the awards committee.

Selection Process:

The Undergraduate Research Advisory Council, URECA Committee, and Student Undergraduate Research Council review submissions.

Recognition:

The awardee will be honored at the Undergraduate Research Week banquet, featured in the URC newsletter, and celebrated for their contributions to undergraduate research.

Make a Nomination

Undergraduate Researcher Awards

Excellence in Undergraduate Research

This award recognizes a student who has demonstrated success and excellence in research. The recipient of this award will be a junior or senior student adjudicated to have best-demonstrated excellence in undergraduate research through independent inquiry, coursework, professional experiences, and/or community engagement during his/her undergraduate career at Middle Tennessee State University.

Excellence in Undergraduate Creative Activity

This award recognizes a student who has demonstrated success and excellence in creative activity. The recipient of this award will be a junior or senior student adjudicated to have best-demonstrated excellence in undergraduate research through independent inquiry, coursework, professional experiences, and/or community engagement during his/her undergraduate career at Middle Tennessee State University.

Rising Scholar Award

This award recognizes exceptional self-motivation, innovation, achievements, and commitment to service among first-year researchers. The recipient will be a freshman, sophomore, or transfer student who has best-demonstrated excellence in research initiative, drive, and meaningful contributions to the academic community through thoughtful engagement with peers, faculty, and service activities during their initial year at Middle Tennessee State University.

Undergraduate Researcher Awards Eligibility:

The student must be currently enrolled at MTSU to accept the nomination.
The student must have received a URECA award.
The research or creative activity must be conducted by the student.
The student must be nominated by a faculty member.

Undergraduate Researcher Awards Evaluation Criteria:

Evidence of consistent research and scholarly activity involving MTSU undergraduate students in research or creative inquiry.
Evidence of excellence in undergraduate research through independent inquiry, coursework, professional experiences, and/or through community engagement during his/her undergraduate career at Middle Tennessee State University.
Substantial academic and professional pursuits may include publications, creative performances and products, and presentations at national or international conferences or performance venues.
Demonstrates consistent and meaningful participation in activities, events, and initiatives. Actively contributes to discussions, projects, and teamwork.
Faculty can nominate a deserving student for an Undergraduate Researcher Award. Students cannot self-nominate.
Multiple nominations per student are allowed.

SOAR Awards

SOARing Above Award

This award recognizes a SOAR Ambassador or Officer for exemplary service to the Student Organization for the Advancement of Research.

SOAR Service Award

This award recognizes a SOAR Member who has demonstrated exemplary service to SOAR and the MTSU research community by volunteering at events, promoting research on campus, and mentoring other students. The nominee cannot hold an office or ambassador position in SOAR.

SOAR Awards Eligibility:

The student must be currently enrolled to accept the nomination.
The student must be a member of SOAR.
Faculty and/or students may nominate a deserving student for a SOAR award. Students cannot self-nominate.

SOAR Awards Evaluation Criteria:

SOAR awards recognize individuals who consistently go above and beyond in their contributions. This award celebrates those who demonstrate an unwavering eagerness to help, consistently show up, and remain engaged in all aspects of their work. With a positive attitude and a spirit of collaboration, recipients of this award bring joy to the research environment, fostering an atmosphere of enthusiasm and support. Their dedication and energy inspire those around them and elevate the collective experience.
Demonstrates consistent and meaningful participation in activities, events, and initiatives. Actively contributes to discussions, projects, and teamwork.