Student Research Opportunities & Grants
Research allows you to pursue your interests, to learn something new, to hone your problem-solving skills and to challenge yourself in new ways. Working on a faculty-initiated research project gives you the opportunity to work closely with a mentor–a faculty member or other experienced researcher. With a self-initiated research project, you leave the University of Michigan-Dearborn with an experience that represents the distillation of your interests and studies, and gives you a leading edge in building your academic or professional resume.
Launched in Fall 2023, is our Student Research Opportunities Board - a place where students can search what research opportunities are available to them on campus! These postings are all from UM-Dearborn faculty who are looking for students to support their research.
Student Grants
EXP+ manages independent research grants for both graduate and undergraduate students. A grant is also available for travel-related expenses and/or for presentation materials for students who are presenting papers/presentations based on research conducted at the University of Michigan-Dearborn at regional and national professional meetings or conferences. These grants are available on a first-come, first-served basis for both undergraduate and graduate student researchers for independent research projects designed and conducted by UM-Dearborn students. The proposed project must be part of a course for credit and supervised by a faculty member. More information about each is below.
Applications for Undergraduate Student Independent Research Grants are closed until July 15, 2026
This grant of up to $500 is to provide support for UM-Dearborn undergraduates designing and conducting independent research as part of a course requirement. The proposed project must be part of a course for credit and supervised by a faculty member. Applications are accepted throughout the fiscal year (July 1 - June 30) as long as funds are available. Applicants must be enrolled students pursuing a degree at UM-Dearborn during the entire project period, and the proposed project must satisfy a course requirement. There is a limit of one award per applicant per program per fiscal year (July 1st - June 30th) until funds are exhausted. View this page for complete eligibility and budgetary guidelines and to apply.
Applications for Graduate Student Independent Research Grants are closed until July 15, 2026
This grant of up to $1,500 is to provide support for UM-Dearborn graduate students designing and conducting independent research as part of a course requirement. The proposed project must be part of a course for credit and supervised by a faculty member. Applications are accepted throughout the fiscal year (July 1 - June 30) as long as funds are available. Applicants must be enrolled students pursuing a degree at UM-Dearborn during the entire project period, and the proposed project must satisfy a course requirement. There is a limit of one award per applicant per program per fiscal year (July 1st - June 30th) until funds are exhausted. Graduate Student Independent Research Grant Guidelines provides complete eligibility and budgetary information.
Applications for Student Conference Presentation Grants are closed until July 15, 2026
This grant is available for travel-related expenses (up to $500) and/or for presentation materials (up to $40) for undergraduate and graduate students who are presenting papers/presentations based on research conducted at the University of Michigan-Dearborn at regional and national professional meetings or conferences. Applications will be routed to faculty advisor approval by Experience+. Applications are accepted throughout the fiscal year (July 1 - June 30) as long as funds are available. Applicants must be currently enrolled students pursuing a degree at UM-Dearborn. Students can only receive one grant for travel ($500) and one for presentation materials ($40) per fiscal year (July 1st - June 30th). Student Conference Presentation Grant Guidelines provides further information.
Annual EXP+ Research Grant Celebration
Each year, EXP+ hosts an annual Experience+ Student Research Celebration - recognizing the hard work of our student grant recipients and their faculty mentors. Join us this year, on April 1, 2026 from 5-6pm in the Mardigian Library. Please RSVP by March 25, 2026.
Check out the 2025 Student Research Celebration slideshow to see past projects, photos from conference, and reflections on student research!
Additional Resources
As a partner in EXP+, the Mardigian Library has a wide variety of resources available to help you develop your research skills based on your field of interest.
Individual faculty and colleges across campus provide opportunities for research experience. These include:
- CASL students can explore independent study or research.
- CECS students may visit the Getting Started with Student Research Opportunities page to get connected with a faculty member in their area of interest.
- COB students may apply to participate as a student researcher in iLabs