Wharton Summer Program for Undergraduate Research (SPUR)
Program Description
Summer 2009
What is the Wharton Summer Program for Undergraduate Research?
Wharton SPUR is a unique program that will provide a select group of up to 10 highly motivated students an opportunity to design and perform in-depth research over a 10-week period in the summer under the guidance of some of Wharton’s preeminent faculty members. Additionally, it will form a community of scholars in which students can hear research presentations by faculty members and doctoral students, learn about resources for research, and learn vicariously about other areas of inquiry through the sharing of research experiences.
Wharton SPUR will run from May 26 through July 31, 2009. Participants will live in University summer housing (paid for by the program), meet bi-weekly with their faculty advisors (or as mutually convenient, consistent with making appropriate progress on their projects), meet weekly with other SPUR scholars to hear research presentations and present their own progress, and submit a final research paper (approved by the faculty advisor and due in early September). In addition to receiving summer housing, students will receive a stipend of $3,000. During the period of residence in Wharton SPUR, participants agree to work no more than 20 hours per week nor take more than 1 course per Summer Session.
How do students apply?
All Wharton undergraduates in good standing who have at least a 3.4/4.0 cumulative GPA are eligible. The program is particularly aimed at freshmen and sophomores for whom exposure to research and exploration of business topics would be a formative experience early in their academic careers. Application materials (Application & Instructions, Advisor Approval Form, and Expectations Statement) are due by 12:00 noon, Friday, March 6, 2009.
As long as the proposed project falls within program guidelines, there is no preference for the focus of the research or the kind of research project. They may be theoretical or applied projects and may utilize quantitative or qualitative research methods. Applicants must have a faculty member signed on to provide advice on their project. Priority will be given to those working with a Wharton faculty member. Information is available to assist students in identifying a faculty advisor with expertise in the area of the students’ interests:
- Wharton Faculty bio pages, here listed by Department:
http://www.wharton.upenn.edu/faculty/acad_depts/
- Wharton faculty members listed with abbreviated descriptions of their research interests
(Wharton Research by Department and Wharton Research Alphabetically)
A successful proposal should generally include a compelling, well-designed research project, including methodology for the 10-week program, strong academic achievement by the applicant, and an outstanding essay regarding program participation.
Decisions regarding acceptance into the program will be announced in early April 2009 via email.
Where can I get more information?
For more information about the program, first review the SPUR FAQs sheet. If you have additional questions, you may contact Dr. Martin A. Asher, Director of Research and Scholars Programs, (asherm@wharton.upenn.edu, 215-898-0285) Bethany
Robblee Schell, Administrative Coordinator,
(bschell@wharton.upenn.edu, 215-898-7612), both in the Wharton Undergraduate Division, JMHH
G95.
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