Using statistics to analyze psychological behavior during questionnaires. Learning puppetry techniques in an intensive weeklong program, then spending a semester on art installation projects. Exploring the influence of exercise during pregnancy on infant motor development.
These projects — and many more — were made possible by WKU’s Faculty-Undergraduate Student Engagement (FUSE) grants, an internal grant program “that’s designed to provide support for undergraduate students to engage in faculty-mentored research,” said Dr. Cheryl Davis, interim dean of The Graduate School and associate provost for the Office of Research and Creative Activity.
The FUSE program began in 2012 and, since then, has awarded grants to students across a number of WKU departments and colleges. This academic year, Davis said, 75 students from 23 departments and five colleges received FUSE grants. The funding supports the research itself, as well as travel to conduct research and/or present research findings at an applicable conference. FUSE’s holistic approach to funding makes the program a significant differentiator for WKU.
“FUSE is extraordinarily unique in that it gives students funds for their project and research and also for travel, all in one place,” said Ryanne Gregory, administrative assistant, Office of Research and Creative Activity. “A lot of universities will offer travel funds separately, or for a summer research project that doesn’t include travel. FUSE packages it all together to supply the students with what they need.”
