Research

Today's undergraduate experience entails much more than just coursework. Students are involved in cultural and leadership organizations, service learning and volunteerism, internships, and study abroad. And for our most ambitious students, the opportunity to conduct research is a highly sought-after experience. Undergraduates benefit from the University of Minnesota's status as one of the world's great research universities, giving students the chance to work closely with a faculty mentor. Through research, students challenge themselves, learn more about their strengths and interests, and explore possible career paths.

The Hedley Donovan Scholarship

In the Department of History, we are fortunate to offer students the Hedley Donovan Scholarship to support exceptional research. Established nearly 20 years ago, the Donovan Scholarship is one of our most generous and prestigious awards for undergraduates. The scholarship is named after Hedley Donovan, a native of Brainerd, Minnesota, and 1934 alumnus. A magna cum laude graduate and Rhodes scholar, Donovan had a distinguished career as a journalist and presidential advisor. After beginning his career as a Washington Post reporter, he rose to become editor of Fortune magazine and editor-in-chief at Time, Inc.

Historically, the History Department awards between one and four Donovan Scholarships. Donovan Scholars are among our most accomplished history students. Scholars craft a detailed plan of study for their individual research projects. They worked closely with faculty sponsors to shape their research topics and questions, which are broad and diverse, reflecting the unique interests of each student.

 

For example, the Donovan Scholarship allowed Andrew Larkin to travel to Cameroon and Paris over the summer to conduct research on French public investment in Cameroon both before and after Cameroon's independence. Andrew Larkin was later awarded a prestigious Fulbright where he continued to study the role of private industry in the evolution of French development aid to Africa.

Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP)

We also encourage undergraduate students to apply for the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP). This program, sponsored by the Office of Undergraduate Research, supports research projects dedicated to fulfilling the U of M’s commitment to research and expanding the store of human knowledge and expression. Students who successfully apply will receive a $1400 stipend to support their research and will also have an opportunity to present their research at various university symposia.

Students who earn a UROP will be mentored by one of nearly 3000 diverse faculty members and will meet other students who share a passion for discovery about the human condition. The UROP can be used to help you achieve practical goals like your senior capstone project or put you on a path to a career. If you desire to pursue a program with UROP, please consult Rich Kott in the Undergraduate Advising Office or visit the Office of Undergraduate Research for more information.