Developing a Project

Depending on your department, a project plan will contain more details than just your research proposal. A well-developed plan will help you identify any problems with the project early on (e.g. inaccessible materials, barriers to travel, need for more time or funding sources). This will allow you to adjust your plan to make sure your project is feasible and can be completed by the end of the target semester.

The details of every project will vary, both within and between disciplines, but the more sources you review, the more people you talk to, and the more logistical information you gather at the outset, the better your chances for a positive outcome and experience. Overall, you need to explain the what, why, how and how much for any funding application.

Common project elements include:

• A concise summary of your research or creative project. This includes research questions, a project description, relevant background information, previous research in the area, methods you will use (depends on the field), and resources to pursue this work. Common resource needs include: data sets, art supplies, travel expenses, science supplies. Some of these items–like books, journals, newspapers, equipment, and software– are available through college resources; others may require that you apply for funding to obtain.
• Time allotment for any external review process that must take place before you begin your work. Examples include consultation with the Institutional Review Board for research with human subjects or approval from Global Ops for a proposed international research trip.
• A feasible implementation timeline. Your project should be of a scale and scope that is reasonable for you to complete in the proposed timeframe. If completion isn’t required, you should be able to make good progress on it in the time proposed.
• A detailed budget itemizing costs, including relevant travel dates. If you are applying for undergraduate research funding, make sure you understand what expenses can be supported and what amounts you need before submitting an application.