The Double Hoo Research Program has been substantially restructured for the 2024-2025 application cycle. Please make sure to read the below information carefully.
Students should read the Policies for Grants to understand the expectations for applicants and awardees before applying.
Overview
The Double Hoo Research Program matches first-, second-, and third-year undergraduate students with a graduate student mentor’s project during the summer. The goal is to provide undergraduate students with enriching research experiences as well as to provide graduate students with the opportunity to develop and implement effective mentoring while driving their own research forward.
Funding
Graduate student mentors receive $1,000 in support of their mentorship.
Matched undergraduate students receive up to $5,000 in support of their living expenses (rent, utilities, food, etc.) for up to 10 weeks of work on the project during the summer. The Double Hoo does not fund other expenses such as travel, supplies, etc.
Graduate Student Information
Project proposals for the 24-25 cycle are due by 11:59pm on December 3, 2024. Access the proposal portal HERE.
Graduate students interested in proposing a project are strongly encouraged to attend an information session during the fall. Sessions will include guidance on effective mentoring and expectations for the mentoring statement to be included in the proposal submission.
- Wednesday, October 9, 4-5pm, Clark Hall, Brown Library 133
- Thursday, October 24, 4-5pm, Hotel A Conference Room
- Friday, November 8, 1-2pm, Minor Hall, room 125
Eligible MFA or doctoral students must be currently enrolled, full-time, with the intention to continue to be enrolled full-time throughout the entire academic year following the summer research period and to support the undergraduate student to present at the Undergraduate Research Symposium the following spring. The Double Hoo will only support domestic research that takes place over the summer. Project proposal components include project information, 2-page resume or C.V., a mentoring statement, and a faculty mentor support form, which must also be submitted by the project proposal deadline – plan ahead!
Even if a project is selected and posted in solicitation of undergraduate student applications, there is no guarantee that an undergraduate student will be matched with the project. Graduate students will review application materials, interview students (optional), and submit ratings and rankings to the Office of Citizen Scholar Development. NB: Graduate students will not ultimately select the undergraduate student. They will be matched.
Graduate students who are matched with undergraduate researchers are invited to participate in monthly cohort meetups with other grad student mentors in the Double Hoo program. Graduate student mentors should also plan to meet regularly (at least every other day) with their undergraduate researcher throughout the summer research period.
Undergraduate Student Information
Positions posted and application accessible by January 8, 2025.
First-, second-, and third-year undergraduate students who are currently enrolled full-time at UVA during the 2024-2025 academic year, and plan to be enrolled full-time during the 2025-2026 academic year, may apply to be matched with a graduate student on their project. Ideal applicants have good time management skills, an ability to work independently as well as with supervision, and some background in and understanding of their area of interest. To participate students will:
- Review the project descriptions beginning January 8 and identify up to 3 projects of interest. Undergraduate students should not contact the graduate student project leads directly.
- Create or update resume (see Helpful Materials below) and obtain unofficial transcript.
- Prepare a statement of interest addressing what strengths and experiences they will bring to this project, what knowledge they already have that will help the project, and what they are hoping to learn.
- It is recommended that students check the “Desired skills/knowledge/experience” section of the project for specific information requested by the graduate student project lead.
- Note: if applying for multiple projects, students must separate qualifications statements into separate files. Students will be prompted to upload a new Individual Qualification Statement for each individual project to which they are applying.
2024-2025 Timeline
- Early fall – Solicit projects and information sessions (see above) for graduate students:
- December 3 – Deadline for graduate students to propose a project
- December 10 – Project selection notifications sent to graduate students
- January 8 – Projects posted to website; undergraduate student application opens
- March 18 – Undergraduate student application deadline
- March 24 – April 6 – Graduate students review applications (and might interview applicants)
- April 10 – Matching offers sent to undergraduate students
- April 22 & 23 – Orientation & networking events for graduate and undergraduate student matched pairs
- April 30 – IRB/IACUC documentation (if applicable) and mentor-mentee contract deadline
- Summer – Work begins on projects; monthly grad student mentor meet-ups
- October 1 – Outcomes and reflections form deadline
- April 2026 – Undergraduate students present at the Undergraduate Research Symposium
Summer 2025 Positions
Projects will be posted here by January 8, 2025.
Helpful Materials
- Brief overview of the resume writing process that includes examples of different kinds of resumes (including resumes for students who don’t yet have work experience):
- Advice and tips on interviewing effectively
- Visit the University Career Services for more helpful resources!
Questions?
Email citizenscholars@virginia.edu.