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College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Astronomy

Oegerle Scholarship

William Oegerle Scholarship in Physics and Astronomy

The William Oegerle Scholarship Program provides support for undergraduate students who show exceptional promise in conducting research in physics, astrophysics and/or astronomy. The student will carry out a research project under the guidance of a faculty member in the Department of Physics or Astronomy. Research projects can involve experimental work, theoretical calculations, computer simulation and modeling/analysis of observational data, or any combination thereof.

Program details:

The William Oegerle Scholarship in Physics and Astronomy is a 1-year scholarship, with a total stipend of $5,000. Two awards will be made each year. The funds are to be used to pay for, but not limited to, tuition, books, computers or other hardware for research purposes, and travel to professional meetings to present results of the research project. A summary of research results must be submitted to the faculty mentor by the end of the academic year.

Eligibility:

    1. The declared major of the applicant must be in physics, astrophysics or astronomy.
    2. Applications must be submitted by the deadline in your freshman, sophomore or junior year, for awards starting in the following academic year.
    3. The applicant must have an overall GPA of 3.0, and a graduation date no sooner than 8 months after beginning the scholarship.

Application Process:

Applicants must submit:

    1. Application Form – Oegerle Scholarship Form
    2. A research proposal (maximum length 2 pages).
    3. A short resume describing previous accomplishments, research experience, independent study efforts, and awards.
    4. A letter of support from your faculty mentor.

All materials should be turned in to the Undergraduate Coordinator of the Faculty Mentor’s Department (Physics or Astronomy) by Febuary 2, 2024.

Responsibilities:

Recipients of the scholarship are expected to submit a research paper for possible publication in the Journal of Undergraduate Research by the end of the spring term, and are also encouraged to submit their work for publication in a recognized professional journal.

Scholars are required to present their research results at the annual UF Undergraduate Research Symposium or similar venue. For example, a presentation at a regional or national professional meeting, with approval of your faculty mentor, can fulfill this requirement.