Distinguished Undergraduate Researcher Program

Purpose

The LSU Distinguished Undergraduate Researcher designation recognizes the achievements of outstanding LSU undergraduates who participate in a track of educational and research activities leading to a final and public presentation or publication of a faculty-mentored undergraduate scholarly project. An LSU Distinguished Undergraduate Researcher is a student who has demonstrated outstanding ability as an advanced student researcher in their discipline. Distinguished Researchers will be honored at a special medal ceremony in their graduating semester and the designation will be noted on their transcripts.

Summer 2023 Awardees

Eligibility for Enrollment

LSU Discover accepts enrollment applications to the program throughout the year.  Students must meet the following to be eligible for enrollment:

• Must either currently have, or previously had, a faculty research mentor
• Enroll in the program before their graduating semester
• Completed at least 12 college credits
• Attended an orientation session
• Have at least a 2.5 GPA
• Be in good standing with the university to be accepted into the program.

The Distinguished Undergraduate Researcher Program is open to all majors.

Orientation

Interested students are welcome to attend an orientation session with no commitment to enroll. All orientation sessions will be held in person in Hatcher Hall room 344.

This orientation is for students already actively involved in undergraduate research. If you do not yet have a research faculty mentor, please stop during our office hours, which are held on Wednesdays from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. in Hatcher 331 and on Thursdays from 2:30-4:30 in Hatcher 330 for a consultation.  

Fall 2023 orientations

• September 1, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
• September 19, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
• October 4, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
• October 16, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
• November 9, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
• November 28, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
• December 1, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.

Spring 2024 orientations

• January 24, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
• February 6, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
• March 1, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
• March 22, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
• April 3, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
• May 2, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.

Enrollment

Fill out the enrollment form for the Distinguished Undergraduate Research Program

Students may enroll after they have attended an orientation session.

Process

• Attend an orientation session
• Submit the enrollment form above
• An LSU Discover staff member will review your enrollment form and then add you to the Distinguished Researcher Moodle
• Submit materials for each activity through the Moodle portal before the due dates
• Submit final portfolio in graduating semester
• LSU Discover will review all documentation and portfolio
• The Distinguished Undergraduate Research distinction is awarded in your graduating semester only. Medal ceremony will occur 1-3 days before graduation.

Requirements to earn the distinction:

Students must complete all activities listed in the following categories and meet all standards (GPA, etc) in order to earn the Distinguished Undergraduate Researcher medal and transcript notation.

Past Award Winners

Please email any questions or concerns to lsudiscover@lsu.edu