2024 LURA and USRA Research at Lassonde

The Lassonde School of Engineering offers a paid summer program for undergraduate students to conduct research with a professor. The program is made possible through two awards:

• Lassonde Undergraduate Research Award (LURA)
• Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) USRA programs.

The LURA program is funded by Lassonde + supervisor.
The USRA program is funded by NSERC + Lassonde + supervisor.
2024 Guidelines for Students – Summer UG Research Programs

VALUE
$10,000

DURATION
4 Months

Wednesday, January 10, 2024: Competition Will Open – Students will be able to view all available positions with supervisors and start the application process

Tuesday, January 16, 2024, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm: Live Information Session | Location: BRG 125 | Slides

Tuesday, January 30, 2024, 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Zoom Drop-in Summer UG Research Programs | Meeting Link | Meeting ID: 975 2629 7378 | Password: 236877

Wednesday, February 7, 2024, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm Zoom Information Session | Meeting Link | Meeting ID: 996 0563 4950 | Password: 935846

Tuesday, February 13, 2024, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm: Zoom Drop-in Summer UG Research Programs | Meeting Link | Meeting ID: 936 4346 3976 | Password: 177066

Tuesday, February 13, 2024: Complete the Supervisor Endorsement Forms

Thursday, February 15, 2024: Application Deadline

April 1, 2024: Awards Announced

Tuesday, April 30, 2024: Hybrid Orientation Session:
Copy of last year’s slides are available Here and the Zoom Recording Here.

First Week of May 2024: Summer Undergraduate Research Program Starts

June 2024: How to Write an Abstract Workshop
Copy of last year’s slides are available here and the Zoom recording is here

July 2024: Abstract Submission Deadline

July 2024: How to Give a Presentation Workshop

August 2024: Presentation Submission Deadline

Thursday, August 15, 2024: Lassonde Undergraduate Summer Research Conference 2024

APPLICATION PROCESS

• Students contact the professor of their interest to be matched.
• Once the professor has chosen a student(s) who fit the particular project, a complete application is submitted online via Fluid Review (see Application Components below).
• Each student can submit only ONE application to the Lassonde School of Engineering

REQUIRED APPLICATION COMPONENTS

• Contact Details
• Resume (2 pg. maximum)

Research Interest Statement (1 pg.)
Provide examples of both your research interests and any previous experience with research projects either course-based or in a lab. You can include reasons for wanting to participate in a research project, as well as your future aspirations and career plans.

Supervisor Endorsement Form
Your potential supervisor must provide you with the completed and signed Supervisor Endorsement form for you to upload. Click here to access the form.

Transcript
– York University Students – Upload an unofficial transcript (https://registrar.yorku.ca/index.php/transcripts) OR upload a grade report AND course and grade list
– Non-York University Students – Official transcripts are required – consult your registrar’s office for details on how to obtain them.

The award is open to all undergraduate levels and does not depend on the financial needs of the student.

LURA

• LURA is open to ALL full-time undergraduate students who meet the requirements for the project (as determined by the supervisor).
• Students in the Lassonde School of Engineering, other faculties at York University, or other schools across Canada can apply.
• International Students can apply. International students (not enrolled at York) may need to pay registration fees of $600.

USRA

• USRA is open to full-time undergraduate students who meet the requirements for the project, (as determined by the supervisor).
• Applicants must have completed all the course requirements of at least the first year of university study for their degree.
• Applicants must hold the status of either Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident of Canada.
• The applicant needs to be registered as a full-time student.
• Additional requirements are listed on the NSERC USRA website.
• Aboriginal students are encouraged to apply: NSERC USRAs awarded to Aboriginal students do not count towards the university’s quota.

Lassonde School of Engineering supports an inclusive research environment in support to strengthen the research community through equity, diversity, and inclusion. We encourage and aim to increase the participation of women in the program and strive to reach a balanced representation in the trainees’ population.

Applications will be adjudicated by a selection committee, using the following criteria:

• 60% GPA (cumulative)
• 30% Research Potential (based on the statement of research interest and previous research experience)
• 10% Communication (based on clarity and presentation of the complete application)

In addition to the evaluation criteria above, the eligibility of each application will be dependent upon a satisfactory training plan submitted by the professor on the Supervisor Endorsement Form.

Q: I am currently in my first year, am I likely to win an award at all?
A: Both first-year and upper-year students apply for this program, so it could be a bit more competitive for a first-year. But we still encourage first-year students to apply, even if just to get the experience so that they will hit the ground running with their application the following year. Also, some first-year students do win awards.

Q: Can I apply for LURA or USRA as a fourth-year? If I am going to graduate this winter term, can I apply for this award?
A: Yes

Q: Can you still apply for USRA/LURA if you are graduating in April?
A: YES

Q: Is the NSERC USRA prioritized for upper-year students?
A: The USRA is more competitive and upper-year students may have more experience, but NO it is not prioritized.

Q: The research that I am interested in is USRA and I am an international student. Can I apply?
A: You need to apply with a professor who is willing to host LURA students.

Q: If I do not win a LURA or USRA, are there other opportunities that I can access to gain research experience?
A: You can look into the Research at York (RAY) Program run by the Career Centre https://sfs.yorku.ca/work-study-programs/how-to-apply-for-ray-positions

Q: Are there other ways to find a professor?
A: Yes, reach out to any Lassonde professor, whose work you find interesting. You can also talk to TAs in your favourite classes for guidance.

Q: So, do I have to talk to the professor about this?
A: Yes, The professor who posted a project as USRA may not be willing to host LURA students (they cost more), but you can always contact the professor and ask. Make sure to include your resume and unofficial transcripts in that e-mail.

Q: If we are endorsed for a research position by a prof, do we automatically get an award?
A: No, once you are endorsed by a professor you then submit an application which will be adjudicated via a competitive process. If you are successful in that competition, you will win an award.

Q: I am still waiting on one of my final marks to be posted. Should I wait until the mark is posted before I request the transcript to avoid an NGR on my transcript?
A: You will need to submit your application by the deadline. Students can upload unofficial transcripts.

Q: Are first-year students allowed to apply for the LURA? I have only attended one term.
A: Yes, first-year students may apply.

Q: Is the B average requirement only for USRA or also for LURA?
A: Only for USRA

Q: Is there a registration fee?
A: No

Q: Am I allowed to apply to research with more than one professor?
A: You may discuss projects with more than one professor, but only submit one application. If more than one professor is willing to endorse you, you will need to choose one of them.

Q: Will we receive a copy of the slides after the info session?
A: Slides from 2024 here, from 2023 here, and from 2022 here.

Q: When we need to contact a “supervisor”, does that mean the specific professor that is listed under the position we are interested in?
A: Yes

Q: Are professors allowed to endorse more than the number of positions available?
A: Yes, as long as they are willing to host all students who get an award.

Q: Do I need to submit the Research Interest Statement to the professor we want to work with?
A: It is a good idea to send the RI to the professor before applying.

Q: Will the research affect the fall semester?
A: No, the research will be done before the fall semester starts.

Q: Can I take Summer courses while participating in the research program?
A: Yes, you may take up to 2 courses (6 credits) in the summer WITH the permission of your host supervisor.

Q: Is the Research Interest Statement structured more like a cover letter?
A: Yes, explain how your interests and experiences and skills align with the project.

Q: Can I hold a RAY position at the same time as a LURA or USRA position?
A: Students are NOT eligible to hold a RAY position in the same term in which they are holding an NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (or equivalent undergraduate research position). Find out more here.

Q: I’m planning on applying to the summer research program with a professor from the Faculty of Health/ Faculty of Science, do I go through Lassonde’s submission process?
A: No, the Lassonde LURA/USRA competition is only to do summer research with a Lassonde School of Engineering professor. Other faculties will have their process and timelines. Please reach out to program organizers at the respective Faculties.
 
Q: I don’t see a project posted by the faculty member I would like to work with. what should I do. 
A: Faculty members are not required to have their projects posted on the site and may prefer direct communication with the students. students are encouraged to reach out to professors directly if they do not see a project on the site by their professor.

Q: I already have a full time Co-op position, can I also hold a LURA/USRA position?
A: No, students who already have a full time position (co-op/other employment) are not eligible for a LURA/USRA position as it is not recommended to persue two full time positions. A work/life balance for student health is recommended. 

Faculty of Science
Stuart Macgregor: smac1@yorku.ca
Joanne Sequeira: adminres@yorku.ca
Faculty of Health (contact Department directly)
Kinesiology and Health Science (KAHS): ugkhs@yorku.ca 
Global Health (GLBH): sgh@yorku.ca 
Psychology (PSYC): psyc@yorku.ca 
School of Health Policy and Management (SHPM): shpm@yorku.ca 
Nursing (NURS): nursing@yorku.ca

Holding the award

• The award will be held for 16 mandatory weeks, from May to August 2024. During this time undergraduate students will work full-time with a Lassonde researcher to complete a pre-defined research project.
• Students may not enrol in more than 2 summer courses with permission from host professor.
• Award recipients are required to participate in the Lassonde Undergraduate Student Research Conference.

Before applying

• Before applying for the awards, the applicant is required to identify a supervisor (Lassonde professor), who is willing to support the applicant.

One combined application

• A combined competition is held for both USRA and LURA; students submit one application and are considered for both awards if they meet the eligibility (see below).
• Top applicants will be awarded USRA, and other strong applicants will be awarded LURA.
• This year, there is funding to support over 60 student awards.

Information Sessions

Please attend:

Tuesday, January 16, 2024, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm: Live Information Session | Location: BRG 125

Wednesday, February 7, 2024, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm: Zoom Information Session | Meeting Link | Meeting ID: 996 0563 4950 | Password: 935846

During each session, the program and application process will be presented and students will have opportunities to ask questions. No pre-registration is required.

If you were unable to attend the information sessions or drop-in sessions, a copy of the slides from 2024 here, from 2023 here, from 2022 here and the Zoom recording from February 11, 2022 Info Session here.

Co-op

• Both LURA and USRA positions qualify as Co-op positions. Applicants intending to consider the research award a Co-op term, need to contact the Co-op office ASAP for additional details.

NEW AS OF SUMMER 2023

NSERC USRA Indigenous and Black Student Initiative

NSERC encourages qualified Indigenous and Black students to apply to this program. NSERC announced additional support for Black students including unlimited number of positions. The Indigenous and Black student USRA awards are adjudicated alongside the NSERC USRA awards. All applications from Indigenous and/or Black students whose application otherwise meets all qualifications will be put forward to NSERC for funding.

Contact us at resday@yorku.ca