2025 LURA and USRA Research at Lassonde

1. Graduate Recruitment Initiative  

• The supervisors’ recruitment plan holds weight in the adjudication of the application. See the adjudication section for details.

2. Improvements to the program  

Due to a high volume of applications, the eligibility criteria of future applicants have been expanded along with other improvements to the program.  

• Only undergraduate students enrolled full-time in an undergraduate program that will make them eligible to apply to one of the Lassonde graduate programs will be considered for the LURA award.
• Mid-term Check-ins as well as performance evaluations for supervisors and students will be conducted.
• Poor performance by the students during the summer program will impact future applications of the students.
• Student attendance at the conference is obligatory. Lack of attendance will disqualify students from future competitions. See details on exceptions below.
• Positions available to international students are limited (up to 9).
• Students are not permitted to hold RAY, work-study, or other research positions within York in tandem with the summer research awards.

The LURA and NSERC USRA programs are designed to enhance the undergraduate student experience by providing an opportunity to conduct research within the Lassonde School of Engineering. These two programs are administrated by the Lassonde Research Support Office (RSO) with the assistance of the departments.

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), funded by Lassonde + supervisor.
• Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada Undergraduate Student Research Award (NSERC USRA), funded by NSERC + Lassonde + supervisor.

2025 Guidelines for Students – Summer UG Research Programs

VALUE
$10,000
This award is not dependent on the student’s financial need.

DURATION
4 Months

• Jan 13, 2025: Projects will be posted for students to review and start contacting supervisors
• January 14, 2025: Competition Opens to students
• January 21, 2025: Information Session for Students
(11am – 12 pm, BRG 217)
• January 30, 2025: Drop-In Q/A Session for Students
(2pm – 3 pm via Zoom) *Link updated
• Feb 6, 2025: Information Session for Students
(2pm-3 pm via Zoom)
• February 13, 2025: Drop-In Q/A Session for Students
(11am to 12pm via Zoom)
• February 13, 2025: Students MUST have obtained a signed supervisor endorsement form from the supervisor (to be attached to the
student application)
• February 18 by 9 am: Application Deadline-Last day for students to apply for award(s)
Extensions will not be granted
• March 17-21, 2025: Results of the competition are announced
• March 31, 2025: Students MUST accept or reject offer by date
• April 10, 2025: Drop-In Q/A Session for accepted Students – NSERC USRA Form 202 (I & II) (2-3 pm via Zoom)
• May 1, 2025 – Research programs start first week of May
• May 1, 2025: Orientation
(2pm-3pm in person, location TBC)
• June 2025: How to Write an Abstract Workshop
• July 2025: Abstract Submission Deadline
• July 2025: How to Prepare a Poster Workshop
• August 14, 2025 (Tentative): Lassonde Undergraduate Summer Research Conference

APPLICATION PROCESS FOR STUDENTS
 
Interested students can find potential projects posted here; however, they are free to contact any professor in the Lassonde School of Engineering independently. Although students can contact several professors, they must commit to only one professor and collect endorsement from them only. Applications must be submitted online by February 18, 2025, at 9 a.m. on Fluidreview.
 
Required application components
• Contact Details (online form)
• Self-Identification Survey (optional)
– Students are strongly encouraged to complete the self-identification survey to qualify for the Indigenous and Black Identifying NSERC USRA positions.
-Proof of Indigenous status may be required.
• Resume (as an attachment 2 pg. maximum)
• Research Interest Statement (as 1pg attachment)
• Supervisor Endorsement Form
– Once students have secured a professor’s interest, they must have
them complete and sign the endorsement form and return to students by February 13 for them to include it in the application.
• Transcript
– York University Students – Upload an unofficial transcript OR upload a grade report AND course and grade list – instructions are provided through the Registrar’s Office.
– The cGPA of all internal students will be verified by the Research Support Office.
– Non-York University Students – Official transcripts are required. Students should consult their registrar’s office for details on how to obtain their transcripts. Transcripts issued to students are not accepted. Students can arrange with their registrar’s office to have the transcripts directly emailed (resday@yorku.ca) or mailed (Sosan Nasar, Dean’s Office- Research Support, Bergeron Centre for Engineering Excellence, 11 Arboretum Lane, 4700 Keele Street,Toronto ON. M3J 1P3) to our office directly. MyCreds.ca can also be used to share the official transcripts with our office. If needed, students can contact  resday@yorku.ca for support.
– The cGPA of the external applicants will be converted to York metrix by the registrar’s office.

For USRA Applicants only
• We will not use the NSERC forms 202 in the initial application process.
• Forms 202 will be used only after internal adjudication. Both successful USRA students and their supervisors will have to register online to be able to complete the application.
• Successful USRA applicants will be instructed to upload official transcripts to the NSERC portal at a later date.

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

LURA
• Only undergraduate students who are enrolled in a full-time* program that will make them eligible for one of the Lassonde graduate programs.
• International students can apply (up to 9 awards available)
• 1 year of undergraduate completed by the time of the award is preferred
• to not have started a program of graduate studies during the award
• York and non-York students are eligible
• Students may not enroll in more than two (2) three-credit courses during the tenure of the award with supervisor permission.
• Both USRA and LURA can count as Co-op for eligible students. Contact Lassonde Co-op Office for details.

** For LURA, exceptions are made for students with “reduced course load full-time status” or other  accommodations with Student Accessibility Services. Students are expected to notify the RSO of any  accommodations within the online application. The RSO will confirm the status of accommodations with Student Accessibility Services. 

NSERC USRA
• All undergraduate students, enrolled full-time in a bachelor’s degree program in Natural Sciences and Engineering
• “B-” cumulative GPA
• Must be Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident/protected person
• Must have completed all course requirements of at least the first year of
study at the time of the award
• to not have started a program of graduate studies during the award
• York and non-York students are eligible
• Students may not enroll in more than two (2) three-credit courses during the tenure of the award with supervisor permission.
• Both USRA and LURA can count as Co-op for eligible students. Contact Lassonde Co-op Office for details.

For the NSERC USRA, all applicants must be registered in a bachelor’s degree program in Natural Sciences and Engineering. (New) For LURA, only undergraduate students enrolled full-time in an undergraduate program that will make them eligible to apply to one of the Lassonde graduate programs will be considered 

Further information on NSERC USRAs can be found on the NSERC website. 

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 departmental selection committee, using the following criteria:

• 50% GPA (cumulative)
• 30% Research Potential (based on the statement of research interest and previous research experience)
• (NEW) 20% Supervisor Endorsement (based on a good graduate recruitment and summer research learning plan)

The adjudication is done by departmental committees with support from the Dean’s office.  

Holding the award

• The award will be held for 16 mandatory weeks at 35 hours per week, from May to August every year. 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 (6 credits total).
• 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.

Information Sessions
See “Important Dates and Deadlines” for the information session schedule.

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 are linked here.

Co-op

• Both LURA and NSERC 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 (lsecoop@lassonde.yorku.ca) ASAP for additional details.

NSERC USRA Indigenous and Black Student Initiative

NSERC encourages qualified Indigenous and Black students to apply to this program by supporting an unlimited number of positions for eligible Indigenous candidates with a number of extra positions for black-identifying students. The Indigenous and Black student USRA awards are adjudicated alongside the NSERC USRA awards.

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, as long as you are enrolled full-time in an eligible program at the time of application, you can apply.

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 as International students are not eligible for USRA.

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 and notify others of your decision.

Q: Will we receive a copy of the slides after the info session?
A: We will provide the slides after the information sessions. The information sessions will not be recorded.

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 total) 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, 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. 

Q: If a student gets DEF (defferal) in a course – is that calculated towards CGPA anyhow?
A: No, a deferred course is not included in GPA calculations at York University until the final grade is calculated.

Q: I am a full time undergraduate student enrolled in a Lassonde program, would I be eligible as per the requirement that the program be eligible for Lassonde graduate school?
A: Yes, all Lassonde undergraduate programs are eligible for Lassonde graduate school.

Q: I am not a Lassonde student. How do I check if my program is eligible for Lassonde graduate School?
A: Visit our Grad admission page to check eligibility.
Grad admission for MSc Earth and Space Science
MSc Computer Science
All programs


Faculty of Science
Stuart Macgregor: smac1@yorku.ca
Joanne Sequeira: sequeira@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

Contact us at resday@yorku.ca