PROPEL Information for Students

The PROPEL program was developed to make research, teaching, and work-study opportunities transparent and equitable. Read more about the PROPEL mission, history, and the team in About Us.

PROPEL works in rounds timed in accordance with the semesters and course ADD/DROP deadlines. There are distinct phases to each round.

1. Mentors post projects to the website.
2. After the project posting date closes, students can apply for positions.
3. Mentors review the applications, interview students, and offer the position.
4. Students are notified when the position is filled.

2024-2025 Round 1 (Aug/Sept)
Project posting: 8/12/2024 - 8/30/2024
Students apply: 9/02/2024 - 9/09/2024
Application review: 9/09/2024 - 9/23/2024

2024-2025 Round 2 (Nov/Dec)
Project posting: 11/01/2024 - 11/17/2024
Students apply: 11/18/2024 - 11/25/2024
Application review: 11/26/2024 - 12/16/2024

2024-2025 Round 3 (Jan/Feb)
Project posting: 1/10/2025 - 1/30/2025
Students apply: 2/01/2025 - 2/08/2025
Application review: 2/09/2025 - 2/23/2025

2024-2025 Round 4 (April/May)
Project posting: 3/26/2025 - 4/11/2025
Students apply: 4/12/2025 - 4/21/2025
Application review: 4/22/2025 - 5/09/2025

A desire to learn and commitment to the position is valued over prior experience.

1. Log into PROPEL and fill in the general information
2. Upload your transcript. For guidance on preparing your resume or getting your current transcript from SPIRE, see these instructions from the University Registrar
3. When the application period select your favorite projects. These will then appear under "My Applications"
4. Write a 1-2 paragraph statement about your interests in the project. More information is available below
5. Check to make sure you have updated and filled out the information and transcript in your profile
6. Submit your application
7. You can edit your essay and profile anytime until the application period closes by withdrawing the application and then resubmitting

Student transcripts are available on SPIRE.

1. Log into SPIRE and go to Academics.
2. From the sidebar choose Transcript Request.
3. Under “Unofficial Transcript”, click "View Unofficial Transcript". 
4. You can now view or print your unofficial transcript. 
5. Upload your transcript to BUA

For more details see these instructions from the University Registrar

• The application essay should be 1-2 paragraphs long, written specifically for each project. Remember a desire to learn and commitment to the position is valued over prior experience.
• Do not include your name in the essay, or contact the respective mentor to maintain an initial “blind stage” of the application process.
• Investigate the project and the research group to have a basic understanding of their research focus, methodology, and overall work. Express how your particular interests and skills match the project. Be specific and relatable. The mentors and their research group may have their own website, or their work are likely to be found online.
• Keep in mind that research mentors can extend beyond principal investigators or professors. These mentors may include graduate students, postdocs, visiting scientists, lab coordinators, or research administrators. If a project lists a mentor within a principal investigator’s lab, consider researching that specific mentor’s role and research focus within the primary lab.
• Remember, a well-crafted essay that reflects your genuine interest and alignment with the project can significantly improve your application. Best of luck!
   

While you must be selective in choosing projects, we are aware that many students would value experiences in other projects as well. Some mentors maybe looking for additional students. If you would like for Mentors who are not part of the 5 projects you selected to view your Profile. Go to your Profile. Click "Edit" and check "Share my information with all Mentors"