Office of Undergraduate Research

Indianapolis Explorers

Indianapolis Explorers ("Indy Explorers") connects Purdue University students in Indianapolis with faculty mentors to engage in meaningful undergraduate research. Through this program, students work closely with faculty on active research projects, develop their scholarly identity, and present their work to the broader academic community.

Faculty mentors play a central role by proposing research opportunities and guiding students through the successful completion and presentation of their work during a spring research event hosted by the OUR (see below).

Accepting Spring 2027 projects on OURConnect - Priority deadline is Nov. 20 at 5pm

Program Overview

Selected undergraduate researchers will:

  • Work approximately 7 hours per week during the Spring 2027 semester
  • Enroll in and complete a 1-credit research seminar focused on reflection, synthesis, and academic communication
  • Submit an abstract to the 2027 Student Innovation & Excellence Showcase or 2027 Spring Undergraduate Research Conference.
  • Develop and present a professional research poster at the Student Showcase or Spring Conference 
  • Participate for one semester at a time, with the option for students and faculty to apply to continue in subsequent semesters through project expansion or new research directions

Faculty mentors are expected to:

  • Provide meaningful, regular mentorship, including consistent meetings with the student
  • Guide students through the research process appropriate to the discipline
  • Support students in preparing and presenting their required research poster

Budget Structure

The financial structure for the program is as follows:

  • The Office of the Senior Vice Provost for Indianapolis will provide $750 per student, allocated as:
    • $500 in project support funds for faculty use
    • $250 in student support
  • The department, faculty member, or college will provide $750 to cover the remainder of the student’s $1,000 semester stipend.
The student stipend will be distributed in two installments:
  • $500 after successful abstract submission
  • $500 after presentation at the Undergraduate Research Expo

The $500 faculty project support allocation may be used to support the undergraduate researcher’s work (e.g., supplies, materials, software, travel, or other project-related needs consistent with university policy).

Spring 2027 Timeline

  • Now-Nov. 20: Faculty mentors submit projects on OURConnect (priority deadline; rolling until full)
  • Nov. 20-Nov. 25: Submitted projects reviewed for inclusion in Indy Explorers
  • Dec. 1-Dec. 15: Students apply to Indy Explorers projects on OURConnect
  • Dec. 15-Dec. 22: Faculty mentors review applications and submit offers
  • Dec. 22-Jan. 15: Students accept/reject offers within 72 hours of an offer