Distinguished Undergraduate Researcher Program
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.
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.
There are strict standards and requirements, including due dates, that must be met for students to earn and remain eligible for the award once enrolled. Students will become ineligible for the award if they fail to meet any standards and/or due dates.
| Awardee | Degree | Mentor |
| Tiernan Dautle | B.S. in Computer Engineering and Mathematics | Dr. Nicholas Fears |
| Danielle Elise Gipson | B.S. in Biochemistry | Dr. Konstantin "Gus" Kousoulas |
Carefully review all of the eligibility requirements and next steps below to learn how to join the program.
How to earn the Distinction
Students must complete all activities listed in the following categories and meet all standards in order to earn the Distinguished Undergraduate Researcher medal and transcript notation. Students will no longer be eligible for the award if they fail to meet any of the standards, don't complete all of the required activities, and/or fail to meet the due dates.
Standards:
- All of the program requirements must be met by their respective due dates.
- Must have a minimum 2.5 GPA upon graduation.
- Must be in good standing with the university upon graduation.
- Must receive a positive recommendation from a faculty mentor.
Requirements:
Enrolled students will be added to the Distinguished Undergraduate Researcher Program to submit and track all completed requirements.
Distinguished Researcher candidates participate in faculty-mentored research activities and provide evidence of research skill proficiency.
Earn 270 hours from any combination of the following activities. All course work and final course grade must earn a grade of B- or higher.
- Research Intensive course credit: 30 hours per credit hour.
- Research for pay, as a volunteer, or as part of a scholarship: Total of average hours worked per week and number of weeks worked for each semester.
All Distinguished Researchers are required to present as the 1st presenter at the University's annual undergraduate research and creativity conference, LSU Discover Day.
In addition to presenting at LSU Discover Day, Distinguished Researcher candidates are required to present or publish their work at least once to an audience beyond LSU in one of the activities listed below.
- Presentation at a professional or academic conference.
- Presentation at a non-LSU student conference.
- Presentation of a departmental or Honors Thesis defense.
- Publication in a peer-reviewed academic or professional publication.
- Publication in a non-LSU student research publication.
Distinguished Researchers must attend supplemental workshops and activities in order to broaden their research skills and knowledge. Students must attend 3 LSU OUR Workshops:
- CV writing workshop.
- Abstract Writing workshop.
- A third LSU OUR workshop of your choice.
All candidates must complete the CITI Responsible Conduct of Research (CITI RCR) online training module and then submit their certificate.
Distinguished Researcher candidates are required to take part in at least 2 Professional Development activities. Below are the types of events that qualify with a few examples listed after each.
Training or workshops:
- EHSA Lab Safety
- Attend any of the Graduate Research Fellowship workshop series
- Workshops at conferences
- Take a research-related workshop offered by CxC, LSU Libraries, or another LSU department
Attend research events:
- Attend an on-campus student research event such as the LSU Discover Day events, Geology Rock Stars, Chemical Engineering Poster competition, etc.
- Attend an LSU Science Cafe event.
- Attend a departmental or college research event or guest lecture.
- Attend a Doctoral dissertation defense, Masters thesis defense, or undergraduate honors thesis defense.
In your graduating semester, senior portfolios must be submitted. These will be sent to the faculty mentor and an LSU OUR faculty advisory board member for review and final approval.
Portfolio elements:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Reflective Essay.
- Research synopsis/abstract.
- Final copy of research paper, poster, or publication.
Past Award Winners
View the list of students who have recieved the distinguished undergraduate researcher award
Student awardees at the Spring 2025 Distinguished Undergraduate Researcher ceremony.