MyWestern
Academic Calendar
Bookstore
University Catalog
Athletic & Recreational Venues
MyWestern
Academic Help
Library
Health & Wellness
Campus Map
Events
- The Thornton Biology Research Committee accepts requests for project funding in a no-deadline submission process (i.e. a rolling deadline).
- A proposal includes the Thornton Research Grants Program Funding Request (see below) and a full grant proposal written in scientific style, including a title, author byline, author affiliations, abstract, introduction, methods (including study area if appropriate), expected results, literature cited, a budget (including contributions from other sources and in-kind contributions) with a rationale, a timeline for the project and student transcripts if relevant.
- Submit an electronic copy of the proposal (as a single document) to Derek D. Houston, Ph.D. The Thornton committee will review proposals and notify applicants within one to three weeks.
- After approval, applicants must submit a signed hard copy of the proposal to the Thornton program director.
- Please note that students may receive a stipend for a funded proposal or conduct research funded by Thornton for research credits (e.g., senior thesis), but they may not receive both simultaneously.
Explore Research Opportunities
The Thornton program offers both student-directed and faculty-led research opportunities, giving you experience that mirrors professional science. In student-led projects, you’ll work with a faculty mentor to design a study, write a proposal, and apply for up to $3,000 in funding. Faculty-led projects let you join ongoing studies in ecology, genetics, physiology, or conservation biology, contributing to larger investigations while building technical skills. Whether pursuing your own idea or assisting with faculty research, you’ll gain hands-on experience in proposal writing, data collection, and scientific communication—preparing you for graduate study, professional research, and careers that value analytical and problem-solving skills.
