Undergraduate students who have completed OURI's SER and/or SURF programs are eligible to apply for Continuing Research Excellence Student (CREST).*
CREST Scholars receive $15/hr for up to 100 hours of research activities to be used over a single academic term.
At the time of application, CREST applicants must identify a faculty mentor (frequently this is the same mentor they worked with during SER and/or SURF) who will supervise their research either directly or in collaboration with a graduate student or post-doc mentor.
CREST funding is only available for students who are not receiving financial compensation for their research opportunity from another source. CREST Scholars must be eligible for on-campus employment and are required to complete an I-9 prior to receiving compensation. Students may be able to repeat CREST participation if the initial participation lasted less than one semester.
CREST funding has been fully exhausted for the 2025-2026 academic year. You can apply for CREST again in August 2026.
If you have any questions or considerations re: CREST, please contact ouri@rice.edu.