Vertically Integrated Projects (VIPs) make it easy for you to get involved in research at any level! VIP teams are faculty-led research groups that offer students the opportunity to begin, continue, and even conclude long-term research projects while being mentored by professors and graduate students. These research experiences enrich your course of study and make you a marketable candidate for graduate school or a professional career. No matter your research experience or interest, there is a VIP team for you!
If you are interested in conducting research, an existing VIP team is a great place to start. Check out our teams and apply to one that interests you!
Building off the VIP Consortium’s working definition, OURI offers a VIP as:
- Projects embedded in faculty research or creative agenda.
- Long-term and large-scale projects
- Projects in which participating undergraduate researchers can receive course credits and grades
- Opportunity for students to participate and earn credit for 3+ years on a single project/team
- Projects comprised by a multi-disciplinary teams (encouraged but not required)
- A dedicated classroom/meeting space where team members can regularly meet
- Projects in which faculty/student participation is based on mutual interest
OURI offers a range of support for VIPs teams, faculty leads, and undergraduate researchers. This backing ranges from material, logistical, and financial assistance to consultation and curricular facilitation.
For more information on VIP, how to join or start a team, or what OURI can do to support you, please contact ouri@rice.edu