Quest Project

Look of amazement over student's face while he inspects the work of a lab technician

QUEST PROJECT

This is an excellent opportunity to partake in research early in your undergraduate career.

SUBMIT YOUR PROPOSAL

Quest is recommended for first-year, second-year, and recent transfer students. W.A. Franke Honors College students research a topic or issue of their interest with the guidance of a faculty mentor, which then culminates in a final project, paper, artifact, or recorded performance.

Your Quest Project topic or issue does not need to be related to your major. This is your chance to choose something you are genuinely passionate about.

The result of your Quest Project should fit into one of these categories:

  • Traditional Academic Research: Your project can include traditional forms of academic scholarship as appropriate to your chosen discipline, including lab work, an analysis of existing literature, or a shorter take on a typical academic article. 

  • Community Project: Your project can include work with a community organization or specialized population, such as a service-learning experience or advocacy work. 

  • Creative Project: Your project can include original compositions, performances, or exhibitions. 

Students receive directed research credit for their participation and even monetary awards are granted, $1000 to the overall showcase winner and six $500 awards to the judges’ top scoring projects. Participants will be required to present a poster at Honors Pinnacle in the spring semester.

Sound interesting?

If you have decided that a Quest project sounds like a great opportunity for you, there are three tasks you will need to complete the semester before you intend to start your project:

  1. Narrow down your topic and begin vetting faculty members.
  2. Connect with faculty and secure a Quest mentor.
  3. Define your project with the guidance of your Quest mentor.

Make sure to add your name to the interest list so that you stay up-to-date and receive targeted support as you plan your project.

All students who intend to complete a Quest project will need to submit a Quest Proposal Form prior to starting their project. The deadline to complete this step is the last day of classes the semester before you intend to start your project.


Want to learn more? Attend an information session!

View the Calendar of Events for a complete list of upcoming Quest info sessions. 

If you have any questions about Quest, please contact the Assistant Director of Research, Creative Expression, and Professional Initiatives, Tori Nardinelli.