ATHENS, Ohio -- The recent rise in tuition and a declining economy may make it harder for many Ohio University students to finance additional activities that will benefit their future. Fortunately, for students interested in conducting research or pursuing additional scholarly or creative work, the Provost's Undergraduate Research Fund helps them achieve their goals without necessarily breaking the bank.

Created in 2000, the fund provides $50,000 for full-time undergraduate students attending the Athens campus. The awards, ranging from $100 to $1500, enable recipients to pay for any materials and travel that directly relates to their research project.

Senior Wildlife Biology major Cynthia Caldwell won an award last year to help fund her research on the effect acid mine drainage has on the "breeding habits of frogs." Caldwell says the award, which paid for technical equipment, helped tremendously in allowing her to conduct her research. Caldwell also recommends that any interested student should apply.

"It was a great opportunity to get field experience and conduct an undergraduate research project," she says.

Applications are available online (www.ouhtc.org), at the Honors Tutorial College, 35 Park Place, or in any dean's office on campus. The application deadline is Feb. 1 and awards will be announced March 1. Last year, out of 102 applications were received and 50 awards were distributed.