The Undergraduate Special Opportunities in Artistry in Research program awarded 36 students with 24 projects and up to $2,500 to pursue independent research projects this year.

The students were honored at a banquet Tuesday afternoon at the Holmes Student Center’s Clara Sperling Skyroom.

In 1999, former NIU President John LaTourette established the USOAR scholarship fund using $50,000 from a Pepsi grant. Every year since then, the USOAR program awards students up to $2,500 for independent research. Any student can apply.

“It allows students to work hand-in-hand with faculty doing scholarly work so that they are on the cutting edge of knowledge and discovery,” NIU President John Peters said.

Students work with faculty mentors to develop and strategize a proposal and then send the proposals to a panel from their college for approval.

All approvals then are sent to Vice Provost Earl Seaver, who sends approved proposals to a faculty committee composed of several NIU colleges for final authorization.

Biology major Dana Thomas won a $2,500 USOAR grant for her project “Analyzing Reactions to Genetically Modified Crops in Britain,” which is set to begin in the summer.

“It’s a chance to show future employers that you’re hardworking,” Thomas said.

Art history major Kristine Shuey, winner of a previous USOAR grant, delivered a PowerPoint presentation about her project. It was called “Images of Daily Life in English Manuscript.” She went to London to study art from famous buildings, churches and cathedrals.