The ORSP Update
May 2026
Our monthly newsletter highlights opportunities, awards, and events through the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs.
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Hello Summer!
As we head into the summer months, please note that this will be our final newsletter of the academic year. Our monthly updates will resume in September. Wishing you a fun, restful, and well-deserved summer!
Research & Creative Activity Day
Thank you to our campus community for making this year’s Research and Creative Activity Day such a success. It’s always a pleasure to come together and celebrate the incredible work of West Chester University’s students, faculty, and staff. Congratulations to our 2026 awardees and to all who presented! We appreciate and celebrate your meaningful contributions to research and creative activity.
"Throughout my time at West Chester, I've been fortunate to participate in various
research experiences. For me, the opportunity that stands out to me the most is presenting
at Research and Creative Activities Day (RCAD). RCAD is one of my favorite WCU research
events since it gives me the chance to improve my science communication skills as
well as learn about all the incredible research my peers are involved in."~ Kate Frederick (pictured in the UG SRCA winners picture)
Interested in receiving $100 in Faculty Development Funds?!
Through the ORSP Faculty Advisory board subcommittee, we are working on the inaugural WCU Research and Scholarship Data Dashboard! Please take 5 minutes to fill out the short survey and enter for a chance to win one of five $100 Faculty Development awards. We will use this dashboard to highlight the innovative and impactful work by our amazing WCU Faculty. The survey will close on May 5th, 2026.
IRB Summer Information
IRB Applications submitted before August 8th will be reviewed during the summer session. Applications submitted after August 7th will be assigned to reviewers beginning 8/24/2026.To set up a meeting with the 2026 IRB Co-Chairs, please email to schedule an appointment:
- Dr. Melissa Reed: mreed3@wcupa.edu
- Dr. Heather Leaman: hleaman@wcupa.edu
SURI Awardees
We are pleased to recognize the 2026 Summer Undergraduate Research Institute (SURI) Awardees. These students will engage in full-time, faculty-mentored research this summer, demonstrating the strong commitment to scholarship and innovation at West Chester University.
SURI Kick-Off Event
The Summer Undergraduate Research Institute (SURI) continues to be a meaningful opportunity for undergraduate students and faculty mentors to connect and collaborate. Thank you to the 2026 SURI cohort for a great kickoff event to start the program. We’re excited to see the innovative projects that will take shape over the summer!
Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn
Want to stay engaged with WCU’s research community, events, and opportunities? Click here and follow ORSP on Instagram! Connect with us on our LinkedIn page here!
Faculty Research Spotlights
Dr. Matt Saboe, Dr. Kevin Aptowicz (Spring 2026), Dr. Amir Golmohamadi, Dr. Alison Neff, Dr. Stevie Grassetti (Fall 2025) - WCU College Research Liaisons
Let’s give a round of applause to our awesome WCU College Research Liaisons! ORSP’s Research Liaisons serve as a valuable resource for faculty navigating the research process. They offer guidance on grant funding opportunities, interdisciplinary projects, and connect researchers to the wide range of services available through ORSP. Acting as a bridge between departments and research support, they help streamline processes and answer questions along the way. We truly appreciate their time, expertise, and dedication to supporting and strengthening the university’s research community!
Want your research to be highlighted? Submit your research story here!
Follow us on Instagram to support our office and stay involved with WCU’s research community. Click here to view our Instagram!
Recently Awarded Grants
Dr. Stevie Grassetti, Psychology – CCMCHC/Alberton’s Evaluation Agreement - $50,000
Dr. Laquana Cooke, English - PASSHE, iCamp w/Gear Up PA Expansion 2026, $45,497
Dr. Diane Santori, Literacy – Haverford School District Reading Internship Agreement - $31,100
Upcoming External Funding Opportunities
Arts & Humanities
8/14/2026: Sociological Initiatives Foundation
9/16/2026: NEH Collaborative Research
Business & Public Management
6/1/2026: Center for Rural PA Letter of Intent
7/29/2026: William T Grant Foundation Research Grants on Reducing Inequality
Education & Social Work
9/15/2026: Brady Education Foundation Letter of Intent
Continuous Due Date: NSF STEM K-12 (STEM K-12)
Health Sciences
7/15/2026: Allen Foundation Grants Nutrition
3 Due Dates/Year: NIH Academic Research Enhancement Award (AREA) for Undergraduate-Focused Institutions
Science & Mathematics
7/22/2026: NSF Faculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER)
Rolling Due Date: The Simons Foundation Targeted Grants in Mathematics and Physical Sciences (MPS)
Continuous Due Date: NSF Ecosystem Science
Continuous Due Date: NSF-Lemelson Initiative on Environmental and Social Sustainability in Engineering Education
Continuous Due Date: NSF Education Programs in Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences
Upcoming Student Opportunities
Ram Research Directory
Are you interested in research but do not yet have a faculty mentor? Click here to use the RAM Research Directory to find one!
ORSP Roadmap
Click image below to learn how to navigate student research experiences.
