Office for Undergraduate Research and Artistry
OURA Lab at CSU SPUR
Learn lifelong skills from CSU's best in a remarkable setting while earning more than just knowledge.
Apply to participate in TILT's OURA Lab this summer at CSU's Spur campus and get it all
June 3rd - August 9th (10 weeks)
Information Sessions:
February 22nd, 5-6pm: Virtual Zoom Info Session Only (Click Here)
Priority Application Deadline: February 29th, 11:59pm
Watch Our Recorded Information session Here:
What is the OURA Lab?
The TILT OURA Lab provides an opportunity for undergraduate students to learn laboratory and research skills that can be transferred to future research experiences. The OURA Lab is intended to be a comprehensive experience that allows students to engage in the many phases of research, from conducting background research to inform the project’s scope to the development and execution of experiments.
This program addresses two significant barriers to undergraduate research participation: lack of time and financial compensation.
OURA Lab provides a space to demystify research, give students confidence, and increase self-efficacy to do research past the OURA Lab. While fostering collaboration and community, the OURA Lab is a safe place to try new things, learn from mistakes, and test again without fear of a letter grade.
What is CSU Spur?
CSU Spur is a year-round destination for science, research, community service, and education for the greater public. Located roughly a mile from the intersection of I-25 and I-70 in Denver, The first of Spur’s three educational buildings – Vida, Terra, and Hydra – broke ground in May 2020 as a part of a transformation of the National Western Center, which is also host to the annual National Western Stock Show.
This collaborative campus brings together education, research, and engagement in essential areas like food, water, and health. CSU Spur aims to address global challenges through collaboration and innovation.
With programs like the OURA Lab, volunteer opportunities, community partners, and more, there is truly something at CSU Spur for everyone.
Why OURA Lab at CSU Spur?
Until now, TILT’s OURA Lab only offered paid student opportunities on CSU’s main campus in Fort Collins during the fall and spring semesters. Expanding the OURA lab to the CSU Spur campus increases both the number of students CSU can serve and the quality of research and learning opportunities available. CSU Spur has state-of-the-art research facilities built to engage in cutting-edge work. Because Spur has been intentionally designed to increase access to science and research for the general public, it is an ideal site for a program that introduces students to lab and research.
Understanding that not every student is able to participate in the OURA Lab during the school year due to other obligations, we are thrilled to provide this program for the first time in the summer of 2024 at CSU Spur.
CSU Spur and TILT’s OURA Lab strive for the same thing – provide educational resources to overcome barriers to science-related fields and have students observe and contribute to connecting research and community.
How Can I Apply?
Students interested should apply by midnight on February 29th for priority review. All applications after this date will be accepted on a rolling basis. Interviews will be conducted the following week either virtually or in person.
Is the OURA Lab at CSU Spur paid?
Yes, it is! Students will be paid $18.29 an hour. Students should expect to work 40 hours a week.
When does the program start? How long does it last?
The program will start on Monday, June 3rd and finish on Friday, August 9th, lasting a total of 10 weeks.
*For reference, the Spring 2024 semester ends on May 10th and the Fall 2024 semester begins on August 19th.
Is this a class?
No, this is not a class. Since it is not a class, you will not earn college credit, pay a fee for participating, or need to register for this program with the registrar’s office.
This opportunity is more like a paid internship or a job where you are working and contributing to research, and is designed to help you in future courses, labs, and professional work.
What should I expect?
This 10-week program will have a “scaffolded” approach where students learn introductory lab and research skills, learn in different labs at CSU Spur to increase exposure to various types of research, and design a community engagement project at the end for a student showcase.
Students will be paid to learn 40 hours/week throughout the summer and will begin the first two weeks by being introduced to basic lab and research skills through the OURA lab.
The next six weeks will involve students working in different CSU Spur labs to increase exposure to different types of research.
In the final two weeks of the program, students will design an activity, exhibit, demonstration, or other form of interactive communication related to sharing research with the general public. The program coordinator will work with Spur staff to identify potential areas of research that students can make more accessible to the general public, and students will be invited to address the community engagement needs of Spur buildings for their project.
Is there lodging available?
Currently, there is not lodging available for students for this summer program, which is why we recommend students apply if they plan to live near or within driving distance of CSU Spur campus (4777 National Western Dr., Denver, CO 80216).
Do I need prior lab or research experience?
No you do not! The OURA Lab program is designed to provide any student with little to no lab or research experience with an opportunity to learn the necessary skills to go forward with lab work and research.
What major do I need to be in to participate in OURA lab?
Any major is welcome to apply
Where can I get more information?
A great way to learn more about this opportunity is by attending an Information Session either Monday, February 12th, from 5-6 pm virtually or in-person in Johnson Hall, room 223J, or Thursday, February 22nd, from 5-6 pm, online.
For all your questions, contact the program coordinator, Courtney Ngai at Courtney.Ngai@Colostate.Edu or submit a question using the form at the bottom of the page.
Questions?
Submit your questions or comments below and a member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible!
