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Dean Keith Simonton Prize for Creativity in Undergraduate Research

Dean Keith Simonton Prize for Creativity in Undergraduate Research

Honoring innovation in student research and design

The Dean Keith Simonton Prize for Creativity in Undergraduate Research recognizes two students each year for their creative approach to independent research or design. Award recipients demonstrate originality, motivation and strong potential through current and proposed projects conducted under the guidance of UC Davis faculty.

This award was established in 2021 through an endowment from Distinguished Professor Emeritus Dean Keith Simonton, a UC Davis faculty member whose research has focused on genius, creativity and the psychology of science. He began his own research journey as an undergraduate and created this award to support students on similar paths.

2025 Award Recipients

  • Arvind Saravanakumar, biomedical engineering
  • Jessie Xu, clinical nutrition and design

Each recipient receives a $1,000 financial aid stipend.* Awards are announced during spring quarter and recipients are recognized at the Undergraduate Research Awards Ceremony held at the end of the academic year.


Eligibility

Applicants must meet all of the following:

  • Be a currently enrolled UC Davis undergraduate student
  • Be a continuing student (not graduating before fall 2025)
  • Be conducting independent research or design under the guidance of a UC Davis faculty mentor
  • Be in good academic standing (GPA is not used as a selection criterion)

How to Apply

Applications for the 2026 award will open February 2 and close February 27.

Students will submit their materials through the Undergraduate Research Center’s online application portal.

Required components:

  1. Online application form
  2. PDF summary of your research or design project (maximum 2 pages)
  3. Two letters of recommendation, including one from your faculty mentor

Project summary guidelines

Your PDF should include:

  • A description of your current and proposed project (images and figures encouraged)
  • A summary of your independent contributions
  • A brief explanation of how your project demonstrates creativity

Letters of recommendation

Each letter must:

  • Be no more than 2 pages, single spaced, 12-point font
  • Be submitted through the application portal by March 3

Students are responsible for requesting letters. Reminder emails will be sent to letter writers before the deadline.


2026 Timeline

  • Feb. 2: Applications open
  • Feb. 27: Applications close
  • March 3: Letters of recommendation due
  • Week of March 23: Awardees notified

Questions?

Email urc@ucdavis.edu


*Note: Financial aid stipends are subject to federal regulations. If this award exceeds a student’s financial aid eligibility, adjustments may be made. The Financial Aid and Scholarships Office aims to reduce loan or work-study aid first before adjusting grants or scholarships.