The LaSPACE Undergraduate Research Assistantship (LURA) Program is directed at undergraduate science and engineering students who are interested in NASA relevant research. The intent of the LURA program is to supplement and enhance the undergraduate academic curriculum by providing the science/engineering student with a hands-on, mentored research experience relevant to space sciences. A LURA project will be a joint effort between an undergraduate student and a faculty researcher, who serves as mentor and Principal Investigator. Proposals must identify the Mission Directorate(s) the proposal aligns with.
Awards are for $4500 with no match requirement. Most of the funds (≥$3.5k) are to be distributed directly to the student. It is recommended that travel funds be budgeted for the student to attend at least one professional meeting; including the annual LaSPACE Council Meeting Student Poster Session held in the early fall each year. No more than $1k can be used for travel, materials, and supplies.
Download Link (Word Document):LaSPACE_LURA_Proposal_Guidelines_2025-2026
Download Link (PDF Document): LaSPACE_LURA_Proposal_Guidelines_2025-2026