Frequently Asked Questions

ORSP maintains access to funding databases (https://www.pittstate.edu/red/research/external-funding-opportunities.html) and shares announcements from federal, state, and private sponsors on a weekly basis. Faculty may also request individualized funding searches.

All proposals must be routed through ORSP before submission to ensure compliance with sponsor and university requirements. Faculty should contact ORSP early in the planning process. Proposal Approval Form is available electronically at https://www.pittstate.edu/red/research/index.html

ORSP typically requires proposals be submitted to their office at least five business days before the sponsor deadline for review, approvals, and routing.

Proposals must be approved by the Principal Investigator (PI), department chair, dean, and ORSP prior to submission.

ORSP assists with budget development, compliance checks, formatting, editing, and submission through sponsor portals.

ORSP offers workshops on grant writing, compliance, research administration, and budget development throughout the year.

After an award is made, ORSP provides support with account setup, financial monitoring, reporting, and compliance.

All research involving human subjects, animals, or hazardous materials must be reviewed and approved by the appropriate PSU compliance committee before beginning.

Faculty should contact ORSP’s intellectual property coordinator to file a disclosure and discuss commercialization pathways.

The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs can help connect faculty across departments and foster partnerships with other universities, agencies, and industry. One valuable resource is ORSP’s Researchers’ Profile Book, which provides detailed profiles of researchers and their interests—making it easier to identify potential collaborators. Explore it here: https://www.pittstate.edu/red/research/research-profile.html

PSU offers faculty-mentored research projects, research assistantships, and competitive research grants for students.

Students should begin by contacting faculty in their department whose research areas interest them. ORSP can also assist with connections.

Yes, student research funding is available through internal grant programs and external opportunities. ORSP can provide guidance on applying.

Yes, students may apply but must work with ORSP to ensure compliance with university policies.

Assistantship opportunities are managed by departments and faculty. ORSP can advise on grant-funded positions.

Yes, if your project involves human subjects (surveys, interviews, experiments, etc.), IRB approval is required before data collection begins.

ORSP offers workshops in research methods, proposal writing, compliance, and presenting research.

Students are encouraged to participate in PSU’s annual Research Colloquium and other regional and national conferences. Travel support may be available (https://www.pittstate.edu/red/research/support-for-students.html).

Yes, faculty mentors and ORSP can guide you through the publishing process, from selecting journals to preparing manuscripts. Support for student publication is also available (https://www.pittstate.edu/red/research/support-for-students.html). 

Start with your faculty advisor or department chair. ORSP staff are also available to meet with students interested in research.

Yes, you can earn course credit for participating in research. Please contact your department chair or academic advisor to learn which research courses you should enroll in.

Yes, the university offers a variety of summer research programs and internship opportunities in polymer science. For detailed information, please visit the university’s official webpage.

Partnership opportunities include sponsored research projects, consulting, internships, and joint grant applications. ORSP helps connect external partners with faculty expertise.

We facilitate sponsored research, technical services, community-engaged projects, and industry-university collaborations.

ORSP maintains directories of faculty research interests and can connect you with relevant experts.

Partners gain access to faculty expertise, student talent, advanced facilities, and opportunities for innovation and workforce development.

PSU follows university policies on intellectual property. ORSP helps establish agreements to protect both partner and university interests.

Yes, partners often work with students on capstone projects, internships, and applied research.

PSU can assist with Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) proposals, as well as entrepreneurial support through campus programs.

Contact ORSP to initiate discussions. They will draft and review agreements to ensure compliance with university and sponsor policies.

Depending on the project, compliance may include human subjects review, export control, or conflict of interest disclosures. ORSP will guide you through the requirements.

The ORSP office serves as the central contact for external organizations. Email or call ORSP to be directed to the appropriate staff or faculty member.

The National Institute for Materials Advancement (NIMA) at PSU provides a wide range of polymer testing, analytical services, and research & development opportunities. For detailed information on facilities, capabilities, and how to get involved, visit the NIMA website: https://nima-psu.org/