The Gene and Susan Lucas Undergraduate Research Fund was created to help first-generation undergraduate students experience research alongside UCSB faculty. The program supports research for first-generation undergraduate UCSB students in the STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and math). Funds may be used for stipend, required research materials, travel, conferences, or field experience.
Applying for Funding
To be considered for funding, student applicants will have demonstrated strong academic performance at the time of the submission of the application.
Include unofficial transcripts
- Applicants must describe the research they would be performing and what they hope to gain from the experience.
- Applicants must also have support from a faculty mentor who will be supervising their work.
- Applications will be accepted until April 1, 2024.
Selection Committee
Gene Lucas, Professors Glenn Beltz, Thuc-Quyen Nguyen, Eduardo Gonzalez, and Lupe Navarro-Garcia.
About the Fund
Colleagues and friends of Executive Vice Chancellor Gene Lucas established the Gene and Susan Lucas Undergraduate Research Fund to honor and recognize his extraordinary contributions as a scholar, teacher, and gifted administrator at the University of California, Santa Barbara. The Fund was established on the occasion of Executive Vice Chancellor Lucas’s retirement from the University of California, Santa Barbara in December 2013, after 36 years of service to the campus. Inspired by Executive Vice Chancellor Lucas’s passion for the fundamental principles behind a research university and the value of research endeavors, especially for first-generation college students in the sciences, the fund also honors Executive Vice Chancellor Lucas’s father, Glenn E. Lucas, a first-generation college student who, throughout his life as a professional, represented the best ideals and values behind a sound college education.
The Gene and Susan Lucas Undergraduate Research Fund was established as part of the Office of Academic Initiatives to support research projects of undergraduate, first-generation college students at UC Santa Barbara in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Student participants will receive funds to be put towards on-site work experience in a research environment, including laboratory or field work. To honor Professor Lucas’s exceptional publishing history and his support and advocacy for the dissemination of research, such as Open Access protocols, the fund will also support students’ efforts to publish the results of their scientific research.
To make a gift to the Gene and Susan Lucas Research Fund, download a gift form and the Gene and Susan Lucas Undergraduate Research Fund brochure here.
ONLINE gifts to the fund may be made at: www.sa.ucsb.edu/giving/lucas-fund
Please contact Delene Bliss by email or phone for more information: (805) 893-6002.
View current and past recipients of Gene and Susan Lucas Undergraduate Research Funds.
Lucas Recipients
View current and past recipients of Gene and Susan Lucas Undergraduate Research Funds.
Lucas Recipients