The ORSP Update
October 2025
Our monthly newsletter highlights opportunities, awards, and events through the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs.
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Topic List
Announcements
Provost's Research Grant - Call for Proposals
Applications are now open for PRG. Apply here. All applications are due on 11/21/25.Research Security Training – Effective October 10, 2025
All Federal Grant Submissions will require NEW research security training PRIOR to submission: The online training is available here.
Should you go through ORSP for your paid work?
Faculty are frequently approached to provide their expertise on other non-WCU projects. Click here for more information on how ORSP can help navigate the process.
RAM Research Directory
Click here to review and update your RAM Research Directory profile. This is a great resource to connect with other faculty and let students know about your research and creative activity opportunities.
Share out with your students! The Student Research Hubs
This resource includes information about events, funding, publication, IRB, etc. Click here to view the Undergraduate Student Research Hub and Click here to view the Graduate Student Research Hub.
Listen to ORSP's Podcast: The Faculty Forum
Check out our latest episode: “Cultivating Relationships with External Partners: The Importance of Networking with External Partners" on ORSP's podcast, The Faculty Forum! Listen below and enjoy the insightful conversation with our faculty guests.
View the ORSP Podcast Transcript
Faculty & Student Research Spotlights
Dr. Jennifer Chandler, Clara Huston, Elyse Hansel and Chris Smith
This past summer, West Chester University biology students Clara Huston, Elyse Hansel, and Chris Smith joined Dr. Jennifer Chandler in a statewide survey of wild American ginseng, gaining hands-on experience with field research and conservation. Traveling from forest to forest—sometimes camping for a week at a time—they tagged plants, collected demographic data, and learned to adapt to the challenges of real-world science. Dr. Chandler’s project explores new, size-based ways to guide sustainable ginseng harvests, aiming to better protect this culturally and medicinally important plant. Their efforts not only advanced conservation research but also embodied the kind of transformative, experiential learning that defines West Chester University.
Want your research to be highlighted? Submit your research story here!
Follow us on Instagram to support our office and stay involved with WCU’s research community. Click here to view our Instagram!
Recently Awarded Grants
John Craig, Academic Success Program - PHEAA PA Act 101 24-25 - $312,800
Michael Gawrysiak, Psychology – University of Pennsylvania - A Welcome Leap for the Opioid Crisis: Can the 5HT2A agonist Psilocybin improve brain, behavioral, and clinical outcomes in opioid use disorder (OUD) - $46,657
Brandon Mitchell, Physics – U.S. Dept. of Education – GEAR UP: The Future Stars Program - $10,261,977*
*In the process of being negotiated
Upcoming External Funding Opportunities
Arts & Humanities
11/20/2025: ACLS Digital Justice Development Grants
12/01/2025: Summer Institute for the Study of East Central and Southeastern Europe
Business & Public Management
12/05/2025: IBM Center for The Business of Government
01/16/2026: Human-Environment and Geographical Sciences Program (HEGS) | NSF 25-507
Education & Social Work
10/15/2025: Brady Education Foundation
11/12/2025: Discovery Research PreK-12 program (DRK-12)
Health Sciences
11/15/2025: Gerber Foundation Nutrition Research Grant01/15/2026: Allen Foundation
Science & Mathematics
11/04/2025: Research on Innovative Technologies for Enhanced Learning (RITEL) | NSF 23-624
01/15/2026: Social Psychology | PD 22-133202/05/2026: CISE Future Computing Research
Upcoming Student Opportunities
Student Undergraduate Research Foundations (SURF)
Are you an undergraduate student interested in a paid research or creative activity opportunity? Click here to view our SURF flyer and get more information!
Slices of Inquiry
The ORSP is hosting a "Slices of Inquiry" event for students to learn about paid research opportunities available for the 2025-2026 academic year, ask questions, and enjoy some pizza! Students are welcome to stop in at any time during the event. Click here for more information!
Student Research Opportunities
Explore upcoming student research events. Click image below for a full listing of activities and resources.
Save the Dates
