UIC Library ENGL 161 Research Awards

Initiated in the Fall of 2020, the UIC Library English 161 Student Research Awards recognize excellence in student research that demonstrates best practices in finding, evaluating, and synthesizing sources to develop creative and impactful work. The award also calls upon students to describe their research trajectory, reflecting on their process, discoveries, and learning experience. 

Three students are selected for the awards each semester. Monetary prizes are awarded as follows:

First place - $500
Second place - $400
Third place - $300

English 161 instructors help us determine excellent research papers by nominating students from their classes. (Students are also welcome to nominate themselves.) Being nominated is itself a great accomplishment! Research papers and process essays are then read by UIC librarians and judged using a rubric based on the Association of American Colleges and Universities Value Rubric for Information Literacy.

Please use the following prompt when writing your short essay.

In your own words, how do you think your paper demonstrates excellence in research? In addition, please describe your research process. Consider the following questions:

• How did you come up with your idea? Did it evolve at all as you started finding sources? If so, how?

• How did you find your information?

• Did you get help from anyone? 

• What obstacles did you experience and how did you overcome them?

• What was your favorite part about the experience? 

Feel free to include anything else that’s relevant about your research journey! Your essay should be 1-2 pages.