Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP)

Work on faculty-led, transdisciplinary teams tackling real-world challenges and wicked problems

Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP) is a program created to increase student access to research opportunities and applied learning with faculty mentors.

How VIP Works

To get started, students should:

1. Find a team they are interested in joining. There is currently only one inaugural VIP team, but more will be coming soon!
2. Fill out the VIP Student Interest Form
3. Once accepted onto a team, students will be given instructor permission to register for 1-2 credits a semester at the 300, 400, or 600 level. Each credit equals appoximately 45 hours of work (3 hours/week) for the semester.
4. Students are encouraged to grow from learner to leader on a team for multiple semesters. VIP teams have three course numbers for students to enroll in as they gain experience: URES 300, 400, and 600
5. Course credits currently mostly count as elective credits. Talk to your advisor or department chair to explore how they might count as a research experience for your degree program. If additional credit hours are a financial barrier to students joining a team, there are funds available to cover the costs of these credit hours. Questions? Email sdur@ksu.edu.

VIP Team Enrolling for Fall 2026:

The inaugural VIP Team, Groundwater Quality Geopaths led by Dr. Matt Kirk and Dr. Helene Avocat, is enrolling now for Fall 2026.

This VIP team will:

• Explore groundwater quality in private wells in Kansas
• Collect groundwater samples and analyze their chemical and bacterial compositions
• Analyze data to show regional trends, and share findings at local conferences

Who should join?

• Students interested in water quality and data analysis.
• Students who are passionate about protecting the health and environment of Kansans.

If you are interested in joining the Groundwater Geopaths VIP team, complete the student interest form.

Questions?

Email sdur@ksu.edu.