Vackar

The VSS Program offers eligible students the opportunity to collaborate with faculty mentors on research projects during the academic year (Fall and Spring semesters). 

 Eligibility: 

• Undergraduate and master’s students from all majors in the Robert C. Vackar College of Business & Entrepreneurship.  
• Students with a junior-level classification and a GPA of 3.0 or higher. 
• We encourage highly-motivated, hard-working students interested in learning research skills to apply. 

• Submit your application by the deadline for full consideration. 
• Selected students and faculty will be notified within two weeks of the deadline. 
• Selected students are required to attend a mandatory basic research training and orientation. 
• Selected students receive a $1000 scholarship. 
• Selection is based on budget availability. 

• Work 10 hours per week on the research project. 
• Meet with your assigned faculty mentor at least once a week to discuss the project. 
• Perform assigned project tasks. 
• Attend at least two seminars on research methodologies and statistical/analytical tools. 
• Prepare a brief report of completed activities at the end of the fall and spring semesters. 
• Prepare and present a poster presentation at the end of the spring semester. 

Can students outside of the Robert C. Vackar College of Business & Entrepreneurship program apply to the VSS program? 
 At this time only students who are part of the program from Robert C. Vackar College of Business & Entrepreneurship (accounting, marketing, information systems, finance, economics, or management majors) may apply to the VSS program. 

If I am a freshman or sophomore, can I apply? 
 At this time, only juniors may apply to the VSS program. 

When is the deadline to apply for AY 2024-25?
  Monday, September 23, 2024

Do I need to identify a faculty member to work with before applying? 
No, you do not need to identify a faculty mentor before applying. After being selected for the VSS program, you will be matched up with a faculty mentor based on your major and interests. 

Do I need to have prior research experience to apply? 

You do not need prior research experience to apply to the VSS program. Selected students will take mandatory basic research training and orientation before beginning to work with their faculty mentors. 

Name: 
Dylan Van Brunt 

Major/Minor: 
Finance 

Assigned Advisor: 
Dr. Salvador Contreras 

Name: 
Kylah Cuellar 

Major/Minor: 
Accountancy 

Assigned Advisor: 
Mr. Michael Flores 

Name: 
Lisa Manoj 

Major/Minor: 
Accountancy 

Assigned Advisor: 
Dr. Andres Bello 

Name: 
Celine Salas 

Major/Minor: 
Finance 

Assigned Advisor: 
Dr. Edith Galy 

Name: 
Hector Lopez 

Major/Minor: 
Economics 

Assigned Advisor: 
Dr. Andre Mollick 

Name: 
Kevin Din 

Major/Minor: 
Economics 

Assigned Advisor: 
Dr. Omar Itani 

Name: 
Alvie Britton 

Major/Minor: 
Information Systems 

Assigned Advisor: 
Mr. Michael Flores 

Name: 
Gerardo Prado 

Major/Minor: 
Master of Business Administration (MBA) Student 

Assigned Advisor: 
Dr. Lei Wang 

Name: 
Duc Hoang Tran 

Major/Minor: 
MS in Business Analytics (MSBA) Student 

Assigned Advisor: 
Dr. AJ Singh 

Name: 
Kimberly Capuras 

Major/Minor: 
Master of Accountancy (MACC) Student 

Assigned Advisor: 
Dr. Akinloye Akindayomi 

Name: 
Colin Baus 

Major/Minor: 
Finance 

Project Title:  
Perceptions of local businesses in using Tik Tok and other micro video sites 

Faculty advisor: 
Michael Flores, Department of Marketing

Name: 
Larissa Ybarra 

Major/Minor: 
International Business/Information Systems 

Project Title: 
Bargain Hunting: Identifying Consumer Tendencies in Search of the Best Deal 

Faculty advisor: 
Professor Reto Felix, Department of Marketing

Name: 
Sid Perez 

Major/Minor: 
Accountancy 

Project Title: 
The vocational element in the art of accounting and the importance of exposing amateur students to it. 

Faculty advisor: 
Professor Akinloye Akindayomi, School of Accountancy

Name: 
America Prado 

Major/Minor: 
International Business   

Project Title: 
Two Designs, One Consumer: The Impact of Nutritional Labels on Consumer Food Choices 

Faculty advisor: 
Professor Edith Galy, Department of IBE

Faculty mentors in the Vackar Student Scholar Program inspire and guide undergraduate and graduate-level researchers. Faculty mentors receive a $1000 stipend to support their professional development and research needs while gaining access to motivated students as research assistants (RAs). 

The VSS program addresses the shortage of RAs in the PhD program, providing faculty with valuable research support. Being a VSS mentor is highly regarded by the college and is recognized through the annual review process. 

• Review faculty applications to ensure alignment with VSS program goals. 
• Provide a clear description of how you plan to engage the student in the research project. 
• Regularly meet with your mentees to monitor progress. 
• Guide mentees in the research and publication process. 

Who can apply to be a VSS faculty mentor? 

All interested full time faculty (both tenure-track and non-tenure track) are eligible to apply 

Do I need to identify a student to work with before applying to be a faculty mentor? 
 No, you do not need to identify a student to work with in advance. After being selected as a mentor for the VSS program, you will be matched up with a Vackar student scholar based on your area and interests. However, if there is a specific student with whom you would like to work, you may indicate this on your application.

Do I need to have a specific research project in mind before applying to be a faculty mentor? 

Faculty and students are free to select any research topic they would like to pursue. Students can be involved in an on-going research project or start a new project from scratch. Students can help with different activities including literature reviews, survey design, data entry and so forth.