Tolmas Scholars

Generously funded by the Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust

LSU New Orleans offers two flagship programs that introduce undergraduate students to research opportunities:

• Privateer Undergraduate Research & Scholarly LSU New Orleans Experience (PURSUE)—open to all disciplines
• College of Sciences Undergraduate Research Program (CoSURP)—open to science majors

Through these programs, undergraduates are awarded student worker positions with LSU New Orleans faculty members. As these programs are generously funded in part by the Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust, undergraduate students who receive these positions are known as "Tolmas Scholars."

Goals of PURSUE and CoSURP

1. Introduce all LSU New Orleans undergraduate students to research and creative inquiry: the search and discovery of new information through creative and scholarly works.
2. Provide the mechanisms for students to find faculty mentors.

If you have any questions, email the Center for Undergraduate Research & Creativity at [email protected].

Award

Tolmas Scholars are awarded student worker positions paying $15 per hour at a maximum of 10 hours per week. Students begin working in the spring semester and are expected to participate in InnovateLSU New Orleans following their initial award.

PURSUE awards allow for up to 100 paid hours of scholarly work starting in the spring semester.

CoSURP awards allow for up to 100 paid hours of scholarly work in the spring semester and another 100 hours in the fall.

How To Apply

1. Review the Eligibility Requirements listed below to ensure that you are eligible to apply.
2. Review the list of mentors.
3. The application period is closed.  
   Note: A single online application initiates consideration for both programs. However, only science majors are eligible for CoSURP awards. Only one award will be made per student.

All recipients will receive the title of "Tolmas Scholar."

Timeline

Eligibility

1. All currently-enrolled degree-seeking undergraduate students at LSU New Orleans in all academic disciplines are eligible.
2. Domestic and international students are eligible.
3. Students must identify a LSU New Orleans faculty research mentor on their application. 
4. Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 (minimum required to be hired as a student worker) 
5. During the semesters employed, students must be enrolled at least half-time: 6 hours during each Fall and Spring semester. If employed during the summer for PURSUE, you do not have to be enrolled.
6. LSU New Orleans requires all domestic student employees have a current, completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form on file with the University. The student will be reviewed for Federal Work-Study prior to being hired as a Budget student employee.
   1. Whether or not you qualify for federal work study has no bearing on your ability to be a Tolmas Scholar.
7. International students will need a Social Security number/card prior to being hired.
8. If you applied for a PURSUE or CoSURP award previously and did not receive an award, you are eligible to reapply.
9. If you received a PURSUE or CoSURP award previously, you are eligible to reapply. 
10. Note: The award period for the upcoming year will begin January 5, 2026, so if you are graduating in December 2025, you will be ineligible.

2026 Tolmas Scholars

2025 Tolmas Scholars

2024 Tolmas Scholars

2023 Tolmas Scholars

2022 Tolmas Scholars

2021 Tolmas Scholars

2020 Tolmas Scholars

2019 Tolmas Scholars

2018 PURSUE Award Winners