The CELS Summer Research Fellowship program provides URI undergraduate students with opportunities to participate in ongoing research, education, or public outreach programs designed to address current environmental and/or societal issues.
Environmental and societal issues are complex. They demand expert problem solvers, adept at addressing emerging problems and implementing programs that draw on a range of disciplines and technologies. This requires skills acquired through both classroom/lab and research experience. The CELS Summer Research Fellowship Program bridges these two worlds to maximize opportunities for students by better preparing them to enter the job market with the industry training and professional skills needed to succeed.
Why become a CELS Summer Research Fellow?
- Gain experience in your field of study.
- Participate in various research and public outreach projects.
- Get hands-on experience in the ultimate outdoor classroom or lab.
- Present YOUR research at a scientific poster symposium.
- Network, Network, Network!
Fellowship Program Details:
- Fellows are matched with URI faculty working on research, education or an outreach project. Fellows also have the option to work with an outside company or organization.
- Summer portion of the Fellowship runs for 10 weeks from mid-May to the end of July.
- Fellows work 20-40 hours per week while receiving an hourly wage.
- Students from disadvantaged or underrepresented minorities in STEM as defined by the National Science Foundation (NSF) or the National Institutes of Health (NIH) are encouraged to apply, and might be eligible to participate in a cohort based program that includes housing, food and community.
- Fellows may be provided the option to continue research over the fall for 5-10 hours per week, while receiving up to 3 academic credit hours. This is based on research availability.
- During the Fall Semester fellows are required to take a 2-credit seminar course: EVS 366- Communicating Environmental Research and Outreach. This class guides students, in a step-by-step process, through the analysis and synthesis of their fellowship work.
- Program culminates with the CELS Research and Extension Fellowship Symposium where students present a scientific research poster reflecting the work they conducted over the summer.
Who Should Apply?
Interested undergraduate students in College of the Environment and Life Sciences, as well as other URI majors, who are in good standing with the University and enrolled full-time through December of the program year are encouraged to apply. Those students who demonstrate communication skills, work well with others, and express a willingness to engage in current research topics will be considered.