Undergraduate Research Fellowship Opportunities
The College of Natural Sciences is excited to announce our annual call for summer and fall research fellowships to help undergraduate students gain hands-on experience in growing and emerging areas of study while getting paid to do impactful work. These fellowships are open to biology, biotechnology, human biology, microbiology, chemistry, biochemistry and physics majors and offer the chance to work closely with respected faculty mentors on cutting-edge research projects.
Each opportunity differs slightly, but you can expect to be paid up to $7,000 and potentially gain access to travel funds up to $1,000 to present your findings at a relevant research conference.
Note: Departmental fellowships are open to international students as well.
Submit your applications to the College of Natural Sciences by Feb. 27, 2026.
Email College of Natural Sciences if you have any questions.
Fellowships Available
Hoch Family Undergraduate Research Fellowship
Award: $6,000 fellowship + $1,000 travel stipend
Offered by the College of Natural Sciences, this fellowship supports three students with a preferred research focus in microbiology and/or biochemistry. Students will conduct research over summer and fall 2026.
Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics Department Research Fellowships
Award: $7,000 fellowship + some supply funds to help support project + travel funding may be available
- East Fellowship – Chemistry/Biochemistry Research
- Gales Fellowship – Physics Research
- Morris Fellowship – Chemistry Research
- Okken/Guss Fellowship – Chemistry/Biochemistry Research
- Tanaka Fellowship – Chemistry/Biochemistry Research
Application Process
The following materials need to be submitted via email to College of Natural Sciences with the subject line College of Natural Resources Research Fellowships Application.
- Cover page with the following information:
- Name of the student
- Major and year in program
- Research mentor’s name, designation and department
- Research mentor’s signature
- A two page application document with the following information:
- Motivation
- How did you become interested in obtaining research experience or conducting undergraduate research?
- How would this research experience help you in your career goals?
- Research project
- What is your research question?
- Why is it important to answer it? i.e., What social problem would it eventually solve and/or how would it advance the relevant research domain?
- What research activities would you conduct? What methods would you use? How would you analyze and interpret the results to answer your research question? How do you plan to share your results with the scientific community?
- State a brief timeline of your activities.
- Motivation
- Applicant’s unofficial transcript and major GPA.
- Applicant’s resumé that includes a description of cocurricular activities (not to exceed one page).
Evaluation Rubrics/Criteria
Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Feb. 27, 2026. Decisions will be announced by March 31, 2026.
- Motivation statement (20 points)
- The statement is well written (syntax, grammar, style).
- The statement clearly reflects the student’s goals and the value of the research experience to achieving those goals.
- Research project (60 points)
- The proposal is original:
- While mentor guidance is expected, it must be written by the student.
- The research is novel and not a repetition of previous work.
- The proposal is well written (easy to read and there is a logical flow of information).
- The importance of the research topic is clearly presented. The research question is relevant, demonstrates meaningful impact on an important issue and is well-justified.
- The research methods/approach are appropriate and described in sufficient detail to demonstrate an appropriate level of understanding.
- The research plan and timeline are feasible and of appropriate scope. Dissemination of the research findings is included within the research plan.
- The proposal is original:
- Student’s transcript(s) and extracurricular activities (20 points)
- The student’s grade-point average and courses taken indicating preparation and academic aptitude for excellence in research.
- Extracurricular activities indicating engagement, leadership and achievement.
- Previous experiences that indicate initiative, interest and aptitude for research.
Mentored by Darci Fink
Goal for research project: The goal was to develop a new model for inflammation-induced lymphangiogenesis, specifically in the mouse diaphragm, to observe the effects on valve formation.
What have you enjoyed most about the work you've done? "This fellowship allowed me to attempt an unprecedented, yet highly impactful, experiment within our lab. I was able to hone in on my dissection competence, actively contribute to the design of new staining protocols and manage crucial experimental calculations. This entire experience has furnished me with invaluable skills for both my academic path and personal growth."
Mentored by Volker Brozel
Goal for research project: The larger goal of this research project was to characterize a putative nitrogen-fixing species of Streptomyces that was isolated from natural grassland soil. This work is not only about extending our knowledge of soil biodiversity but also about uncovering novel mechanisms of metabolism. Because Streptomyces don’t contain genes typically associated with nitrogen-fixation (i.e., the nifHDK gene cluster) as evidenced through whole genome sequencing, the mechanism by which these isolates are able to grow on nitrogen-free media remains a mystery and may prove to be novel.
What have you enjoyed most about the work you've done? "The most enjoyable part about this research experience for me has been the novelty and creativity that it required. Streptomyces are highly complex bacteria with sophisticated secondary metabolism and a relatively large genome (11.5 Mbps for these isolates). They present challenges for culturing and nucleic acid extraction that I have had to generate creative solutions for. Additionally, in the exploration of alternative mechanisms of nitrogen-fixation, I have been able to utilize the newest in silico protein characterization tools available, significantly advancing my understanding of the field."
Mentored by Nicholas Butzin
Goal for research project: The overarching goal of this research is to understand how bacteria survive chemical stress through adaptive mechanisms. Such adaptation allows bacterial populations to persist under otherwise lethal conditions, contributing over time to the emergence of antibiotic resistance. Our study focuses on chemical stressors, including commonly used dye indicators and antibiotics, to gain a deeper understanding of these survival pathways. Ultimately, the long-term goal of this work is to inform the development of new strategies to combat hard-to-kill bacterial pathogens.
What have you enjoyed most about the work you've done? "I enjoyed the challenge and the excitement of unexpected discoveries. I began this project intending to use common dye indicators to study the effects of antibodies on bacteria but found that many of these dyes, although reported as nontoxic, are harmful to cells at standard concentrations. This unexpected finding led me to study epigenetic adaptation, a topic I knew little about at first but now find fascinating, especially how genetically identical cells can behave so differently under stress. The experience has shown me how curiosity and perseverance can lead to meaningful discoveries."
Mentored by M. Nurul Islam
Goal for research project: The goal is to do neurochemical research to find biomarkers in brain tissue for Alzheimer's disease.
What have you enjoyed most about the work you've done? "I have enjoyed applying familiar lab techniques and knowledge from courses I've taken to achieve my goal."
Mentored by Xiaojun Xian
Goal for research project: My research aims to develop an innovative 3D-printed electrochemical sensor array for real-time monitoring of drinking water quality. This is done with the eventual intent to develop these methodologies for other types of applications, such as sweat or saliva biomedical sensors.
What have you enjoyed most about the work you've done? "I really enjoy working on something that hasn't been done before, and I love that I'm learning new things every day! It makes me very excited that the work I do feels like it could truly leave an impact."
