Department(s):

School of Arts & Sciences

The School of Arts & Sciences is pleased to announce that student applications are being accepted for the 2025 Summer Training in Arts & Sciences Research (STAR) Award program. These fellowship stipends will support current WPI sophomores and juniors who seek to conduct A&S research projects full-time for two months during the summer of 2025, with a faculty advisor. These awards are generously funded by the A&S Advisory Board. Funding is competitive and limited.

To be funded, students must propose research projects in one of the arts & sciences disciplines (this includes all majors and programs under the A&S departments, including robotics engineering).

STAR Fellows will participate in summer professional development workshops with other WPI summer undergraduate researchers, present a poster at a summer research showcase, and conduct a presentation as part of WPI’s Fall A&S Week. Recipients will be asked to sign a letter of commitment outlining student responsibilities for the fellowship prior to their appointment.

Eligibility:

All current WPI sophomores and juniors who are pursuing a major in a department or program in the Arts & Sciences are eligible for these fellowships. Students who were previously awarded a STAR Fellowship are not eligible to reapply.

Deadline:

Applications are due by March 18, 2025. Click here to apply.

Application Process

Students are responsible for proposing a research project. Students should start by discussing their interests and project ideas with potential faculty mentors with expertise in that research area. Once the student has identified a research mentor and project, the student submits the following materials (PDF only please!) using the online application:

  • Brief description of the research project and how this work fits into your academic plan or career goals
  • Brief personal statement on your relevant experience (including course work, independent study, or projects that show your ability to work through open-ended questions)
  • Resume
  • Letter of support from faculty mentor for the proposed research project
  • Other supporting materials (optional, PDF only).

The brief descriptions of the proposed research project and the applicant’s relevant experience should each be limited to 500 words or fewer.

Award Details and Stipend

  • This is a full-time appointment for two summer months (students will negotiate start and end dates with their mentor).
  • The stipend is $6,000 total: $3,000 paid at the end of June; $3,000 paid at the end of July.

Questions? Please contact Rebecca Ouellette in the Office of the Dean of Arts and Sciences at raouellette@wpi.edu.