Summer Research Fellows
Program Overview
The Summer Research Fellowship is a nine-week, cohort-based experience for UW Bothell undergraduates pursuing research over the summer. The 2026 program runs from June 18 – August 14. Students are expected to be engaged in research throughout the summer term and able to attend weekly cohort sessions in person. All Fellows will receive $1500 to support their summer research, which can be paid out as wages or used to cover materials, supplies, or equipment related to their projects.
As a Summer Research Fellow, you will conduct 50 or more hours of mentored research in your field. You’ll also meet regularly with a cohort of undergraduate researchers to build community and develop key professional skills.
Through participating in this program, you will learn to:
- Navigate the mentor/mentee relationship with confidence
- Manage time in self-paced projects
- Communicate your research to different audiences
- Expand your network by building relationships with peers and professionals in your field
Who should apply?
Undergraduates of all years, majors, and experience levels in research are encouraged to apply.
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must have a UW faculty or staff mentor
- Enrolled as a student in an undergrad program at UW Bothell as of Spring Quarter 2026
- 2.75 GPA or higher
- Must be able to attend the SRF Kickoff Retreat (Thursday, June 18, 10am-2:30pm) and the weekly cohort workshops (Tuesdays from 2-3:30pm, June 23 – Aug 11)
Students graduating in Spring 2026 are not eligible.
Students graduating in Summer 2026 may apply, though preference will be given to students who will be enrolled for at least one quarter after the summer term.
Priority will be given to students who have not received prior research funding from the Office of Connected Learning. Applications close May 15, 2026 at 11:59pm.
Note for School of STEM applicants: Current STEM students can apply through this application OR through the STEM Undergraduate Research Scholarship application. Please ONLY apply to one. Recipients of either award will be considered Summer Research Fellows and will participate in cohort activities together. Please note that the STEM award requires enrolling in a 499 research for credit course, whereas this award does not.
Testimonials
“I genuinely appreciated the discussions that we were able to have as a whole group. Everyone was very willing and open to conversation and listening and participating helped me learn more about not just research, but also people skills and relationships.”
“I would absolutely recommend the Summer Research Fellows to a friend. The workshops provided information about a variety of topics that are useful for future research, making the most out of opportunities, and professional development that can cover many different careers and industries. The peer group that I was able to interact with was also fantastic and provided both networking opportunities and inspiration to see so many other strongly motivated students involved in many different types of fascinating research.”
“Summer Research Fellows in my view is marked most notably by the level of attention and mentorship provided by the program to each student. It’s great to feel like there are such supportive staff out there who truly care about all of the students and their success. Every exercise is thoughtfully crafted to ask students to bring their best to the program and encourage self-reflection and growth. There are no grades, no marks, etc. and yet the idea of improvement is so intrinsically motivating that the cohort manages to organically work hard towards the goals stated. The program also does a great job of meeting students where they are, regardless of background… Even this program alone has been a compelling reason for me to be happy with my choice to study at UW Bothell.”
FAQ
I can’t make the SRF sessions due to a class/work/family conflict. Can I still apply?
Participating in the summer kickoff (Thursday 6/18, 10-2:30pm) and the weekly cohort sessions (Tuesdays 2-3:30pm) is an integral part of the Summer Research Fellows experience. If you can’t commit to the sessions, you should not apply. Students who miss more than three sessions may have their award rescinded.
I want to apply, but I don’t have a research mentor.
Students must have a mentor to apply for the fellowship program. However, the Undergraduate Research program may be able to support you in connecting with a faculty or staff member who is looking for research support. Schedule an advising appointment in Navigate to learn more.
How many hours a week am I expected to commit to my research?
Each Fellow works with their mentor to develop a week-by-week work schedule for the summer. Most students commit between 5-10 hrs/wk throughout the summer term. All students must complete a minimum of 50 hours of research, though many end up completing more.
Can I receive credit for doing summer research?
Yes, you can receive credit if you enroll in a 498 or 499 course (independent study or directed research) with your mentor. You cannot receive credit for Capstone courses or core research courses like Investigative Biology. You are not required to be enrolled in summer courses or taking courses for credit to receive this award.
If you anticipate dedicating more than 50 hours to your research, you may be eligible to receive credit for additional hours worked. Your mentor will need to make arrangements with the Director of Undergraduate Research to document paid vs. for-credit hours.
