Summer Research

Research Fellowships for Wesleyan Undergraduates

We are pleased to announce the 2025 summer program for research in the sciences. The program will run Monday, June 2 to Friday, July 25, 2025, and is open to First Years, Sophomores and Juniors currently enrolled at Wesleyan University.

Wesleyan science faculty members serve as mentors for independent student research in their laboratories. To complement the research experience, the summer program also includes weekly seminars and workshops, a closing symposium, and various social events. 

Students in groups under-represented in the sciences, including women, are especially encouraged to take advantage of this summer research opportunity.

If you need help identifying or approaching a faculty mentor, please visit our page on how to get started. 

Application Information

  • The application for Summer 2025 is now closed.
  • You will be asked to provide:
    • A short essay describing your research interests, any previous experience, and how a summer research experience relates to your academic and professional goals (500 words)
    • A draft title of your proposed independent research project
    • A concise description of your proposed independent research project (300 words)
    • A copy of your Academic History (unofficial transcript)
    • The name, department, and email of your proposed faculty mentor
  •  Faculty mentors will be asked to complete a reference form supporting your proposal

The application is due on Friday, March 7, 2025. Awards will be announced in early April.

Research in Science Summer Fellows receive two lump-sum payments for a total of $5000 to aid in the pursuit of study and research. It is expected that all summer students will dedicate their time to their project and studies and will not take on part-time employment during the summer program.

The Research in Science Summer Program is an in-person on-campus research experience. In a small number of select cases, research may be done remotely if required and strongly advocated by the faculty mentor. In many cases, research cannot be conducted virtually. 

Please refer to the FAQ for more information. Any additional questions may be sent to scienceresearch@wesleyan.edu. 

College of Integrative Sciences Majors

The College of Integrative Sciences (CIS) supports student research that emphasizes interdisciplinary and integrative approaches.  CIS offers summer science Fellowships to all CIS majors.