2026 Summer Training in Arts & Sciences Research (STAR) Fellowship Program

Department(s):

School of Arts & Sciences

The School of Arts & Sciences is pleased to announce that student applications are being accepted for the 2026 Summer Training in Arts & Sciences Research (STAR) Fellowship program. These fellowships will support current WPI sophomores and juniors who seek to conduct A&S research projects full-time for two months during the summer of 2026, with a faculty research mentor. These awards are generously funded by the A&S Advisory Board. Funding is competitive and limited.

To be funded, students must major in and 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.

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.

Deadline: Tuesday, March 17, 2026

Application Process

Students should start by discussing their interests with potential faculty research mentors. Once the student has identified a faculty research mentor and project, the student submits the following materials using the online application: 

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

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

Fellowship Award Details and Stipend

  • This is a full-time appointment for two months (students will negotiate start and end dates with their faculty research mentor).
  • The stipend is $6000 total: $3000 paid at the end of June; $3000 paid at the end of July.

Questions? Please contact Alicia Briggs in the Office of the Dean of Arts and Sciences at abriggs@wpi.edu.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the STAR Program help me find a faculty research mentor?

The Dean's office does not maintain a list of faculty research mentors or research projects. Students interested in applying for a STARs Fellowship should contact faculty in their degree program or home department to propose a research project.

Can a team apply for a STAR Fellowship?

While the STAR Fellowship Program typically supports individual students, students may submit team applications for consideration. If a team is awarded a STAR Fellowship, the team members must split the stipend. There are no exceptions.

I received a STAR Fellowship previously. Can I apply again?

Students who have previously received a STAR Fellowship are not eligible to reapply.

Are current freshmen eligible to apply for the STARs Fellowship?

No. Current freshmen are not eligible to apply for the STAR Fellowship. Eligibility is limited to current sophomores and juniors.

Can I apply to the STAR Fellowship Program if I am not an Arts & Sciences major?

To be eligible for a STARs Fellowship, students must major in and propose research 

I'm an international student. Can I apply for the STAR Program?

Yes. International students are eligible to apply for the STAR Fellowship.

What are the start and end dates for the STAR Fellowship Program

STAR Fellowships are a full-time appointment for two months over the summer. Students will negotiate the exact start and end dates as well as work schedule with their faculty research mentor.

Can students work remotely with their faculty research mentor?

Students can work remotely with their faculty research mentor. Students must ensure the description of their research project in their application explains how this would work.

Who can I contact with questions about my stipend payment?

Questions about stipend paperwork and payments can be directed to Alicia Briggs in The School of Arts & Sciences Dean's office (abriggs@wpi.edu).