2025-26 Research Fellowships

Completed summer 2025, fall 2025, and spring 2026 applications due February 24, 2025. Application will open in January 2025.

The Bailey College of the Environment (COE) Research Fellowship Program allows current Wesleyan undergraduate students to undertake research on environmental topics under the guidance of a faculty mentor during summer OR fall or spring semesters. The projects must relate to any of the broad themes covered by environmental studies and the Bailey College of the Environment. The scope of environmental topics is intended to be interpreted broadly; research may be undertaken using techniques, approaches, and paradigms from all majors or major programs. Fellowships are available to all current Wesleyan first-years, sophomores, and juniors, regardless of major or intended major, and may be undertaken at Wesleyan or off-campus. Students must be current Wesleyan undergraduate students for the duration of the opportunity.

Some examples of Bailey COE-supported research opportunities might include: investigating organic farming in California, conducting research in a science lab at Wesleyan, undertaking an environmental justice art project in Costa Rica, writing an environmental-themed play, or researching the economics of a carbon tax. Read about some of our past research fellowship recipients!

The Bailey COE research fellowship program runs from June 2 through July 25, 2025. Summer research fellows will receive a total of $5000, paid in two sums (in May and July). Fall and spring semester fellowships run for the duration of the semester and typically involve working with a Wesleyan faculty member or a local organization. Fall and spring semester fellowships are paid at $17.50 per hour. Total amounts for fall and spring fellowships will vary based upon duration and hours per week spent on research. Fall fellowships may extend into the spring semester but spring fellowships must be completed in the spring semester.

Application Process: Please note that our application process is changing. Link to apply will go live at the beginning of the spring 2025 semester.

1. Complete 2025-26 Bailey COE Research Fellowship Application here
   Application link will be live at the beginning of the spring 2025 semester.
   
   
2. Submit two letters of recommendation via email
   The student application must include two short letters of recommendation: one from a Wesleyan faculty mentor, even if your research is off campus, and one from a second recommender. In addition to recommending the student, the Wesleyan faculty mentor must briefly (1-2 paragraphs) explain the project and its importance. Wesleyan faculty mentors can be found across the university and should have expertise in the student's area of study. For example, a student proposing a film project with an environmental focus could reach out to a member of the film faculty. All letters of recommendation must be delivered by February 24, 2025, via email to Laurie Kenney, administrative assistant, Bailey College of the Environment, at lkenney01@wesleyan.edu.

The applications, including statements by faculty mentor and second recommender, will be judged by the oversight and awards committee. Decisions will be announced prior to spring break. For further information, please contact Laurie Kenney at lkenney01@wesleyan.edu.