Duke University offers a great chance for undergrads to dive into research on social inequality through the Samuel DuBois Cook Center on Social Equity Undergraduate Summer Research Fellowships 2026. This program lets current Duke and Duke Kunshan University students work on real projects during the summer. Applications stay open until April 30, 2026, with reviews happening on a rolling basis.
The fellowship matches students with the Cook Center’s key areas. These include pillars like Educational and Economic Opportunity, Health Equity, and Carceral Justice. Students can also join cross-cutting themes such as systems and structures of inequality, public policy engagement, data science and methodological innovation, or training the next generation of scholars. This setup gives hands-on experience in studying inequality and its effects on society.
Key Responsibilities
Fellows help with active research projects in clear ways. They assist in tasks like data collection, literature reviews, or data analysis. This builds practical skills in social science research.
Students attend biweekly research team meetings, either in person or virtual. These sessions let them share updates, collaborate with post-baccalaureate and graduate mentors, and learn from others. Regular talks with mentors help track progress, hit milestones, and answer questions.
At the end of summer, fellows write a short summary of their work. This piece goes on the Cook Center website to share their experiences. It helps build a portfolio and connect with the broader community.
Time Commitment and Stipend
The program asks for about 14 to 19 hours per week on average. This covers meetings, research tasks, and preparing final deliverables. Fellows can choose one or both summer terms, which fits different schedules.
Payment comes as a stipend of $2,500 per summer term. If someone joins for both terms, it goes up to $5,000 total. This support covers time spent and encourages full focus on the work.
Who Can Apply
This opportunity targets current undergraduate students at Duke University or Duke Kunshan University. Applicants must plan to enroll in the Fall 2026 semester. They also need to be eligible to work in the U.S.
No prior research experience is required, but interest in inequality topics helps. The program suits students from any major who want to explore social equity issues.
How to Submit Your Application
Start by downloading the application form from the Cook Center site. Complete it with your details, interests, and any relevant background. Gather all parts into one PDF file.
Email the PDF to Tyson Brown at [email protected]. Copy Jill Powell on the message. Applications get reviewed as they come in, so apply early while spots last.
For full details, check the Undergraduate Summer Research Fellowships page. This program stands out for its focus on real-world impact and mentorship from experts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the fellowships?
Current undergraduate students at Duke University or Duke Kunshan University who plan to enroll in Fall 2026 and are eligible to work in the U.S. can apply. No prior research experience is needed, but interest in social inequality helps.
What is the time commitment for fellows?
Fellows commit about 14 to 19 hours per week on average, including meetings and research tasks. You can choose one or both summer terms to fit your schedule.
What stipend do fellows receive?
The stipend is $2,500 per summer term, so it totals $5,000 if you join both terms. This helps you focus on the research work.
How do I submit my application?
Download the form from the Cook Center website, complete it, and send one PDF to [email protected] with Jill Powell copied. Apply early as reviews are on a rolling basis until April 30, 2026.
Conversation
0 Comments