Undergraduate Research Opportunities

Undergraduate Research Programs

• The Program for Undergraduate Research

  The Bucknell Program for Undergraduate Research (PUR) is a University-wide program providing awards to students to conduct research, engage in other scholarship or undertake creative projects with faculty mentors during the summer. Students will receive $400 per week and on-campus housing during their PUR work, for up to 10 weeks.

  Learn more and apply

   

• Emerging Scholars Summer Research, Scholarship & Creativity Program

  The Emerging Scholars Summer Research, Scholarship & Creativity Program supports students in the early exploration of their research and scholarly interests and in developing their research skills, under the tutelage of a faculty mentor or mentors. 

  Learn more and apply

   

• Departmental Research Programs

  In addition to support available to students across the University, many departments offer their own funding for students majoring in or pursuing research in their fields. 

  Learn more and apply

   

• The Brawley Fund

  The Brawley Fund, named after Bucknell’s first African-American graduate, Edward McKnight Brawley, provides funds for student activities that promote learning outside of the classroom, such as research, internships and study-abroad opportunities. This fund also supports students who were underrepresented in these areas in the past. 

  Learn more and apply

   

• The Bucknell Institute for Public Policy Summer Research Student Fellowship

  The Bucknell Institute for Public Policy offers fellowship awards to enable students in the social sciences to have meaningful research experiences during the summer. Summer Research Student Fellowships include a $3,000 award to defray living expenses and fellows also qualify for on-campus housing at no charge.

  Learn more and apply

   

• McKenna Summer Environmental Fellowship

  The Katherine Mabis McKenna Foundation Summer Environmental Fellowship supports students from across majors who conduct environmental research, primarily but not exclusively with a focus on West Branch of the Susquehanna River, with stipends of $4,000 and summer on-campus housing. 

  Learn more and apply

   

• Engineering EXCELerator Program

  The Engineering EXCELerator program recognizes talented incoming engineering students who are interested in design, want to develop their skills in prototyping and fabrication, and want to get a head start in calculus and physics instruction. The five-week, on-campus program encourages applications from students who are admitted to the College of Engineering.

  Learn more and apply

   

• STEM Scholars Program

  The Bucknell STEM Scholars program recognizes talented prospective and current students who are interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields. The program encourages applications from all students — especially those from groups underrepresented in STEM fields, such as first-generation, low-income, multicultural and female students.

  Learn more and apply

   

• Bucknell Center for Sustainability & the Environment

  The Bucknell Center for Sustainability & the Environment (BCSE) offers an array of opportunities for students to conduct paid undergraduate research on themes of sustainability, place studies, the environment and other related subjects. Opportunities are available to work on research projects independently and in collaboration with faculty and BCSE staff, as well as for internships and projects that earn course credit. Students are welcomed from across majors, from the arts and humanities to the sciences and engineering.

  View current opportunities (login required)

   

• Digital Scholarship Summer Research Fellows

  Digital Scholarship Summer Research Fellows pursue independent research that is made possible by digital technologies or that takes advantage of technology to ask and answer questions in new ways. Rising sophomores, juniors and seniors from any major may apply. Selected students will receive mentorship from Library & Information Technology staff through the process of identifying a research question, understanding research methodologies and discovering resources. Fellowships include a $3,600 award to defray living expenses and fellows also qualify for on-campus housing at no charge.

  Contact: Carrie Pirmann at carrie.pirmann@bucknell.edu

  Learn more and apply

   

• Mellon Student Research (MSR) Grant

  The Humanities Center offers grants of up to $1,500 per project to support students who endeavor to engage in non-credit-bearing research projects in the Humanities.

  Funds are available only for reimbursable project expenses and may not be requested as a stipend. Examples of projects include: travel to an academic conference; organizing a film series; travel to an archive, library, or museum; hosting an ethnic food night; engaging in a service-learning activity; or inviting a speaker to campus.

  Learn more (look for the section labeled "Student Research Support")