Rise Science Fellowship

With guidance from a Principle Investigator at the outside institution, Rise Science Fellows will conduct their research away over an 8 to 10 week period in the summer, away from Kenyon's campus. At the end of the summer, they will submit an abstract of approximately 200 words describing the project and results. Additionally, like other Kenyon Summer Science Scholars, Rise Science Fellows will present their results at a research poster session during Family Weekend in October.

Students with research experience are encouraged to reach out to their current research advisor (if engaged in on-campus research) for possible off-campus collaborations. Alternatively, if they have acquired an off-campus opportunity independently, the student could speak with a faculty mentor in their field or with the program directors, Drew Kerkhoff or Kerry Rouhier. To apply for the Kenyon Science Fellowship, the student must then prepare the following materials:

• A research proposal that includes a description of the project/research area accessible to a general scientific reader, evidence of previous research experience, and a statement on how the proposed project extends or relates to previous research experience(s) (1000-2000 words).

• A brief endorsement letter from a faculty advisor in the relevant department at Kenyon who can verify the quality of the off-campus program.

• A letter of support from the host PI acknowledging that the student will receive research support and mentorship over the summer.

Once the student has collected all of these materials, they can be uploaded (as pdf documents) through the application form.

The Rise Science Fellowship program is intended to provide experienced research students with unique and intensive research opportunities that would otherwise go unpaid and/or are unavailable on campus . Thus, applicants must be able to demonstrate previous research experience, equivalent to the Kenyon Summer Science Scholars experience or a similar undergraduate research program. Students must also be declared majors in one of the applicable departments, and they must be in good academic standing at the college. Students or faculty with questions about student eligibility should contact the program directors, Drew Kerkhoff and Kerry Rouhier.

Up to three Rise Science Fellowships will be awarded based on the following criteria:

• The demonstrated experience, research potential and qualifications of the applicant.

• The quality of the off-campus opportunity and how it advances the applicant's research interests.

• Considerations of disciplinary and student diversity, equity and inclusion.

First generation students and students from groups underrepresented in the natural sciences are especially encouraged to apply.

Awardees will receive a $4750 stipend, which includes travel/housing expenses for the 8-10 week duration of their project.

Each Rise Fellow will also be provided with up to $750 in support of travel and registration expenses to present their research at a professional meeting.

Fellows who complete all requirements of the program and who are endorsed by their faculty mentor will receive audit credit on their transcripts for this summer research experience. Students unable to complete all requirements must make alternative arrangements if they wish to receive credit.