LAS Announces New Summer Fellowship Program

By Trish Blattenberger

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences has established the Summer Undergraduate Research and Artistry Fellowship Program. The purpose of the program is to provide excellent students with the means to conduct summer research and creative activity within their chosen fields of study. “Most of our students face the real dilemma of choosing between an unpaid experiential learning assignment and a low-paying summer job to help finance their college expenses,” explained LAS Dean Dr. Christopher Jones.  According to Jones, “This program will eliminate the dilemma by removing the financial barrier.”

The College’s faculty and leadership believe that meaningful, mentored summer research and creative experiences will significantly enhance a Bradley education. The goal of the program is to facilitate opportunities for LAS juniors and seniors who are returning in the fall semester, to conduct serious, in-depth research and creative productivity.  Under the guidance of a dedicated faculty mentor, fellowship recipients will be able to lay the foundation for an exceptional senior thesis or capstone project.  “Giving students the opportunity to conduct research and creative activities beyond the classroom and the standard academic year, will allow them to leave Bradley with strong and transferable intellectual and practical skills that will lead to fulfilling careers,” said Jones.

Dean Christopher Jones worked with Associate Vice President for Advancement, Alison Morrissey, to develop the proposal and secure the funding for the program.  Their efforts yielded enthusiastic support from Department of Psychology alumnus and former Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) director, Dave Brant ’70.  While Brant spent some research time in the rat lab during his time on the Hilltop, he described it as “nothing comparable to the summer program you’re building.”  He said it was important to him to provide the financial support because, “The more ‘real life’ exposure an undergraduate can get, the better it is for his or her longer term career choices and direction.” He wanted to make a contribution that would allow students to “apply ideas, questions and insights from the classroom to an existing challenge. It is a unique opportunity to learn, impact and contribute.”

A student will receive a $4,500 stipend for the fellowship. The program guidelines provide more information about eligibility and the selection process. The application deadline for Summer 2016 is April 11th.  

One fellowship will be awarded for Summer 2016, with the goal of expanding the program to include additional fellowships in the future. If you are interested in supporting a student’s summer research or creative experience, please contact LAS Director of Development, Carla Payne. Student and faculty questions about the program may be directed to LAS Associate Dean of Engaged Learning, Dr. Derek Montgomery.