Drinko Center for Undergraduate Research

The summer undergraduate research fellowship program is intended to support the undertaking of research projects and creative activities performed by undergraduates at Westminster College under the supervision of Westminster College faculty during a four-week or six-week period anytime between May and August.

Applications for the 2026 program will open in the spring and will be due in late March. Each year during the spring semester, the Drinko Center hosts two sessions with more information for students interested in the program. Check back in January for more information about the 2026 program, information sessions, and application! 

Drinko Summer Fellowship Information Session -- Mid-February. Meet with Dr. Lackey and students from multiple disciplines across campus who have received fellowships in previous years, learn about their projects, and get your questions about the program answered! 

Drinko Summer Fellowship Application Workshop -- March (usually about two weeks before applications are due). Work with Dr. Kristianne Kalata on your application to this year's program to make the strongest case for yourself that you can! 

Funding: Individuals selected for the competitive Drinko Center Summer Research Fellowship Program will be provided the following compensation:

• Stipend for the undergraduate student $2,000 (four weeks) or $3,000 (six weeks)
• Stipend for the faculty mentor $1,000 (four weeks) or $1,500 (six weeks)
• On-campus housing for four or six weeks (Students who elect to live off-campus are not eligible for housing funds.)

Eligibility: The student must be currently enrolled as a degree-seeking student and be in good academic standing at Westminster College at the time of the fellowship application. Students who will graduate in May are NOT eligible for this program.

Students must identify and contact a mentor who is a current Westminster College Faculty member in advance of submitting an application. A mentor must agree to support your application, help you to develop and define a research project, and assist you in the writing of the research proposal.

Conditions: Students and Faculty selected to receive a summer research fellowship are subjected to the following conditions:

• During the Summer Fellowship Period:
  • Students must meet with their Faculty mentors a minimum of twice a week and keep a record of each of their meetings.
  • Students must write a summary of their project progress to be submitted to the Drinko Center no later than the first day of classes of the fall semester following the summer they completed their fellowship.
  • Students must complete the program evaluation form no later than the first day of classes of the fall semester following the summer they completed their fellowship.
  • Faculty must complete the program evaluation form no later than the first day of classes of the fall semester following the summer they completed their fellowship.
• Post Fellowship Period: 
  • Student fellowship recipients are required to present at the Professional Networking Symposium in the fall semester following their summer research experience.
  • Student fellowship recipients are required to participate in the Undergraduate Research & Arts Celebration in the academic year following their summer research experience.