The College of Human Ecology (CHE) provides $6,000 stipends to CHE undergraduates who will be involved in full-time research with a CHE faculty member for eight weeks during the summer of 2026. 

Students must be available for a full-time, 8-week summer research position. Simultaneous enrollment in courses is not permitted. Students must participate in weekly reflection activities during their summer research experience. Students are required to submit a letter to alumni donors, if relevant. Faculty members must provide on-site supervision during the student’s 8-week summer research experience.

Eligibility

All CHE undergraduate students may apply provided that they have a CHE faculty research advisor, are in good academic standing, and will be enrolled as CHE undergraduates in the 2026 spring and fall semesters. Both the student and the faculty member must be in the College of Human Ecology. Students who have previously received a Human Ecology funded summer stipend are not eligible to apply.

Application

The priority deadline for 2026 applications is Friday, February 20th at 5:00pm. Applications received after the priority deadline will be reviewed on a rolling basis pending availability of funding.

To apply, students and their faculty mentors must both submit applications:

• Student Application
• Faculty Application

Both must be submitted for the application to be complete. (Note: The "Apply" button below links to the student application only. Faculty mentors should use the separate faculty application link above.)

Students should work with their faculty mentor to prepare the 2-3 page proposal, and the faculty member must review and approve the proposal before it is submitted.

Student Application Preview

1. Student information and background questions
2. Proposal (about 2-3 pages) written for academic reviewer outside your field that provides the following information:
   • Project title
   • Objectives and significance
   • Brief review of literature
   • Methodology (provide detail adequate to evaluate quality and probability of completion; indicate status of any necessary compliance trainings or approvals - e.g. IRB - to proceed with the work.)
   • Timeline and current stage of research
   • Budget and funding sources for research project expenses (other than the stipend)
3. Personal statement (not to exceed 1 page) articulating how the research project relates to your academic goals and career plans. Indicate your prior experiences in research and if the summer research is related to an honors project.
4. Unofficial copy of Cornell transcript
5. Do you now have or have you previously received a financial award (such as a stipend, fellowship, grant, or financial aid) from Cornell for your own support to conduct research while an undergraduate student? You do not need to report paid employment. If yes, please describe the source, date, and amount of this award.
6. Resumé

Faculty Application Preview

1. Faculty information and background questions
2. Questions about the student and proposed project:
   • I enthusiastically endorse this student’s application. It is a high quality project that is feasible for this student to complete in an 8-week summer research experience. [Yes/No]
   • Other than the student’s stipend, I will provide the funding, accesses, permissions, and any other resources that are necessary to complete the project as planned. [Yes/No]
   • I will be responsible for assuring that the student and the project meet all University compliance requirements, such as for travel, IRB, safety, animal use, etc. [Yes/No]
   • I will mentor this student directly and provide supervision for the full time, 8-week experience. [Yes/No]
   • Is this student currently working with you? [Yes/No]
     • If YES, please briefly describe the nature of this student’s work and comment on his/her stage of development in research, such as research skills and intellectual contributions.
     • If NO, please explain how you know this student and why you feel that they would be a strong undergraduate researcher.
   • How does the proposed project relate to your own work? Describe the student’s intellectual involvement in the proposed project.
   • Is this student interested in pursuing an honors program? If yes, are you likely to become the thesis advisor
   • How does this student compare with other undergraduate researchers you have mentored in terms of promise and performance in research?
   • Briefly describe how you will directly mentor the student and provide supervision for his/her work during the 8-week full-time research experience.
3. OPTIONAL. Please add any other information that you think would help us evaluate this student’s application.