THE FELLOWS

FIRE Summer Fellows program enables a research-intensive 8-week summer experience. It is an optional component of the FIRE program and one that enhances a student's FIRE experience by providing them with extra opportunities to develop research and leadership skills during the summer.​

FIRE Summer Fellows work closely with their Research Educator and a small group of their peers on advanced research projects for their stream.  Students learn, test, and implement new research methodologies; develop new protocols; and pilot experiments for their stream.​

Each of our research streams has a small number of fellows every summer, so selected students get a highly personalized and mentored research experience. ​

By the end of the fellowship, FIRE Summer Fellows are naturally positioned to return to their FIRE research stream in following Fall as research leaders.

Fellows also become strong candidates for the FIRE Peer Mentorship Program.​

Due to space, mentorship, and stipend limitations, FIRE Summer Fellows positions are limited, and only about twenty percent of all eligible FIRE students become a summer fellow.

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Students who apply must demonstrate excellent research and leadership potential to be considered. Applicants will also be evaluated based on their demonstrated professionalism, reliability, and communication skills. 

FAQs

​​When is the fellowship?

FIRE Summer Fellows commit to 8 weeks of research over the summer.  The fellowship period lasts from June 1 to July 31, 2020.

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How many hours per week are required?

Students commit to either 12 hours per week or 18 hours per week.

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Is this a paid research position?

We are not able to offer paid positions to the students who participate in the FIRE Summer Fellows Program each year.

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We are able to offer modest stipends for both the 12 and 18-hour weekly commitment options.  Stipends are intended to help defray some costs of participation.

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Are all FIRE students eligible to apply?

Yes, any student currently enrolled in FIRE Semester 2 is eligible and encouraged.

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Are international students eligible?

Yes!

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Does FIRE provide housing?

We are not able to provide housing.  However, fellows can find on- and off-campus housing resources through UMD's Department of Resident Life and Off-Campus Housing Services, respectively.

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Do FIRE Summer Fellows need to be able to come to campus during the summer? ​

Yes, FIRE Summer Fellows need to be able to come to campus to perform the research engaged and attend professional development seminars. We are not able to offer this program remotely.

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Has COVID-19 impacted plans for summer fellowships?

Update: April 10, 2020

For Summer 2020, FIRE Summer Fellows will be replaced by FIRE Summer Scholars.