Student Information

Choosing a Project and Mentor

Tufts students interested in becoming Summer Scholars may approach any Tufts faculty member to discuss their interests. Professors who are interested in mentoring students have provided a list of potential research topics. This list will be updated regularly

Postings are updated regularly, but if you don't see what you want, don't wait! Contact a faculty member in your area of interest today in order to allow plenty of time to put together a competitive application.

Applicant Requirements

• All applicants must have a 3.0 GPA or greater at the time of application.
• All applicants must be a sophomore, junior, or senior at Tufts University during the 2013-2014 academic year. (Preference will be given to rising seniors who are planning to write a senior honors thesis. Rising juniors are also funded every year, and applications from exceptional rising sophomores will be considered.)
• All applicants must submit their application following the instructions presented in the application packet.
• All applicants must agree to the student expectations outlined in the application packet.

Application Deadline

Monday, March 4, 2013 by 12:00 Noon  Late applications will NOT be accepted.
Applications are due in Dowling Hall, Room 710,
or for applicants studying abroad only, to anne.moore@tufts.edu

Application Components (additional information provided in the application)

• Completed Application Form and signed Program Requirements agreement form
• Applicant's College Transcript(s)
• 1 -2 page Resume
• Project Description Essay (≤ 750 words)
• Biographical Essay (≤ 250 words)
• Letter of Collaboration, written jointly by the applicant and mentor
• Two Letters of Recommendation
  (at least one from a current Tufts faculty member; the mentor should not provide one of these letters)

Program Requirements

Employment & Coursework

The Summer Scholars Program is a full-time commitment, funded as such. Scholars may not be otherwise employed during their term of scholarship in any work (paid or unpaid) or grant position. Enrollment in 1 course directly related to the research project may be permitted with the express consent of the program. Any plans for Summer School should be detailed in the application.

Residency

• Scholars must be working at an approved location (or locations) for a minimum of ten (10) weeks between May 13 and September 1, 2013.
  • One of Tufts' four campuses (Medford/Somerville, Boston, Grafton, Talloires)
  • One of Tufts' official programs abroad
  • One of Tufts' affiliated hospitals and clinics (Tufts Medical Center, St. Elizabeth's, or Lahey Clinic)
  • Field work at location approved by the Interim Dean of Undergraduate Studies prior to application.
• Scholars are responsible for arranging their own housing. (Summer on-campus housing options in Medford/Somerville are available through the Office of Residential Life and Learning.)

Nature of the Research/Scholarly Project

• Research must be supervised by a Tufts faculty mentor.
• Research may be done in any field, although it is usually done in the applicant's major or minor field of study. A creative project undertaken with the guidance of a faculty advisor is acceptable.
• The applicant can join an on-going research project but must "own" part of it, even as a member of a research group or team.
• The summer research project involves written and oral presentations, including:
  • A written report on the results of the summer research to one’s mentor and to the Dean of Undergraduate Studies (3-5 pages)
  • Participation in a poster session sponsored by the Provost's Office and the Dean of Undergraduate Studies in the fall, and participation in the Tufts Undergraduate Research and Scholarship Symposium in the spring of 2014. (Scholars studying abroad are exempt from presentations.)

Amount of Award

• $3,500 stipend to support living expenses
• $1,000 student research budget
  • To be used on materials, travel, and other research expenses as deemed appropriate by the Program. A preliminary student research budget plan is part of the application.
  • May be used during the summer of research or to support related research prior to graduation, such as a senior thesis or other independent project. Receipts for reimbursement should be brought to Joanne Ferguson in Dowling 710.
• $1,000 in research funds for the supporting faculty/clinical mentor
  • These funds will be transferred directly into the mentor's research account, if tenure-stream.
  • If a scholar or faculty/clinical mentor is unable to carry out the research project approved by the Scholarship Committee, both parties will be expected to forfeit the financial grant.

   

APPLY  NOW!