Supported by funding from The Fletcher-Jones Foundation and The Kenneth T. and Eileen L. Norris Foundation, Science Scholars awards provide research and scholarship opportunities to Occidental’s best students in the fields of biochemistry, biology, chemistry, cognitive science, computer science, geology, kinesiology, mathematics, physics and psychology (neuroscience emphasis).

Read more about the 2023-24 Science Scholars!

The Fellowship

Science Scholars are expected to:

  • participate in part-time research activity (ten hours per week) during the Junior Year Spring semester,
  • participate in full-time research activity for ten weeks during the Summer following Junior Year,
  • participate in part-time research activity (ten hours per week) during their Senior academic year, and
  • prepare interim reports after Spring [junior], Summer [rising senior] and Fall [senior], and a final report for the Foundation in May of their senior year.

All research activities are expected to take place under the supervision of a faculty member at Occidental College.

The Science Scholars will receive:

  • Spring Junior year: study grant of $2,000
  • Summer after Junior year: study grant of $6,000, free on-campus housing and meal plan. 
  • Senior academic year:  study grant of $4,000
  • $3,000 Budget for research expenses and professional travel

The academic year study grant may affect Scholars' eligibility for loan and work-study programs.

Eligibility

The program is open to current Juniors conducting research projects in biochemistry, biology, chemistry, cognitive science, computer science, geology, kinesiology, physics, or psychology (neuroscience emphasis) under supervision of an Occidental College faculty in one of these disciplines. 

Students planning to study abroad or away from campus during the grant period are not eligible.

Application

Science Scholars are selected by a committee consisting of the Chairs of the specified science departments. Applications are evaluated in two rounds, students chosen as finalists will be invited to interview with the committee in January.  

Applications will be evaluated on the basis of: 

  1. the quality of the scientific proposal and prospects for the candidate to make a scientific contribution by the conclusion of the funding; 
  2. the strength of support from the proposed research mentor;                     
  3. and the candidate's potential for leadership in science in their future career beyond Oxy.

Interested candidates should discuss the application with their research mentor or Clair Morrissey (Faculty Director, Undergraduate Research Center). 

Applications due November 14, 2023 by 5:00 pm

Contact Undergraduate Research Center
Library

2nd floor, Old Wing, Room 253A