Dean’s Distinguished Fellowship 2027 | Spend Your Summer Doing Research
Turn your curiosity into a research project with the Dean’s Distinguished Fellowship, CEFNS’s premier undergraduate summer research experience. During Summer 2027, selected Fellows will spend 10 weeks working one-on-one with a CEFNS faculty mentor on an original research project.
Is the Dean’s Distinguished Fellowship for you?
You may be a good fit if you:
- Are a sophomore, junior, or senior in the College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences
- Are interested in exploring a research question
- Want to work one-on-one with a CEFNS faculty mentor
- Can commit to the 10-week Summer 2027 program
As a Dean’s Distinguished Fellow, you’ll receive:
- $11,000 in summer support
- One-on-one mentorship from a CEFNS faculty member
- Weekly Monday Mentor Lunches with other Fellows and faculty
- The opportunity to present your work at a summer research symposium
Applications open January 2027 and are due February 12, 2027. The best thing you can do now? Start connecting with a potential faculty mentor.
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What Could Your Summer Look Like?
As a Fellow, you’ll spend 10 weeks focused on a research question that interests you. You’ll work closely with your faculty mentor, develop hands-on research skills, connect with students and faculty across CEFNS, and share your work at the end-of-summer research symposium. The experience can help you prepare for graduate school, future research opportunities and your career after NAU.
How to Prepare
You don’t have to wait until applications open to get started.
This fall:
- Think about a topic or question you’d like to explore.
- Explore research happening across CEFNS.
- Find a faculty member whose research interests you.
- Reach out and ask about working together.
- Begin developing a research idea for your application.
You do not need to have everything figured out before contacting a faculty member. A conversation is a great place to start.
Important Dates
October–December 2026
Explore research opportunities and connect with a potential faculty mentor.
January 2027
Applications open.
February 12, 2027
Application deadline.
March 2027
Fellows selected.
Summer 2027
Spend 10 weeks conducting your research.
Summer Housing
Fellows are responsible for arranging and paying for their own housing during the 10-week program. Housing is not included with the fellowship. Selected Fellows will receive information about on-campus and off-campus summer housing options.
Ready to Get Started?
Your Summer 2027 research experience can start now. Find a faculty mentor, start exploring your research interests and prepare to apply in January.
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Questions?
Questions about the fellowship, eligibility or application process? Contact the CEFNS Dean’s Office at cefnsdeansoffice@nau.edu.
