2026 Graduate Summer Research Fellowships

The Samuel DuBois Cook Center on Social Equity at Duke University invites applications from current Duke University graduate students for the 2026 Summer Research Fellowship. This program allows graduate researchers to receive mentorship, deepen their scholarship, expand their networks, and contribute to the Cook Center’s mission of advancing social equity.

Fellows will be connected to one of the Cook Center’s research pillars (e.g., Educational and Economic Opportunity, Health Equity, Carceral Justice) or cross-cutting themes—systems and structures of inequality; public policy engagement; data science and methodological innovation; and training the next generation of scholars.

As a Summer Fellow, you will work as part of a dynamic, multi-stage research group. This structure ensures that graduate students are integrated into a collaborative ecosystem, working closely with undergraduate students, post-baccalaureates, and postdoctoral fellows, all under the mentorship of senior faculty. This layered approach provides fellows with the opportunity to mentor students who are earlier in their academic careers, as well as receive mentoring from post-doctoral researchers and faculty.

Fellowship Details

  • Duration: Summer term fellowships are available
  • Stipend: $10,625.01
  • Location: Duke University, Durham, NC (hybrid and virtual options may be available).
  • Eligibility: Open only to current Duke University PhD students who are in good standing and will be enrolled for the Fall 2026 semester.
  • Coordination: Graduate fellows should coordinate with the DGS to ensure summer funding arrangements are compatible. 

Fellow Responsibilities

  • Research Assistance: Assist with ongoing research projects (e.g., data collection, literature reviews, or analysis and/or mentorship of undergraduates, if applicable).
  • Team Communication: Meet twice a week (in person or virtual) with the research team to discuss project updates and collaborate with post-doctoral and faculty mentors. In some instances, graduate fellows may also collaborate with and serve as near-peer mentors for undergraduate fellows. 
  • Progress: Maintain regular communication with research mentors (and mentees, if relevant) to track progress, milestones, and questions. 
  • Professional Development: Write a brief summary of your summer research experiences to share on the Cook Center website.
  • Download and complete the application linked below. 
  • Compile all materials into a single PDF and email them to Tyson Brown (tyson.brown@duke.edu), copying program manager Jill Powell (jill.e.powell@duke.edu). 
  • For priority consideration, submit by March 31st; however, applications will continue to be reviewed on a rolling basis through April 30, contingent on the availability of positions.

 

2026 Undergraduate Summer Research Fellowships

The Samuel DuBois Cook Center on Social Equity at Duke University invites applications from current Duke University (and DKU) undergraduates for the 2026 Summer Research Fellowship. This program is designed for students eager to gain hands-on experience in the scientific study of inequality and its social consequences.

Fellows will be connected to one of the Cook Center’s research pillars (e.g., Educational and Economic Opportunity, Health Equity, Carceral Justice) or cross-cutting themes—systems and structures of inequality; public policy engagement; data science and methodological innovation; and training the next generation of scholars.

As a Summer Fellow, you will work as part of a dynamic, multi-stage research group. This structure ensures that undergraduates are integrated into a collaborative ecosystem, working closely with post-baccalaureates, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows, all under the mentorship of faculty. This layered approach provides fellows with diverse perspectives on the research process and a clear view of various academic and professional career stages.

Fellowship Details

  • Duration(s): Summer Term 1 (May 13 to June 25) and/or Summer Term 2 (June 29 to August 10)
  • Stipend: $2,500 per summer term (up to $5,000 if engaged for both terms)
  • Location: Duke University, Durham, NC (hybrid and virtual options may be available).
  • Eligibility: Open only to current Duke University (and DKU) undergraduate students who will be enrolled for the Fall 2026 semester and are eligible to work in the U.S..

Fellow Responsibilities

  • Research Assistance: Assist with ongoing research projects (e.g., data collection, literature reviews, or analysis).
  • Team Communication: Attend biweekly (in person or virtual) research team meetings to discuss project updates and collaborate with post-baccalaureate and graduate mentors.
  • Progress: Maintain regular communication with research mentors to track progress, milestones, and questions. 
  • Professional Development: Write a brief summary of your summer research experiences to share on the Cook Center website.
  • Expected Time Commitment (recommended): Fellows should plan to devote approximately 14–19 hours per week (on average) to fellowship activities, including meetings, research tasks, and preparation of deliverables.
  • Download and complete the application linked below. 
  • Compile all materials into a single PDF and email them to Tyson Brown (tyson.brown@duke.edu), copying program manager Jill Powell (jill.e.powell@duke.edu). 
  • For priority consideration, submit by March 31st; however, applications will continue to be reviewed on a rolling basis through April 30, contingent on the availability of positions.