Institute at Brown for Environment and Society

Voss Fellows Program

A funded opportunity for Brown undergrads to pursue independent research on climate, sustainability, or the environment

Voss Research Fellowships

Applications are currently closed and will reopen in early 2027

The Voss Fellowship Program is the premier training and funding opportunity for undergraduates interested in environmental research at Brown University. Open to rising juniors and seniors in any concentration, the fellowship awards a large stipend and provides research funds to support independent projects. Students from fields in the physical, life, and health sciences, the social sciences, and the humanities who wish to pursue research that addresses climate, environmental, or sustainability challenges are encouraged to apply. 

The fellowship period is one year. During the summer, Voss Fellows conduct at least 10 weeks of research under the mentorship of a Brown University faculty member. During the fall and spring semesters, Fellows attend IBES-led seminars that offer professional development opportunities and build communication, leadership, and engagement skills. Fellows present their research findings at the IBES Undergraduate Research Showcase in the spring semester.

Voss undergrad fellows spotlights

Kassalow, an Environmental Sciences & Studies concentrator on the conservation science and natural systems track, analyzes samples of parasitic worms found in tropical mammals to expand a scientific database for use by researchers.
Read Article
Gatesi, an Engineering Physics and ENVS concentrator, is researching “the most promising alternative” to standard lithium ion batteries by manipulating Lithium Lanthanum Zirconium Tantalum Oxide (LLZTO) to be more sustainable.
Read Article
Members of the 2025-2026 Voss Undergraduate Fellowship cohort have shared their research with local audiences through the Conversations in Science series at Providence’s Hamilton House.
Read Article
Urban Studies and Mathematics concentrator Rafael Ash ’26 is investigating how communities in Jakarta, Indonesia, and Warren, Rhode Island, adapt to their rapidly changing environments through democratic planning, local partnerships, and managed retreat strategies.
Read Article

Funding

  • $5,000 stipend (domestic projects), $6,500 stipend (international projects)
  • $2,000 for research expenses
  • Department Summer Earnings Waiver (DSEW) awards for students who qualify

Eligibility Criteria

Expectations

Submission guidelines