Duke Cook Center 2026 Summer Research Fellowships
Are you a Duke University undergraduate interested in studying inequality? The Samuel DuBois Cook Center on Social Equity Undergraduate Summer Research Fellowships 2026 offer a great chance to gain real-world research skills. This program helps students explore topics like health equity and economic opportunity through hands-on work.
Program Overview
The Samuel DuBois Cook Center on Social Equity at Duke University runs this summer fellowship for current undergraduates. It focuses on the scientific study of inequality and its effects on society. Fellows join one of the center’s research areas, such as educational opportunity, health equity, or carceral justice. Other themes include systems of inequality, public policy, data science, and training new scholars. The goal is to give students practical experience in research while building connections with mentors.
This paid opportunity runs during the summer terms of 2026. It is open to students from Duke University and Duke Kunshan University (DKU). Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until spots fill up.
Key Responsibilities
Fellows take on several tasks to support research projects. They help with data collection, literature reviews, and basic analysis. They also attend biweekly team meetings, either in person or online, to share updates and work with mentors. Regular check-ins with research mentors help track progress and answer questions.
At the end of the summer, fellows write a short summary of their experience. This piece gets shared on the Cook Center’s website. These duties build skills in teamwork, communication, and research methods.
Time Commitment and Stipend
The program asks for about 14 to 19 hours per week on average. This includes meetings, research work, and preparing reports. Fellows can join for one or both summer terms.
The stipend is $2,500 for one term. If you commit to both terms, it goes up to $5,000. This support helps cover living costs during the summer.
Who Can Apply
This fellowship is for current Duke or DKU undergraduates. You must plan to enroll in Fall 2026 classes. Applicants need to be eligible to work in the U.S. No prior research experience is required, but interest in social equity topics helps.
Application Process
Start by downloading the application form from the Cook Center’s site. Fill it out completely. Gather all materials into one PDF file. Email it to Tyson Brown at [email protected]. Copy Jill Powell, the program manager, at [email protected].
The deadline is April 30, 2026, but apply early since reviews are ongoing. For full details, check the Undergraduate Summer Research Fellowships page. This is your chance to dive into meaningful research on social issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the Samuel DuBois Cook Center Undergraduate Summer Research Fellowships?
Current undergraduates from Duke University or Duke Kunshan University who plan to enroll in Fall 2026 and are eligible to work in the U.S. can apply. No prior research experience is needed.
What are the key responsibilities of fellows?
Fellows help with data collection, literature reviews, analysis, attend biweekly meetings, have mentor check-ins, and write a short summary at the end.
What is the time commitment and stipend?
The program requires 14 to 19 hours per week on average. The stipend is $2,500 for one term or $5,000 for both summer terms.
How do I apply for the fellowships?
Download the form from the Cook Center website, complete it, save as one PDF, and email to [email protected] with [email protected] copied. Apply by April 30, 2026, but earlier is better due to rolling reviews.