Timeline

The research fellowship program spans four years, with a structured approach to developing research skills and transitioning to independent projects. See how our fellows progress from their first year to becoming independent researchers in their senior year.

Program Structure:

Year 1: Recruitment and Introduction

Fall semester: Students are recommended by SFS faculty (including Proseminar professors) and can self-apply through GMS.

Spring semester: Applications are submitted and reviewed by a faculty selection committee. Six freshman students are selected and paired with faculty mentors. The new cohort is hired and provided with an orientation by Mortara Center staff.

Year 2: Research Skills Development

Students deepen their relationship with their faculty mentor and gain more advanced, topic-specific research skills. Practical research experience is supplemented by skills workshops as needed.

Year 3: Semi-Independent Research

Fall semester: Students begin developing individual research questions for future independent research during their senior year while continuing to work closely with their faculty mentor on other research tasks.

Spring semester: Students perform research tasks as assigned and begin independent research projects. Faculty and students will work together to balance the workload between both projects.

Year 4: Independent Research

Fall semester: Students focus exclusively on their independent research projects.

Spring semester: Students present their research at the annual symposium and other venues, complete a written product, and are encouraged to publish their work in undergraduate journals.

Throughout the 4 years: workshops to develop research questions, community of research with other fellows and the broader Mortara community.