Posner Research Program
The Posner Research Program gives rising WCAS sophomores the opportunity to engage in research projects under the guidance of Northwestern faculty members during the summer after their first year. Posner research projects will be focused on the humanities and the social sciences (non-laboratory research). Students who are among the first in their family to attend college or who attended high schools with limited AP offerings are especially encouraged to apply. No previous research experience is necessary!
What will I do in the Program?
Students selected for the program will take a WCAS Writing Seminar in the winter quarter taught by Professor Zach Nissen, a WCAS College Adviser and faculty in the Anthropology Department. In Professor Nissen's course (Social Sciences and Humanities Research Preparation), students will learn how to develop an effective research question, explore relevant archives, and write an Undergraduate Research Grant for a research project in the social sciences and humanities. Students will also work with Professors Nissen and Luke Flores to identify and contact a suitable faculty mentor to advise them on their summer research project. After completing the writing seminar, students will collaborate with their faculty mentor to decide on the details of their project and the role of the student. The student will then submit a final Summer Undergraduate Research Grant to WCAS by May 1, 2025.
Students awarded a Posner Summer Fellowship will spend eight weeks of the summer working full-time on a research project with their faculty mentor. The tentative dates for the research experience is June 23 to August 15, 2025. Fellows must commit to the full eight-week period of research, living on campus, and they may not enroll in summer school or be otherwise employed, including internships, during the research period. Students who enroll in summer classes during the program will be reported for an academic integrity violation.
Each Posner Fellow receives support (which includes free on-campus housing and a stipend) to cover research and living expenses for the eight-week period. The stipend will be paid in a single payment at the end of June. They will also be invited to share their research findings at the Arch Scholars Poster Presentations in the Fall quarter of 2025.
How do I apply?
Eligible students (first-generation and lower-income college students and those who attended high schools with little or no AP preparation) may indicate their interest by filling out this form before October 31. Professor Luke Flores will follow up with you to arrange a meeting to discuss your research interests. IMPORTANT: Posner is only open to first-year WCAS students. If you have any questions, please contact Professor Luke Flores.