Summer science research at Calvin
Research opportunities
At Calvin, science comes alive as students partner with faculty to conduct research in biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering, geology/geography/environmental studies, mathematics/statistics, nursing, physics/astronomy and psychology.
Paid research fellowships are available each summer. In 2023:
- 81 students worked with 29 Calvin professors from nine departments.
- 43 research projects explored a wide variety of projects. Some examples: studying which mechanisms contribute to some autoimmune diseases, testing techniques to locate songbird nests, determining the effect certain proteins have on cellular activity, studying the malignant transformation of kidney tubule cells, monitoring social media using machine learning, evaluating a drinking water treatment method for Ethiopia, mapping and data analysis on the cleanup of contaminated sites across Michigan, evaluating activities designed to improve reproductive health management.
- Students received a $4600 stipend for 10 weeks of research.
- 30% of the projects were externally funded by grants from outside Calvin University
- 55% more were funded by private donors
Poster Fair
As a summer science research fellow at Calvin, you are required to participate in a special research exposition in the fall after your fellowship is completed. For the research poster fair, held in October, you should create a poster that illustrates your research work and be present at the poster fair to explain your research findings to passersby and guests.
View the Poster Fair websiteEligibility
Awards will be made to qualified students who will have completed their first, second or third year of undergraduate study and who are considering a career in the sciences or mathematics.
Preference will be given to those considering a career in research or teaching in those areas and to students who will be enrolled at Calvin in the fall semester.
Award details
Students will receive $4,600 based on up to 400 non-overtime hours (approximately 10 weeks) of research during the summer months, ending by August 28, 2024.
Requirements
Students must complete certain requirements common to all projects as part of a science summer fellowship. By accepting the research position, students agree to their completion.
2024 Funding for research fellowships
Inquiry-based learning reaches its pinnacle in scientific research. For this reason, Calvin University for many years has encouraged and arranged research opportunities for its students. One of these occurs during the summer when students work with faculty and receive salary support in the form of summer research fellowships. Fellowship funds come from a variety of sources. Some come from generous private donors who know or have experienced the importance of undergraduate research. Other projects are supported by various grants that faculty have obtained. These include grants from National Institutes of Health; the National Science Foundation; US Fish and Wildlife Service; Michigan Envoronment, Great Lakes, and Energy; and Michigan Space Grant Consortium. Still more funds are provided by Calvin University and by the Alumni Fund. All of these funding sources have the same goal: to enhance and expand inquiry-based learning opportunities for undergraduate students in the sciences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact Us
Address
STEM Division Office Calvin University, North Hall | Map 1740 Knollcrest Circle SE Grand Rapids Michigan, 49546-4402 USA
Primary contact
Phone: (616) 526-6200 Email: mnv3@calvin.edu
Student Ambassadors
Haleigh Bos: hib3@students.calvin.edu Audrey Tran: htt3@students.calvin.edu
Social Media:
Instagram: @calvin_stem