MESA Fellows Summer Undergraduate Research

The MESA Fellows Summer Undergraduate Research program is designed to give students a safe space to explore and exercise new skills in collaboration with Sonoma State Faculty. This research experience allows students to engage with and implement a research project, which will enhance their major and career exploration. This opportunity will help students better understand the research process, analyze and interpret data, learn lab techniques, learn how to work independently, and gain more self-confidence. 

Eligibility: 

Students must be current undergraduate students in the MESA program. Students graduating this spring or summer are not eligible. Students must work with Sonoma State Faculty when conducting their research. 

Expectations: 

As a MESA Fellow, you can expect the following;

• A 10-week research project
• Regular check-ins with your Principal Investigator (Faculty Member)
• Bi-weekly check-ins with MESA Lead and other MESA Fellows
• Submit and present a final research poster at the MESA Fellows Summer Research Mini Symposium (Date TBD)
• MESA Fellows will work 25 hours per week for 10 weeks at $20.00/hour (Start Date: Monday, June 2, 2025, End Date: Friday, August 8, 2025)
• Principal Investigators will receive a $1000 stipend at the end of the summer. 
• Note: $250 is available for research materials 

MESA Fellows Summer Undergraduate Research application will open on Monday, March 10, 2025 and close on Friday, April 11, 2025. Please be on the lookout for the application form. 

Selected Projects:

Selected MESA Fellows will be notified via email at the end of April and announced at our End of Year event. In our selection of MESA Fellows, preferences will be given to the following applicants:

• First time applicants
• Students with no summer research experiences
• Students who have been a MESA member in Fall 2023 and earlier 
• Sophomore and Junior standing
• Students working with a faculty member within the School of Science & Technology 

FAQ:

• Do students need to come up with a new, original project? 
• - No! Students can join a lab where summer research is conducted or continue research from previous semesters. 
• What do I do if my preferred faculty member cannot support me this summer? 
• - Don’t give up. Ask another faculty member.
• Do I have to be in my Second or Third year? 
• - No! As long as you meet the eligibility, please apply!  
• Where do I do research? 
• - You will work this out with your faculty member. 

Summer 2024 Cohort