For further information on processes for hiring student researchers and resources to support student-faculty research, please visit the Undergraduate Research page.
To apply for student research partners, please use this form.
Support for Student Research Partners (SRPs)
The STEM Board and Office of the Provost administer several funds, most notably the Towsley Endowment, that provide financial support for Carleton students working with Carleton science and math faculty on campus (or in the field) during summer and over winter break. Awards fund student wages ($580/wk for full-time work in 2026, paid hourly at $14.50/hr) for up to 10 weeks (summer) or 3 weeks (winter break). Money for supplies and travel to support the research project is also available, up to $550 (summer) or $200 (winter break) per student. Note that students typically must work full time in order to qualify (i.e., they must not hold another job during the award period).
Typical summer awards are for 1-2 students per faculty member, funding approximately 18-20 students per summer. Priority is typically given to pre-tenure faculty, faculty exploring new areas of research/collaboration, faculty who could not otherwise support students with external grants or department funds, and faculty applying for external funding.
Who is Eligible?
All Carleton faculty, including visiting faculty and faculty on continuing appointment, are eligible to apply for SRPs. The Towsley Endowment is specifically used to fund student-faculty research in the following departments and programs: Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Cognitive Science, Computer Science, Environmental Sciences, Geology, Mathematics and Statistics, Neuroscience, Physics and Astronomy, Psychology, and Archaeology.
Deadlines
Winter Break Application Deadline: 5:00 PM on Monday, October 6, 2025; Awardees will be notified by Monday, October 27, 2025.
Summer Break Application Deadline: 5:00 PM on Monday, February 9, 2026; Awardees will be notified by Monday, March 2, 2026.