The Rice Advanced Materials Institute (RAMI) announces that applications are now open for its Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program. This paid 10-week summer research program at Rice University offers undergraduate students the opportunity to engage in advanced materials research through hands-on projects under the mentorship of esteemed faculty members, while collaborating with peers and interacting with the wider scientific community. The Fellowship is designed for undergraduate students to broaden their scientific knowledge and prepare them for a successful professional career. We invite highly motivated undergraduate students to apply and be a part of the future of materials innovation.
The undergraduate research fellows will work on a materials science-focused research project assigned by the mentoring faculty. The projects will cover topics related to RAMI core research themes. Interested students should connect with RAMI affiliated faculty members to explore potential projects for the summer program. Prior connection with and a letter of nomination, support, and commitment from a current Rice faculty member is required. While some connection and commitment are required to ensure successful placement of students, priority will be given to supporting students undertaking their first research experiences. The program requires at least a ten (10) week commitment during the summer period – the specific timing can vary based on student and research group needs and schedules (i.e., 10 weeks between May 4 and Aug. 21, 2026). RAMI plans to support ~10 students during summer 2026.
FUNDING
RAMI undergraduate research fellows will receive a stipend of $7500 ($750/week). Additionally, $1000 will be made available at the end of the 10-week session as a one-time stipend (amount added to their existing salary) to the graduate student or postdoc mentor who works with the RAMI undergraduate fellow. Please note that only $1000 award will be granted per RAMI undergraduate fellow (meaning joint mentors would split the funds).
ELIGIBILITY
- The student must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program with a good academic standing (GPA > 3.0) in a field related to materials science.
- Only faculty and researchers affiliated with RAMI are eligible to serve as mentors for the fellows.
- RAMI encourages participation from all students, particularly those who are from traditionally underrepresented groups in science and engineering.
- The program is open to undergraduate students from Rice and other colleges and universities in the greater Houston region (e.g., the University of Houston, Texas Southern University, Sam Houston State University, Prairie View A&M University, etc.) and around the nation. The host PI, again, should be a full-time faculty member who holds a primary appointment at Rice University and any candidate must have a pre-determined Rice mentor to complete the nomination.
- Only U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents, or foreign nationals who already hold a legal visa status to study in the U.S. are eligible to apply.
- Nominees must be enrolled as rising Sophomores (will be starting their second year in Fall 2026), Juniors (will be starting their third year in Fall 2026), or Seniors (will be starting their fourth year in Fall 2026). Those starting college/university in Fall 2026 and Seniors graduating by Summer 2026 are not eligible to apply.
- Those who were RAMI Undergraduate Fellows in the past are not eligible for another appointment.
Please carefully read the attached call for applications with the details here. Applications should be submitted using the linked form by February 16, 2026. Awards are anticipated to be announced in March 2026.
Please reach out to ricematerials@rice.edu if you have any questions or need further information.