The research they propose to supervise must be in the life sciences or a related field, however. Many current mentors have more than one HHMI Undergraduate Research Fellow in their laboratories. Students benefit from a collaborative atmosphere and being able to interact with other lab members. It can be, but it is not required. It is up to the faculty mentor and student to work out how much input the student has into the design of the research project.
Many students pick their projects from a selection of projects proposed and designed by the mentor.
Students with previous research experience may have a larger role in concieving and designing projects. The fellowships are intended to support research mentored by our campus faculty. In most cases, the research is conducted on campus. In some instances the primary research site of the faculty member is off campus. We aim to award about 25 fellowships each semester.