As a planet, we are grappling with some of our most pressing environmental issues to date. Although we are making progress, we still face unprecedented natural disasters from climate change and increasing amounts of pollution in the water we drink and air we breathe. Now, more than ever, we need to prepare our best and brightest students to face these issues head-on.
The Nicholas School’s Undergraduate Research Scholars Program prepares our students to be catalysts of environmental change.
The Scholars Program provides Duke Undergraduates with faculty-mentored hands-on research experience. This program was designed to give undergraduate students the tools, knowledge, experience, and confidence they need to make a real difference in our world. It engages students from a variety of backgrounds and interests so they can bring their own unique viewpoints to tackling complex challenges.
The program readies students for their careers by providing hands-on learning that complements what they are learning in the classroom. It also gives students ownership over their research, with constant support from their dedicated faculty mentor and direct feedback from their peers. Scholars’ research culminates in an honors thesis for Graduation with Distinction.
“The Repass-Rodgers Program was the best way to combine my interests in biomedical engineering and marine science. My favorite part of the program was working on a 3D-printed device to assist with extraction of hemolymph from blue crabs. The project not only helped me put my CAD and engineering skills to the test, but I also learned about the importance of hemolymph in a biomedical context.“
Simran Sokhi, Research and Development Engineer, Cook Medical
Five Tracks
Rachel Carson Scholars
The Rachel Carson Scholars Program, named after the renowned marine biologist, author, and conservationist, formed the foundation of the Undergraduate Research Scholars Program when established in 2017. The program provides Duke students with hands-on research experience in marine science, giving scholars the necessary skills to be the next generation of marine conservation leaders.
Scholars in Marine Medicine
The ocean’s rich biodiversity provides the opportunity for discoveries that can positively impact human health. The Scholars in Marine Medicine program is an interdisciplinary undergraduate research experience at the nexus of medicine and marine science. The program supports a variety of undergraduate majors who have an interest in marine biology or environmental science.
Repass-Rodgers Scholars
Recent advances in engineering are presenting tremendous opportunities for students in marine science. The Repass-Rodgers Scholars Program allows Duke undergrads to harness these exciting new opportunities by giving them direct research experience in marine conservation technology. In this program, scholars master the skills needed to use technology to lead the charge on new scientific breakthroughs.
Climate Scholars
From stronger storms to brutal heat waves, climate change is having a major impact on our planet. In accordance with the Duke Climate Commitment, the Climate Scholars Program was launched last year to give undergraduate students across multiple disciplines a deeper understanding of the climate crisis so they can address both its root causes and its devastating effects.
Bonaventura Research Fellows
The Bonaventura Summer Research Fellows Program is a 10-week intensive research initiative for Duke undergraduate students at the Duke University Marine Laboratory. During the program, Fellows master essential skills needed to conceptualize and execute independent research. The program is named in honor of the late Joe Bonaventura, a highly esteemed Marine Lab faculty member, researcher, and inventor.
“Participating in research as a Bonaventura Fellow, my experience at the Marine Lab was incredibly enriching and varied. On any given day, I would be out in the field collecting marine specimens in the morning, and by afternoon, I would be back in the lab prototyping designs and conducting experiments. The program offered so many opportunities to immerse yourself in hands-on research and experiential learning – it truly was a unique experience.”
Jiaming Shen, P’25
Program Growth
Participating Majors
Graduation with Distinction
During the program, scholars and fellows master essential skills needed to conceptualize and execute independent research, ultimately working toward the creation of a senior honors thesis for Graduation with Distinction.
Funding
Scholars are provided funding for research activities and supplies, travel to conferences and scientific meetings, and professional development activities. Their participation is made possible by our valued friends and donors who appreciate the importance of in-depth research experience to solve the problems we face today.