Asian American Studies (ASAM) Undergraduate Research Fellowship
Open to US citizens and non-US citizens
Deadline: 04/4/2025 (Tentative)
General Information
In addition to coursework in Asian American Studies (ASAM), undergraduates can apply for the ASAM Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program (link is external), which provides students with comprehensive academic training in archival research, methodology, and theory to enhance their critical thinking and writing skills. Students conduct original research with a faculty advisor to complete an independent honors project that strengthens their knowledge of Asian American studies, topics, and identities. The program provides an excellent opportunity to build one's resume while exploring personal interests and learning valuable skills and expertise for one’s professional future. Our fellows have gone on to become Fulbright scholars and pursue further training in Masters and PhD programs as well as medical school.
Fellows have the option to (1) complete an independent research project or (2) intern at an Asian American-based organization during the summer. The project can be for a course requirement, an independent project, or a senior thesis. In addition to pursuing an individual research project or internship, fellows will also participate in bimonthly meetings held over Zoom on Fridays from 12- 1 p.m. ET during the summer.
Upon return in the fall, fellows will present their research at the ASAM Research Colloquium and collaborate on a connected theme for the Spring semester. Fellows will be given a budget to design and curate a conference of national scholars that will take place during the Spring as the ASAM Fellows Symposium. In addition, each ASAM Fellow will become a part of the ASAM community, attend special fellows’ events during the Fall and Spring semesters, and have lunch with ASAM faculty to learn about their research experience. ASAM sponsors conferences and hosts various events throughout the year, including film screenings, academic talks, and performances.
As part of this fellowship, participants will receive the following:
● A $ 2,100 to support research initiatives that will be awarded in 3 installments of $700 (Summer, Fall, and Spring)
● Opportunity to present at the ASAM Research Colloquium
● Experience with designing, curating, moderating, and executing a speaker series
● Mentorship and guidance from ASAM faculty at Penn
● Personal connections with ASAM scholars and the support of an academic community
● Tools for success that students can use inside and outside of the classroom (i.e., writing, research, public speaking, and event planning)
Eligibility Guidelines
Candidates for this fellowship are rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors at Penn who are highly motivated, well-organized, detail-oriented, and able to work in small groups. You do not have to be an ASAM minor to apply, but preference will be given to students who have taken at least one ASAM class and will not be pursuing any other year-long fellowships simultaneously.
Application Details
Applicants should email the following materials in a single PDF to rupillai@sas.upenn.edu by 5:00p ET on the deadline:
● Research proposal OR detailed statement plans (if the candidate is pursuing an organization-affiliated internship or the ASAM archival fellowship)
● Proposed budget (approximate)
● Personal Statement (~500 words) discussing how Fellowship will enhance your educational goals
● Your availability for a 15-minute interview on Monday, April 14th and Tuesday, April 15th
Applicants will also ask their research advisor or internship supervisor (does not have to be a Penn affiliate) to complete the reference form by the deadline at 5:00p ET. Access the reference form here (the link is external). Questions about the reference form should be directed to Dr. Rupa Pillai (rupillai@sas.upenn.edu)