PSEG Undergraduate Summer Research Scholars

Job Description

Provides support for funded research projects. Education: Bachelors Degree.

About the Program

The PSEG Undergraduate Research Scholars for Environmental Justice is a 10-week paid summer research program that provides undergraduate students the opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary research focused on sustainability and environmental justice.

The program supports undergraduate students, beginning as early as their sophomore year, to work closely with faculty mentors at Stevens Institute of Technology. Research projects fall within the “3Ps” of sustainability:

• Planet: Environmental and energy sustainability
• People: Social and community sustainability
• Prosperity: Business and economic sustainability

This experience is designed to build students’ skills in research, critical thinking, community engagement, and sustainability problem-solving.

Program Duration

10-week Summer Program
Start Date: June 9, 2025 - End Date: August 15, 2025

Work Hours

Students are expected to commit to 35 hours per week throughout the program. These hours include research, mentoring sessions, workshops, and professional development opportunities. The specific work schedule will be determined in consultation with your faculty mentor. Students must log their hours weekly in the Stevens Workday App.

Location

Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ
(In-person, remote, or hybrid arrangements based on project needs and mentor guidance)

Eligibility Criteria

• Open to undergraduate students from all academic disciplines.
• Applicants must have completed their freshman year by the program start date.
• Students must either be enrolled at a college/university within PSEG’s service territory or reside primarily within the service territory. 
• Students must be able to attend in-person programming at Stevens as needed, including site visits, lab work, and field activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with a faculty mentor on a sustainability-focused research project.
• Submit a 2-page work plan by the week of June 16, outlining project goals and environmental justice relevance.
• Conduct research activities such as literature reviews, data analysis, fieldwork, prototyping, and testing.
• Learn and apply relevant digital tools, software, or lab techniques required for the project.
• Maintain regular, professional communication with your mentor and Dr. Vaishali Kushwaha, program coordinator.
• Attend all required meetings, weekly mentor check-ins, and a half-day workshop on or around July 8.
• Submit a mid-program progress report by the week of July 14.
• Deliver a professionally written final report (3,000–4,000 words) by the week of August 11.
• Participate in an exit interview with the program coordinator during the week of August 4.
• Prepare a research poster for the January 2026 showcase event (template provided); attendance is mandatory for students and mentors.
• Uphold research ethics, confidentiality, and all lab safety protocols throughout the program.

Benefits

• $7,500 stipend for research over 10 weeks (35 hours/week).
• Mentorship from experienced faculty in sustainability-related disciplines.
• Practical experience in interdisciplinary research addressing environmental justice challenges.
• Professional development through workshops, reporting, and presentation opportunities.
• Peer learning and networking with students, mentors, and professionals in the field.

Department

Civil Environmental & Ocean Engineering

Compensation Range

In compliance with the New Jersey Wage Transparency Act, the hourly base range for this position is $7,500 stipend for research over 10 weeks (35 hours/week). This range represents the University’s good faith estimate of possible compensation at the time of posting. Stevens Institute of Technology determines compensation based on factors including the position’s scope and responsibilities, the candidate’s experience, education, skills, internal equity, market data, and organizational considerations. The final salary will be set considering departmental budget, qualifications, and relevant credentials. This pay range represents base pay only and excludes additional forms of compensation, such as incentives, stipends, or other applicable pay components. For a full overview of our benefits offerings, please refer to the Stevens Institute of Technology Benefits Guidebook, available at: