Hopkins Engineering Summer Research Scholars 2026 (Undergraduate PROPEL Program)

Description

Promoting Research Opportunities in Engineering Labs (PROPEL) at Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering is a fully funded eight-week residential summer program designed to increase exposure to research careers and graduate education for promising undergraduate students.  The program provides participants with an immersive research experience, mentorship, graduate school preparation, professional development and collaborative opportunities to ignite their passion for cutting edge engineering research. Students from underrepresented backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply, as are those from academic institutions with limited research opportunities in STEM. 

Dates: Wed. May 27th - Fri. July 24th, 2025

Over eight weeks, participants will conduct research with a faculty mentor and participate in activities that will prepare them for success in graduate school, including workshops on scientific writing, presentation skills and networking.  

Highlights of the PROPEL program include interactive workshops, hands on research projects, and professional development workshops. In addition to weekly seminars, scholars will have the chance to engage in social activities and explore Baltimore.   

At the end of the summer program, participants will present their research at a campus wide symposium. Participants in PROPEL receive housing, a competitive stipend, meal plan and round-trip travel to Baltimore. All students will be housed on campus with easy access to shopping, food and public transportation.

 

Qualifications

• Be currently enrolled full-time in an accredited public or private college or university in the United States, or its territories as recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. 
• Good academic standing with a GPA of 3.0 or better. 
• Have completed at least two semesters and have at least one semester remaining of their undergraduate education by the start of the summer program (rising juniors and rising seniors will be given priority).  
• Have a genuine interest in pursuing a PhD in engineering 
• U.S. Citizen or permanent resident.  
• Applicants must be at least 18 years old
• International students with an F-1 Visa who are already living in the United States and studying at a U.S. university are also eligible to apply.

Application Instructions

Application Requirements 

1. Research Statement – One page - include research interests, prior research experience and how this program aligns with your future goals.  Review departmental websites and identify 2-3 faculty whose research aligns with your research interests. 
2. Leadership Statement - One page to describe your academic, leadership or service engagement that advances inclusive excellence or helps to reduce social, educational, or economic disparities.