On-campus Awards

Denison’s flagship undergraduate research program gives students in all disciplines a unique venue in which to experiment with ideas and artistic expression, pursue an intellectual passion, and/or focus intently on the resolution of a question over a sustained period, free from the pressures of grades and credit. Qualified students propose independent or collaborative projects in the sciences, social sciences, humanities, fine arts, or interdisciplinary fields. Projects do not need to be in a student’s major. Students may apply to only one competition: Anderson or Lisska.

Anderson Science Scholars

Anderson Summer Students pursuing projects in the sciences (biology, chemistry, computer science, earth and environmental sciences, mathematics, physics, and psychology) may apply to conduct research under the guidance of a Denison faculty member.

Contact: Jessica Rettig, Biology

Lisska Scholars

Students pursuing projects in the social sciences, humanities, fine arts, and interdisciplinary fields (including social science-oriented projects in psychology or data analytics) may apply to conduct an independent research, scholarly, or creative project under the guidance of a Denison faculty member.

Contact: Lisska Center for Intellectual Engagement

Qualified students may also apply for several other specialized Summer Scholar Awards:

Ashbrook Summer Scholarship

Ashbrook Summer Scholar awards aim to “foster and promote research and educational cooperation between faculty and students in exploring ways to improve the political and economic betterment of the underprivileged Licking County person.” The Ashbrook Scholarship is open to any student who has engaged in community service.

Contact: Lisska Center for Intellectual Engagement

Battelle Memorial Institute awards

Battelle Memorial Institute awards support science majors participating in research projects throughout the world. Some awards for entire summer support may be given, whereas other awards may be for a short stay at a remote location where a student needs to carry out data collection.

Contact: Matthew Jungers, Geosciences

Woodyard Scholars

Woodyard Scholar awards support students carrying out individual or collaborative projects in the area of “Religion and Civic Responsibility.” Woodyard Scholars are supervised by members of the Religion Department.

Contact: David Woodyard, Religion

Off-campus Awards

Off-Campus Summer Scholars awards support a limited number of students conducting a full-time independent research, scholarly, or creative project in any discipline that requires all or most of the time to be spent off-campus. Some time may be spent on campus before and/or after the off-campus portion of the project. A Denison faculty member must be the primary mentor, but a non-Denison mentor may help supervise the project on site, as appropriate.

Off-campus Summer Scholars projects typically last 10 weeks between mid-May and early August. Off-Campus Summer Scholars receive a stipend, housing allowance, travel funding, and supplemental research funding.

Many nationally-competitive fellowships also support summer research, study, and other projects. The Lisska Center for Intellectual Engagement works with students to identify and apply for these additional opportunities.