Undergraduate Research Fellows
The Undergraduate Research Fellows Program is a home for a community of undergraduate students, supported by faculty and staff, who explore their own research passions as they emerge as the next generation of wellness scientists, practitioners, and leaders. This program follows our 5-phase model of cyclical and iterative co-design.
The three-year program is being co-designed by participating undergraduate students and research mentors. It draws on theories of applied and situated learning, with a focus on apprenticeship, community, and contextualized learning experiences. Fellows engage in seminar courses, community-building activities, summer immersive research experiences, lab apprenticeships, a participatory action research project, and conference participation. The program culminates in the completion of an honors thesis.
The Crown Institute Participatory Research Approach
Become an Undergraduate Research Fellow at the Crown Institute!
Applications will open in January 2026 for joining the next cohort of Undergraduate Research Fellows
Ìý
What can I expect as a Fellow?
Participation in a weekly seminar courseÌý
Two paid summer research immersions embedded in a lab for 10 weeks (20–40 hrs/week)
Independent study credits or stipend for research work during junior and senior years
Mentorship from psychology and neuroscience faculty to support your research interests, conduct an independent research project, and complete an honors thesis
Funding to travel and present research at national or local conferences
Mentorship to advise you as you explore your future after college graduation: work, graduate school, grant submissions, and life!
Am I eligible to apply?
Are you starting your second year at ºÚÁÏÉçÇøÍø in Fall 2026?Ìý
Do you intend to major in Psychology or Neuroscience?
Are you able to commit from Fall 2026Ìýto Spring 2029?Ìý
Are you interested in research that aims to build a more just and equitable world in which every young person thrives?
Affiliated Faculty and Graduate Students
Cohort 2025
Razan Ibrahiem
I am interested in exploring how developmental psychology and neuroscience research can be applied in clinical settings to better understand trauma and promote mental well-being in children, while expanding access to care.
Greyson Kaplan
I am very passionate about learning and always making sure people are capable of living their best possible life with the most amount of information available to them. Making things available to people is the best way to help them thrive!
Syd Martin
I’m interested in researching clinical support for individuals with autism, with a focus on adolescents and young adults.
Daphne Parker
I am passionate about creating a better world for neurodivergent individuals, particularly adolescents. I am interested in educational psychology and how to make learning more accessible for those with learning differences!
Samantha Versie
I have a passion for psychology surrounding stress and the mental well-being of African American youth. I hope to improve the mental health of African American communities through becoming a Clinical Psychologist.
Ben Weiss
I am motivated by understanding both the neural and psychological basis for positive social-emotional development in adolescents, as well as how we can leverage this understanding to develop initiatives, environments, and evidence-based tools to support future generations. As part of the URFP, I look forward to connecting with a group of motivated fellows and faculty mentors, expanding my research skills along the way!
Cohort 2024
Hebe Edwards
"I am interested in researching anxiety disorders and stress in adolescents and how accessible treatment methods could be implemented in communities."
Meghan Densmore
"I am passionate about the psychology surrounding gender relations and the socialization of both young girls and boys through social media, their families, and other institutions."
Riya Kakkar
"I believe that knowledge is the cure and encouragement for mental and physical well-being!"
Allison Stovall
"I have always had a passion for psychology, and through my studies, I hope to improve the lives of others and advance the field of child wellness research."
Lucy Swaim
"I joined the URFP because I resonated with Crown’s vision and have a deep interest in caring for and helping others."
Ìý
Ìý
Cohort 2023
Morgan Johnson
"I'm passionate about the longevity of mental health care for adolescents as well as understanding how different techniques can be more or less effective in a classroom setting for youth in the long term.
Grace La Joie
"I am fascinated with the fields of developmental and clinical psychology and am hoping to do research in either of these disciplines.ÌýI’m excited to deepen my wellness and mindfulness practices in addition to developing connections with other fellows and faculty."
Diego Vidaurre
"I’m interested in meditation and how non-Western belief systems intersect with Western psychology and inform one another."
Katie Li
"I'm interested in understanding the well-being and mental health of adolescents to build an environment where everyone can thrive."
Ìý
Ìý
Inaugural Cohort 2022
Kit Ganzle
"Ever since I was a kid, I have been fascinated by the brain and wanted to learn as much about it as possible."
Ian McGillicuddy
"I have a passion for helping others and I'm excited to see what I can do at the Institute!"