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Research Opportunities

     

 

“Research” calls up visions of white coats and laboratories, but in English it’s not so much the lab as the library, the archive, and the vibrant and changing culture that surrounds us. Penn possesses one of the great libraries of the world, with unmatched manuscript and printed book collections of medieval and renaissance literature, works of 18th- and 19th-century English and American fiction, underground comics, cookbooks, and more. Every year the English department offers courses that give students the opportunity to work with special collections at Penn Libraries and other Philadelphia archives. Other courses offer students the chance to do fieldwork for documentary and other kinds of writing projects. The Price Lab for Digital Humanities gives Penn a world-class center for cutting-edge digital research into language, literature, and culture.

 

 

 

Students interested in research should talk to their professors and advisors to learn more about research opportunities and resources.

The Center for Undergraduate Research & Fellowships (CURF) supports students as they pursue fellowships, scholar programs, and undergraduate research. To learn more, visit their website or schedule an appointment by calling (215) 746-6488 or emailing curf@upenn.edu.

 

A few grants & other opportunities to consider: 

Penn Undergraduate Research Mentoring Program (PURM) grants, which offer first- and second-year undergraduates the opportunity to work as a research assistant for a Penn faculty member during the summer. PURM students receive a $3,500 stipend and valuable mentorship for working full-time for 10 weeks.

Summer Humanities Internships (SHIP) provide funding for summer research internships in the humanities and social sciences for 10 weeks in local cultural, historical, or archival settings.

Global Research and Internship Programs (GRIP) provide an opportunity to intern or conduct research abroad for 8 to 12 weeks over the summer.

The University Scholars program provides ongoing support for students who intend to be significantly involved in research while at Penn and are planning a career in research and scholarship.

English Undergraduate Research Grants offer students up to $500 to support costs associated with a specific research project.

The Sachs Program for Arts Innovation Student Grants supports students in their creative endeavors and provides increased access to the arts.