The Center for Engineering MechanoBiology (CEMB) ran a fellowship program for STEM Master’s students enrolled at minority-serving institutions (MSIs) or emerging MSIs* who have a strong interest in conducting research and pursuing a PhD upon graduation. The goal of this fellowship program was to increase the number of students from MSIs pursuing graduate degrees in STEM-related fields. Additionally, we hoped to build stronger relationships with MSI institutions and faculty through collaborative research projects. 

Accepted fellows conduct a collaborative thesis project with faculty from their home institution and the CEMB. In the summer after their first year, fellows conduct research in the CEMB collaborator’s lab and then continue their work during the second year of their masters program. The program offers regular mentoring and networking opportunities to prepare fellows for research, grad school applications, and the PhD path. 

Areas of research

The Center for Engineering MechanoBiology (CEMB) is a multi-institution Science and Technology Center funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) to advance the study of mechanical forces in molecules, cells, and tissues in plants and animals. With over 30 faculty across eight institutions, research areas include: 

Fellowship Support

For the duration of the 1-year fellowship program, awardees were provided with:

• A stipend of approximately $31,600/year beginning the summer after your first year. 
• Up to $5000 for research supplies to conduct research at your home institution
• Up to $4000 for travel and housing to conduct summer research at a CEMB 
• Up to $1000 for travel and housing to present your research at a national conference

As of January 2026, we closed applications for this fellowship program.