Through the Polsky Research Fellows program, the Institute provides undergraduates with the opportunity to work with faculty mentors on research projects during the summer. Sponsored by the Polsky Energy Transition Leadership Academy, the program is the first large-scale initiative providing full-time, paid research opportunities to University of Chicago undergraduates.

In supporting faculty on their research, Polsky Research Fellows will gain valuable understanding of the research process. They will also gain deep insight into critical climate, energy and environmental topics being explored by faculty across the University of Chicago. In addition to working closely with faculty as research assistants, Polsky Research Fellows will participate in lunch workshops to learn about other UChicago research, as well as social events to foster connections with their peers.

The Polsky Research Fellow positions last for 10 weeks, and include a stipend. The program does not support independent research.

How to Apply

Applications for summer 2025 Polsky Research Fellows positions have closed. To stay up to date on the 2026 application cycle, sign up for our weekly student newsletter.

2025 Polsky Research Fellows

Sumiye Allen

Polsky Research Fellow, Summer 2025

Isabella Alnemri

Polsky Research Fellow, Summer 2025

Henry Baldwin

Polsky Research Fellow, Summer 2025

Oscar Barnes

Polsky Research Fellow, Summer 2025

Constantino-Daniel Boscu

Polsky Research Fellow, Summer 2025

Haley Breslin

Polsky Research Fellow, Summer 2025

Yorik Chuang

Polsky Research Fellow, Summer 2025

Yunah Chung

Polsky Research Fellow, Summer 2025

Azeem Currah

Polsky Research Fellow, Summer 2025

Francesca Gossett

Polsky Research Fellow, Summer 2025

Daniel Hernandez

Polsky Research Fellow, Summer 2025

Caroline Hou

Polsky Research Fellow, Summer 2025

Laura Husband

Polsky Research Fellow, Summer 2025

Luke von Kapff

Polsky Research Fellow, Summer 2025

Hazal Kara

Polsky Research Fellow, Summer 2025

Rafe Knight

Polsky Research Fellow, Summer 2025

Wael Kouki

Polsky Research Fellow, Summer 2025

Maya Martinez

Polsky Research Fellow, Summer 2025

Rudra Patel

College '27

Harmonie Ramsden

Polsky Research Fellow, Summer 2025

Jay Shen

Polsky Research Fellow, Summer 2025

Zoe Springsteen

Polsky Research Fellow, Summer 2025; Climate Case Competition Finalist 2025 (Team Photosynthisquad)

Elena Tiedens

Polsky Research Fellow, Summer 2025

McKenzie Toomey

Polsky Research Fellow, Summer 2025

Fabio Ventura

Polsky Research Fellow, Summer 2025

Mel Xiao

Polsky Research Fellow, Summer 2025

William Zheng

Polsky Research Fellow, Summer 2025