Undergraduate Research Fellows Program
The Center for the Study of Religion and Conflict undergraduate research fellows program provides a rich interdisciplinary atmosphere for student development. Undergraduate students from all majors and years of study are encouraged to apply.
Students accepted into the program:
- Must have a 3.5 or higher GPA.
- Work directly with a faculty member on research projects involving religion, conflict, and peace.
- Take a special class with the Center's director.
- Earn three credit hours.
- Qualify for a $1,000 scholarship.
- Meet with visiting scholars and attend special lectures.
- Compete for research, travel, and conference funds.
Process and Eligibility
Eligibilty
Applicant must be enrolled at ASU as a full-time undergraduate student, and have a 3.5 or higher cumulative average GPA (non-weighted). Fellows will be selected based on the quality of their writing and the clarity of responses in response to the application prompts:
- Prompt 1: In approximately 150-200 words, describe your interest in the study of religion and conflict and discuss relevant examples.
- Prompt 2: In approximately 150-200 words, explain how participation in this program will contribute to your academic and/or professional career goals.
Fellowship Details
Scholarship
Students who complete the Fellows program will receive a scholarship of $1,000. Scholarships are distributed through the ASU Financial Aid Office, and may be applied directly to outstanding university bills or student loans.
Fellows Seminar
Students accepted as CSRC Undergraduate Research Fellows will be required to register for a special three-credit class in the fall semester (REL 494: Inquiry into Religion and Conflict).
- The seminar meets on Thursday afternoons from 3–5 p.m. to explore the dynamics of religion and conflict from a comparative and interdisciplinary perspective.
- Students read and discuss recent work on religion and conflict and meet with leading ASU and visiting faculty.
- Regular writing assignments will be detailed in the course syllabus.
- The seminar counts toward the Center’s Certificate in Religion, Conflict and Peace.
Research Placement
Fellows will be paired with a faculty mentor conducting research related to religion and conflict during the fall semester.
- Projects span disciplines, types of conflict, and social, cultural, and political settings.
- Fellows will devote approximately five to seven hours per week to research assistance for their faculty mentor.
- Research activities may involve archival or bibliographic research, subject interviewing, data collection and collation, copying, library or web searches, or other activities related to the mentor’s research project.
Questions?
For questions concerning the application process or requirements please email [email protected]
Adelaide Randall
2023-2024 Fellow
Majors: Psychology; International Studies
"This fellows program has truly been one of the most valuable parts of my ASU experience. I have been greatly challenged, thoroughly supported, and ultimately better for it. I would highly recommend this fellowship!"
Austin Morrow
2023-2024 Fellow
Major: Political Science
"The lessons and discussions centered around religion and conflict were not only some of the most interesting conversations, but also some of the most important throughout my time as an undergraduate student."
Meet the Fellows
2024-2025 Cohort
- Aastha Patel | Computer Science
- Rufat Babayev | Psychology
- Reilly Donovan | Global Studies and Political Science
- Daniel Erlich-Herzog | Global Studies
- Mia McLaughlin | Political Science
- Emra Muslim | Economics
- Albertine Perez-Hope | History
- Jesus Rendon-Silva Jr. | Political Science and Philosophy (Morality, Politics and Law)
- Mirei Shikama | Global Studies and English (Creative Writing)
- Jovana Vincic | Social and Cultural Analysis (Peace Studies)
Alumni
- Dina Atassi | Political Science
- Suzzanne Bigelow | English
- Alden Carpenter | Business Data Analytics
- Payton Henderson | Political Science
- Simra Maheen | Psychology
- Quinncy Morris | Political Science and Global Studies
- Austin Morrow | Political Science
- Rachel “Nnena” Okuagu | Political Science and Justice Studies
- Corinn Olson | Psychology and Anthropology
- Adelaide Randall | Psychology, International Studies
- Lakshmi Sawhney | History, Political Science
Watch and learn
What does it mean to be human? What are the sources of conflict in our contemporary world? Learn more about the Fellow's program from students who have participated in the cohort.