Sister Thea Bowman Fellowship

 

Sister Thea Bowman was a Franciscan Sister who devoted her life to promoting education and scholarship while confidently maintaining her cultural identity. Sister Thea Fellows emulate her example by demonstrating a drive to contribute to our understanding of the world around us and our place in it.

Xavier undergraduates in any major are welcome to apply to become a Sister Thea Fellow. Students will develop and contribute to a scholarly project while working with a faculty mentor. Students must identify a faculty member willing to serve as a mentor. Students may either develop a new idea or join an existing project. Eligible projects can be in any discipline. Projects should further the development of the student as a scholar, and extend the student's field as appropriate. This could mean integrating and applying knowledge, producing a new creative work, or something else approved by the faculty mentor.

This position requires 5-15 hours of work per week, as agreed with the faculty mentor, and Fellows are paid $12 per hour.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be Eligible for Federal Work Study funding - If you are not sure whether you are eligible or not for FWS, reach out to Student Employment at claryv@xavier.edu to find out.
• Undergraduate in their second year, or later (current sophomore, junior or senior)
• Minimum GPA 3.0
• A strong interest in or familiarity with the proposed topic
• Ability to prioritize, meet deadlines, and manage time well
• Evidence of self-motivation

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

• Resume - prepared by student
• Project Description - prepared by student
  • In no more than two single spaced pages, justify the project idea by providing (1) relevant background information, (2) an outline of the work to be completed by the student, (3) an explanation of how that work contributes to the discipline and the development of the student as a scholar, and (4) a description of student qualifications that will allow for successful completion of the project.
• Recommendation Letter from Faculty Mentor
  • The Faculty Mentor should draft a letter commenting on the student's qualifications and familiarity with the proposed project topic. The letter should confirm the faculty member's willingness to serve as a mentor and supervisor throughout the term of employment. 

Please contact the Director of Undergraduate Research, Dr. Kathryn Morris, at morrisk10@xavier.edu if you have any questions.

We are currently recruiting Fellows for Academic Year 2024-2025, and applications are due by September 20. Please click here to apply.