Gateway Research Experiences
Who is eligible to participate?
- citizens and permanent residents of the US or its possessions
- rising second-year (sophomore) students when project begins; rising third-year students may also apply, but have lower priority
- students with demonstrated interest in science and enrolled at an institution with bachelor’s degree programs
As a Keck Gateway research participant, you will be awarded:
- transportation to the project home institution
- transportation, housing, and meals during the summer project
- support for research expenses and analytical costs
- funding for travel, housing and meals to co-present your results with other project members at a professional meeting
- a $3,000 fellowship for your participation in the five-week summer research project; dispersed at end of summer program
Expectations of Keck Gateway research participants:
- hard-working, intellectually curious, and passionate about science
- able to work as part of a team
- contribute to a co-authored presentation at a professional meeting
- complete project surveys and evaluations that are administered before, during, and after the summer project
- complete guided self-reflection about the research experience
Important Info
Flyer for 2026-27 Projects
Application for 2026 Programs
16 Feb: Applications due
16 Mar: Acceptance letters sent
2020-21 GATEWAY PROJECTS:
Groundwater contaminants in California’s Central Valley
Biogeochemical controls on natural and anthropogenic groundwater contaminants in California’s Central ValleyOverview: Groundwater in California’s Central Valley is subject to contamination by a variety of natural and human-sourced contaminants. This presents potential...
Landscape and environmental change in Glacier National Park
Landscape and environmental change in Glacier National Park, Montana Overview: This seven-student project uses sediment core samples to reconstruct glacial history, Holocene climate, and human impacts to Glacier National Park, Montana (GNP). Chains of lakes in glacial...
Wisconsin Freshwater Springs
Thermal imaging to characterize the spatial distribution of temperature in freshwater springs Overview: During the Wisconsin Springs Gateway project, we will explore how local variations in topography, surficial geology, and bedrock geology influence the spatial...