WHOI Summer Student Fellowship

A research project is at the heart of the Summer Student Fellowship program. All Fellows work on a project selected in collaboration with their sponsor(s) that will provide meaningful results in one summer’s work. Project topics span the vast spectrum of research in ocean sciences and engineering conducted in WHOI’s science departments and the Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center of the U. S. Geological Survey (USGS).

Duration: 10–12 weeks (Summer 2026) Research Focus: Independent research project under WHOI scientists in oceanography, engineering, marine policy, biology, chemistry, geology, geophysics, physics, meteorology, and mathematics. Activities:

• Weekly seminars and lectures
• One‑day ocean sampling cruise aboard the R/V Tioga
• Ethics in Science Workshop
• Mid‑summer oral progress report, final written report, and public presentation Community: Fellows join ~25–30 peers and gain mentorship from WHOI staff and MIT‑WHOI Joint Program graduate students.

• Must have completed junior year of undergraduate studies by summer 2026
• Students graduating before fellowship begins are not eligible
• Fields: biology, chemistry, engineering, geology, geophysics, mathematics, meteorology, physics, oceanography, marine policy
• Students in 3‑year Bachelor’s programs (e.g., UK) must be in their second year
• Students in 5‑year combined Bachelor/Master’s programs must be in their third year
• Must show interest in ocean sciences, engineering, or marine policy
• Members of underrepresented groups in ocean science are encouraged to apply
• International students eligible (J‑1 visa required; 14% U.S. tax applies to stipend/housing/travel allowance)
• Funding Details (2026)
• Stipend: $721 per week (10–12 weeks)
• Travel Allowance: $720 (round‑trip)
• Housing: Provided by WHOI (shared rooms in shared units)