Funding Your Research

Funding for undergraduate research can come from several sources, including research grants, faculty funding, scholarships, and research programs. Explore funding available through Duffield Engineering, Cornell, and external organizations.
Office of Inclusive Excellence
Duffield undergraduate students working on research in the CNF clean room facility

After you have identified a research opportunity, you will discuss with your faculty mentor how the experience will be structured and what funding may be available. Prepare for this conversation by learning about the differences between research for credit, pay or volunteer. Funding is highly variable across research groups and projects, and being paid for research might not be possible unless you seek out your own funding. The resources here can help you navigate the process of securing your own funding.

Funding Resources

Additional Research Grants for Duffield Engineering Students

Duffield Engineering students also have access to specific grants administered outside the Office of Inclusive Excellence.

Cornell University and External Grant Opportunities

  • Experience Cornell

    Many opportunities at Cornell, including grants and fellowships, are available on Experience Cornell.

  • Cornell Students not Enrolled in Duffield Engineering

    For Cornell students not enrolled in Duffield Engineering, we also recommend seeking out departmental and college-wide resources by searching the college’s webpages using key words like “undergraduate research” or “research funding”. Additionally, undergraduate researchers are encouraged to connect with their faculty mentors about funding available through the research group to support wages or project expenses.

“Research offers a unique opportunity to explore the edge of your field with quite a lot of flexibility, particularly at a university like Cornell. For students starting undergraduate research, embracing the uncertainty of research and understanding that any progress, no matter how small it feels, could be adding a new layer to the field’s collective knowledge has kept me motivated.”

Edward Lee ’26
Duffield Engineering student working on research in lab

Research Scholars Programs

There are several Cornell scholars programs to which students can apply that offer funding and professional development to support your scholarly work and research.

  • Rawlings Cornell Presidential Research Scholars

    Students join the program when admitted to Cornell or can apply as sophomores during the Spring semester. The request for nominations goes out in February – talk to your faculty mentors if you are already in a lab about being nominated!. Applications will be available by March 10th and are due at the end of April.

  • Laidlaw Research and Leadership Program

    Promotes ethical leadership and international research around the world—starting with the passionate leaders and learners found on campuses like Cornell. With generous support for your research, leadership development, and a summer abroad putting your skills into action, this 20-month program for emerging leaders lays out a path for you to invest your skills, knowledge, and experience to help others. Applications due in January.

  • Engineering Summer Math Institute

    Couples a summer session math course with undergraduate research for Duffield Engineers who identify as coming from specific backgrounds underrepresented in Engineering.

  • McNair Scholars

    The McNair Scholars program helps increase the attainment of Ph.D. degrees by students from backgrounds underrepresented in academia and the professoriate. Students apply in fall of sophomore year. Contact the Office of Academic Diversity Initiatives for more information.

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