The Trinity College of Arts & Sciences Undergraduate Research Support Office will offer a new research program in Summer 2026: TRInity PATHways to Research (TRI-PATH). This program is designed to introduce students to the practice of research while building foundational skills, confidence, and a sense of scholarly community. The program includes three integrated components: a for-credit summer course, a mentored research experience, and cohort-based community-building activities.
This opportunity is for rising sophomores in natural & quantitative sciences and quantitative social science disciplines who plan to be enrolled at Duke in the following academic year. Admission will be through a competitive application process, with a limited cohort of approximately 20 fellows selected. Students must be accepted into the program to participate in any of its components.
APPLICATION WILL BE AVAILABLE ON WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 11th.
Course
Accepted participants will enroll in the 1.0 credit Arts & Sci 301: Foundations of Research course during Summer Session II, where they will develop core research skills such as data visualization, data analysis, and experimental design; practice reading and interpreting scholarly literature; and learn about responsible research conduct, effective mentoring relationships, and research communication. Attendance and active participation in all class sessions are required.
Mentored Research Experience
Participants will receive a $3,000 fellowship, paid as a stipend, to support full-time immersion in a research experience. Program directors will assist accepted students in securing placement in a research group if they are not already working with a research mentor. A confirmed research placement is required prior to the start of the program. Students will conduct research alongside members of a research team in an area of natural/quantitative sciences or quantitative social sciences under the guidance of a research mentor.
Cohort-based Community Building Activities
The TRI-PATH program also includes structured cohort-based activities designed to foster community among students with shared academic interests and goals. These activities may include tours of research spaces, community service opportunities, and other social or professional development events.
Because this is a full-time academic and research immersive experience, participants may not enroll in additional courses during Summer Session II, nor hold other jobs or volunteer commitments during the program period.
Many fellows will choose to continue to work with their research group in subsequent years, which can culminate in completion of a senior thesis and Graduation with Distinction.
Please note: This is an in-person program; remote participation is not permitted. Participation requires enrollment in a Summer Session course and payment of applicable tuition and fees; financial aid may be available. A stipend is provided for student participation in the research component. Housing is not provided, and students are responsible for securing their own accommodations on or off campus.
Frequently Asked Questions for TRI-PATH Program
Do I need to already have a research mentor before applying?
No. Students may apply without an existing research placement. If accepted, program directors will assist students in securing a placement.
When will research placement occur?
Research matching occurs after admission and before the start of Summer Session II.
What if I already work in a research lab?
Students already working in a research lab may remain in their current lab, provided the research experience aligns with program expectations.
How much time will I spend in the lab each week?
Students are expected to engage in full-time research, in addition to the course.
When does the Foundations of Research course meet?
The course will run during Summer Session II and will meet W and F 9am - 11:30am.
Is this course graded?
Yes, this course is graded. Attendance and participation are required.
Can this course count toward major or certificate requirements?
The course does not typically count toward major requirements but may fulfill elective or experiential learning credit. Students should consult their major department of interest.
How is the $3,000 fellowship paid?
The fellowship is paid as a stipend to support living expenses during the summer research experience.
Does the fellowship cover tuition and fees?
No. Tuition and fees for the Summer Session II course are billed separately.
Is the fellowship taxable?
Fellowship funds may be considered taxable income. Students are responsible for any tax obligations.
Can I hold another job or fellowship at the same time?
Because this is a full-time research program, outside employment or additional fellowships are generally discouraged and may require approval.
Can I enroll in another course during Summer Session II while participating in TRI-PATH?
No. Because the TRI-PATH Program requires full-time engagement in both the Foundations of Research course and a full-time research experience, participants may not enroll in additional courses during Summer Session II.
Is housing provided?
Housing is not provided. Students are responsible for arranging their own housing on or off campus. Students may be eligible for on campus housing and are encouraged to explore that possibility.
Is this an in-person program?
Yes. Both the course and research experience are in person. Remote participation is not permitted.
Does participation guarantee Graduation with Distinction?
No, but many fellows continue in research and later pursue Graduation with Distinction.
Can this lead to future funding or opportunities?
Yes. Alumni of the program often continue engaging in research, often in the same research group, and many pursue Graduation with Distinction.