A Stipend Program Spurs Students to Pursue Research through the Summer

A professor sits at a desk before a computer as a student looks on

Jesse Parent '19, at right, worked with Professor Yelin Kim of Electrical and Computer Engineering as part of a CURCE-supported research experience.

ALBANY, N.Y. (April 20, 2021) — A new stipend program from CURCE will help students choose research over summer jobs.

The pilot Summer Stipend Program utilizes the funding line that CURCE — the Center for Research and Creative Engagement — took over from the Division of Research. CURCE plans to launch fundraising with the Office of Development to expand the program in future years.

The program provides a $2,000 stipend for student researchers over eight consecutive weeks this summer, the equivalent of 160 hours of work at the state minimum wage of $12.50 per hour.

“This pilot program is a first step in expanding summer research, increasing access to opportunities and further engaging students in the research enterprise at UAlbany,” said JoAnne Malatesta, vice provost and dean for undergraduate education. “As we prepare to return to in-person classes for Fall 2021, re-engaging students in our institution’s research culture is important to their success.”

The stipend program is open to all majors, research fields and disciplines. Applications are submitted by the faculty supervisor in collaboration with a student, with faculty providing details of the project and the work required and students explaining their reasons for wanting to participate in research. Applications are open through April 30, and five awards will be announced on May 7.

“I am thrilled about this program,” said Pinka Chatterji, associate professor in Economics. “It is a great opportunity for students to get involved in research, and offering financial support is critical. I think many students who could not get involved in research before because of financial concerns will now have the chance to do so.”

Chatterji was instrumental in the formation of the stipend program, first approaching CURCE in 2019 with the idea.

Freshman Alyssa Kamara, a double major in Human Biology and Economics, is working with a faculty member who plans to apply for the stipend. That would allow Kamara to continue her research project on maternal and reproductive healthcare in rural populations.

“I have been deeply passionate about healthcare disparities and surround my academic and research interests around rectifying these issues, particularly within women's health for marginalized groups,” she said. “I would usually have to put my passions on pause for the summer so I can work enough to pay for daily needs and the cost of college.

“Opportunities such as this award can close the economic gap for low-income students like me — who would not be able to fully pursue research without funding because of financial obligations that others may not have.”