Overview
The Emerging Scholars Research Fellowship supports students conducting original research related to Sikh studies under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Fellows join a cohort of peer researchers, and participate in weekly seminars throughout the academic term.
Duration
12 weeks (Fall or Spring)
Commitment
8-10 hours per week
Eligibility
Ages 16-35
What You'll Do
- Conduct an independent research project on a topic aligned with our program areas
- Meet regularly with your faculty mentor for guidance and feedback
- Participate in weekly seminars with your cohort of fellow researchers
- Produce a final deliverable: research paper, creative work, or presentation
This fellowship supports original research projects—not research assistant positions where students assist with a faculty member’s existing work.
Eligibility
Open to individuals ages 16-35 with serious interest in Sikh Studies research.
This includes:
- High school juniors and seniors
- Gap year students
- Undergraduate students at any institution worldwide
- Graduate students
- Postdoctoral researchers
- Other aspiring scholars
Academic Credit Facilitation
This fellowship is designed to be credit-eligible at most institutions. Upon acceptance, you’ll receive a Credit Petition Kit containing:
- Letter of Site Confirmation
- Academic fellowship description with learning objectives
- Supervision documentation
- Evaluation criteria
You are responsible for working with your home institution’s registrar to petition for independent study or directed research credit. Most fellows who petition receive 3-6 credits.
Not currently enrolled? The fellowship still provides valuable research experience and credentials—credit facilitation is optional.
What Fellows Receive
- Faculty Mentorship — One-on-one guidance from a scholar in your research area
- Harvard Sikh Center Affiliation — Credential for your CV, graduate school applications, and professional portfolio
- Research Training — Workshops on methodology, archival research, and scholarly writing
- Peer Community— Cohort of fellow emerging scholars working on Sikh Studies projects
- Publication Support — Guidance on submitting to undergraduate conferences and journals
- Credit Facilitation — Documentation kit to help you petition for academic credit (see below)
Finding a Mentor
You must identify a faculty mentor and secure their agreement to supervise your project before submitting your application. Your mentor will complete a Faculty Endorsement Form, which is automatically sent to them when you submit your application.
Option 1: Harvard Sikh Center Affiliated Faculty
Browse our Affiliated Faculty page to find scholars whose research aligns with your project.
Option 2: External Faculty Mentor
You may propose a mentor outside our network. External mentors must hold a faculty position at an accredited institution or be an independent scholar with a demonstrated publication record. External mentors are subject to Center approval.
Tips for Approaching Potential Mentor
- Be specific about your research question and why you're interested
- Reference the mentor's work and explain how your interests connect
- Attach a brief research concept (one page)
- Consider approaching 2–3 potential mentors in case your first choice is unavailable
Application Materials
Your application includes:
Research Proposal (500 words max)
Your research question, significance, methodology, feasibility, and expected outcomes
Video Pitch
Share who you are, your connection to Sikhi, the problem your research addresses, and the difference you want your work to make
Unofficial Transcript
Required for current students and recent graduates. Optional for others
Resume/CV
(optional)
Faculty Mentor Endorsement
Submitted separately by your mentor after you apply
Selection Criteria
Applications are evaluated based on:
- Quality and originality of the proposed research
- Alignment with the Center's program areas
- Feasibility within one term
- Applicant's preparation and potential
- Strength of the mentorship plan
Frequently Asked Questions
You may propose an external mentor. Include their CV or academic profile link and a brief justification for why they’re the best fit.
Yes, but you need to submit a new application for each term.
Contact us immediately. We’ll work with you to identify an alternative mentor or adjust your project.
Building a Better Future
Your support builds the intellectual infrastructure for the Panth's future