The ASCENDR Fellowship is a one-year, cohort-based program that supports STEM doctoral students in developing the knowledge, professional networks, and research experiences needed to engage with the national security research enterprise.
Designed for doctoral students at HSRU Alliance institutions, the fellowship combines faculty-mentored research at the fellow's home institution with a structured sequence of professional development activities focused on defense-relevant research, national security priorities, and emerging career pathways across the broader defense innovation ecosystem.
Through participation in a multidisciplinary cohort, fellows engage in learning experiences that provide greater understanding of the organizational, technical, and strategic dimensions of defense research. The program also creates opportunities for interaction with faculty, researchers, government professionals, and other experts whose work contributes to national security objectives.
The fellowship is intended for doctoral students approaching the dissertation stage of their academic programs who are conducting research aligned with Department of Defense priorities and who seek additional opportunities for professional growth, research engagement, and career exploration.
Program Features
- Cohort-Based Learning
Fellows participate in a national cohort of doctoral students from HSRU institutions, creating opportunities for peer learning, collaboration, and professional networking. - Professional Development Program
Participants engage in a structured sequence of webinars, workshops, and guided learning activities focused on national security, defense research, leadership, and career pathways. - Networking and Community Engagement
The fellowship includes regular virtual engagement opportunities and an annual in-person convening that connects fellows with faculty, government professionals, researchers, and industry representatives. - Faculty-Mentored Research Experience
Fellows conduct research at their home institutions under the guidance of a faculty mentor while exploring the relevance of their research to national security challenges and defense priorities. - Supplemental Professional Development Support
Additional funding opportunities may be available to support activities that further fellows' academic, research, and career development goals.
Funding Support during the Active Fellowship Year
- Fellows receive a $12,500 award to support their academic and professional development.
- The fellowship is intended to complement existing graduate assistantships, fellowships, and other sources of academic support.
- Fellows may hold other appointments or funding awards, subject to institutional policies and applicable state and federal requirements.
- Fellows may have opportunities to compete for additional awards that support professional development, research engagement, and career advancement activities.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet all eligibility requirements at the time of application.
Citizenship
Applicants must be U.S. persons and must be either:
- A U.S. born citizen, or
- A U.S. naturalized citizen
(updated December 3, 2025; U.S. permanent residents are not eligible for this program).
Academic Status
- Be enrolled full-time in a doctoral program at a participating HSRU institution.
- Be pursuing a STEM field aligned with areas relevant to national defense. STEM disciplines are defined in accordance with the SMART Scholarship Program.
- Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.
Faculty Mentor
Applicants must identify a faculty mentor at their home institution prior to applying for the fellowship. The faculty mentor must:
- Be able to provide the mentorship, guidance, and research environment necessary to support the fellow's day-to-day research activities and the advancement of the proposed research project.
- Provide research supervision and guidance throughout the one-year fellowship period.
Research Focus
Applicants must propose a research project that:
Fellow Expectations
ASCENDR Fellows are expected to remain actively engaged in the program throughout the one-year fellowship period.
Fellows are expected to:
Maintain full-time enrollment at their HSRU institution.
Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.
Demonstrate satisfactory progress on their research project.
Participate in all required ASCENDR Fellowship activities and events.
Present their research in poster format at:
- At least one professional conference, symposium, or scholarly meeting; and
- The annual HSRU convening.
Travel support for the annual HSRU convening will be provided for fellows in good standing. Fellows in good standing are those who remain actively engaged and meet program participation requirements.
How to Apply
Applications for the ASCENDR Fellowship cohort are submitted through the HSRU InfoReady system.
Key Dates for Cohort 2027-2028
- Institutional Participation Letters Released: September 25, 2026
- Institutional Participation Letters Due: October 16, 2026
- Fellowship Application Opens: October 19, 2026
- Application Deadline: January 31, 2027
- Anticipated Award Announcements: Early April 2027
Required Application Materials
Applicants must submit:
- Letter of interest
- Research plan (3-5 pages) that includes a one-year project timeline and key milestones
- One additional page of references for the research plan is allowed
- Current curriculum vitae (CV)
- Two letters of support, including one from the proposed research mentor
- Unofficial transcript demonstrating full-time enrollment and a minimum 3.5 GPA
For more detailed descriptions of the applications materials, please consult the
Fellowship Program Application Components file.
Review and Selection Process
Applications will be evaluated by a selection committee using established program review criteria. As part of the review process, selected applicants may be invited to participate in a brief interview. Applicants should be prepared to participate if contacted.
Final fellowship selections are anticipated to be announced in Spring 2027, with fellowship activities beginning during the Fall 2027 academic semester.
2027-28 Cohort Participating Institutions*
CUNY Graduate Center
New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT)
New Mexico State University (NMSU)
San Diego State University (SDSU)
The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA)
The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP)
The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA)
University of Arizona (U of A)
University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine)
University of California, Merced (UC Merced)
University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB)
University of Central Florida (UCF)
University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver)
University of Illinois Chicago (UIC)
University of New Mexico (UNM)
University of North Texas (UNT)
*last updated: October 19, 2026
