ASCENDR Fellowship
Immersing graduate students in defense-aligned research, mentorship, and career development.
The ASCENDR Fellowship is a one-year paid, cohort program that supports graduate students at HSRU institutions in conducting research aligned with national defense priorities. Through structured mentorship, hands-on research, and professional development, fellows gain early exposure to the strategic, organizational, and technical dimensions of the defense research enterprise.
The program fosters a strong community of scholars, mentors, and professionals across HSRU Alliance Institutions and the broader Department of Defense ecosystem.
Program Features
- Cohort Model: A cohort of graduate students from HSRU institutions, fostering peer learning, and long-term professional connections.
- Professional Development: A curated sequence of webinars, workshops, and guided activities focused on defense-relevant topics and career exploration.
- Networking and Engagement: Monthly virtual events and an annual in-person convening with DoD professionals, faculty, and industry experts.
- Research Participation: Faculty-mentored research conducted at the fellow’s home institution, applying academic expertise to real-world defense challenges.
- Funding Support: Supplemental funding to support research activities, participation in professional development and program events.
Eligibility criteria and research areas
Details regarding eligibility criteria and research areas are currently under review and will be announced soon. Please check back regularly for updates.
How to apply
Applications for the ASCENDR Fellowship will open in early 2026 and the fellowship will officially begin in August 2026. Detailed application instructions and selection criteria will be posted here once the application period opens.
To be eligible, applicants must identify a faculty mentor at an HSRU institution with whom they can collaborate in a lab setting on their proposed defense-related research.
Information sessions
To support prospective fellows, we will host information sessions prior to the application period. These sessions will provide resources and guidance on how to approach faculty members and secure a mentor for a research project.
Specific dates and registration details will be announced soon.
Contact us
Have questions about this program or want to explore collaboration opportunities? Contact us at hsru@utep.edu.
