Undergraduate Research Fellows
The Undergraduate Research Fellows Program is a home for a community of undergraduate students, supported by faculty and staff, who explore their own research passions as they emerge as the next generation of wellness scientists, practitioners, and leaders. This program follows our 5-phase model of cyclical and iterative co-design.
The three-year program is being co-designed by participating undergraduate students and research mentors. It draws on theories of applied and situated learning, with a focus on apprenticeship, community, and contextualized learning experiences. Fellows engage in seminar courses, community-building activities, summer immersive research experiences, lab apprenticeships, a participatory action research project, and conference participation. The program culminates in the completion of an honors thesis.
The Crown Institute Participatory Research Approach
What can I expect as a Fellow?
Participation in a weekly seminar course
Two paid summer research immersions embedded in a lab for 10 weeks (20–40 hrs/week)
Independent study credits or stipend for research work during junior and senior years
Mentorship from psychology and neuroscience faculty to support your research interests, conduct an independent research project, and complete an honors thesis
Funding to travel and present research at national or local conferences
Mentorship to advise you as you explore your future after college graduation: work, graduate school, grant submissions, and life!
Am I eligible to apply?
Are you starting your second year at CU Boulder in Fall 2025?
Do you intend to major in Psychology or Neuroscience?
Are you able to commit from Fall 2025 to Spring 2028?
Are you interested in research that aims to build a more just and equitable world in which every young person thrives?
Affiliated Faculty and Graduate Students
2024-25 Undergraduate Research Fellows
Hebe Edwards
"I am interested in researching anxiety disorders and stress in adolescents and how accessible treatment methods could be implemented in communities."
Meghan Densmore
"I am passionate about the psychology surrounding gender relations and the socialization of both young girls and boys through social media, their families, and other institutions."
Riya Kakkar
"I believe that knowledge is the cure and encouragement for mental and physical well-being!"
Emma Spruill
"My main interest is PTSD and trauma-focused psychology and therapy, and I can't wait for what I'll learn over these next three years to further my understanding of psychology as a whole!"
Allison Stovall
"I have always had a passion for psychology, and through my studies, I hope to improve the lives of others and advance the field of child wellness research."
Lucy Swaim
"I joined the URFP because I resonated with Crown’s vision and have a deep interest in caring for and helping others."
2023-24 Undergraduate Research Fellows
Morgan Johnson
"I'm passionate about the longevity of mental health care for adolescents as well as understanding how different techniques can be more or less effective in a classroom setting for youth in the long term.
Grace La Joie
"I am fascinated with the fields of developmental and clinical psychology and am hoping to do research in either of these disciplines. I’m excited to deepen my wellness and mindfulness practices in addition to developing connections with other fellows and faculty."
Chloe Nowak
"I have an interest in equity and accessibility in education and the developmental processes behind it."
Diego Vidaurre
"I’m interested in meditation and how non-Western belief systems intersect with Western psychology and inform one another."
Katie Li
"I'm interested in understanding the well-being and mental health of adolescents to build an environment where everyone can thrive."
2022-23 Undergraduate Research Fellows
Kit Ganzle
"Ever since I was a kid, I have been fascinated by the brain and wanted to learn as much about it as possible."
Mandira Gowda
"In my free time, I love to paint, draw, embroider, play/listen to music, and visit friends! Within the established future, I hope to maintain a career in neuroscience or psychiatry."
Yohana Markos
"My hopes with joining this research fellowship is to learn more deeply about BIPOC in areas of STEM, how it affects their mental well-being, and how to better suit their needs for their success."
Ian McGillicuddy
"I have a passion for helping others and I'm excited to see what I can do at the Institute!"
Sienna Russell
"I am super passionate about mental health and helping to resolve some of the inequities in the field, especially the lack of resources in small towns like mine."
