The Huang Fellows Program trains students to understand science in the context of and in service to society. Through their participation in the program, Fellows learn how to integrate ethics, policy, and social implications into their scientific research. This highly selective program fosters a community of accomplished undergraduate scholars who will be trained in the sciences and grounded firmly in the liberal arts–and who will be well prepared to serve as leaders in sciences and the biomedical professions. The program is supported by a grant to the Duke Initiative for Science & Society from Dr. Andrew Huang.

Brief biographies of our Current Huang Fellows can be viewed here.

The summer program is modified from year to year, largely based upon feedback from the Fellows. While the summer program has been residential since the Huang Fellows began, during summer 2020, because of COVID, the program was held remotely. The summer 2021 program will also be held remotely.

The syllabi for the summer 2019 and 2020 can be found here. The Fellows write reflections on the seminars, guest lectures and enrichment activities, which provide insights into the programming. These reflections can be found on the Student Media page.

During the school year the Huang Fellows program sponsors a series of book talks, film screenings and other activities. In the spring, the Fellows organize and run a symposium a current topic of science and technology policy. A mentoring program pairs the newly selected Huang Fellows with more senior members of the program.

Important Dates

• Applications open: Monday, November 30th, 2020
• Application deadline: Friday, January 15th, 2021
• Students notified of selection decisions: Friday, February 12th, 2021 Monday, February 22nd, 2021
• Students notify the program of intent to participate: Thursday, February 18th, 2021 Monday, March 1st by 12:00 PM (EST)
• Program dates: Monday, May 17th – Friday, July 23rd, 2021

First-year students are not permitted to commit to multiple Summer Research Programs (e.g. Duke Engage International). If you have accepted an offer to one of these programs for the coming summer, you may not apply to the Huang Fellows Program.

Program Highlights

• Immersive science or policy lab placement in the summer before sophomore year
• Seminar Series concurrent with lab placement
• Science Symposium at the culmination of the summer experience
• Year-long programming during sophomore, junior, and senior years
• Publishing opportunities
• Mentorship by other fellows
• Housing is covered for the summer and a stipend for living expenses will be provided by the program

Huang Fellows are required to participate in the program during the summer following their freshman year, unless they are already members of a Duke fellowship program that requires them to be away from Durham during some or all of their freshman summer.

Selection Criteria (Fellows are selected during the spring of their first year at Duke)

• Academic excellence in the pursuit of scientific knowledge and understanding
• Demonstrated desire and commitment to productive and constructive collaboration with others
• Commitment to science in the service of society
• Emotional Intelligence
• Openness to learning from others, gathering multiple perspectives, and standing outside of your comfort zone
• Potential for leadership in the responsible use and application of science in society

Application Requirements and Forms

Please note that you are only allowed to submit your application materials ONCE. Do not submit fake forms to the selection committee for review. We enabled a “back button” to the application form. You can also save your partial answers and submit later. If you would like to test the form or partially answer, save but DO NOT SUBMIT. Applications may be submitted only after they are complete.

To apply, please fill out the online application. The following information will be required for your application:

• Response to two short answer questions
• Upload your CV/Resume
• Upload an Unofficial Duke Transcript
• Two recommendations need to be submitted by your evaluators. At least one of the recommenders must be a Duke Faculty Member.
  • Duke recommender will complete this recommendation form.
  • Non-Duke recommender will complete this recommendation form.

For any questions regarding your application, please contact Professor Buz Waitzkin at huangfellowsprogram@duke.edu.