Fulton Future Scholars

Building the next generation of researchers through a seamless pathway to doctoral study.

Deepen your research experience

Fulton Future Scholars is a competitive, faculty-nominated program for exceptional Fulton undergraduate researchers who are ready to deepen their research experience and prepare for doctoral study in the Fulton Schools.

The program combines paid research, faculty mentorship, professional development, and a clear pathway to Ph.D. study.

Apply online
Elham Mansoory, a Mechanical Engineering major, and Shardul Dhaul, majoring in Computer Science, utilize the common space in the Memorial Union to study and work on their class assignments.

Is Fulton Future Scholars right for you?

Fulton Future Scholars is intended for outstanding research-active students who have demonstrated exceptional academic ability, intellectual curiosity, and a strong interest in pursuing doctoral study.

Eligible students may enter the program during their final year of undergraduate study, through a 4+1 program, or during the +1 master’s year. Priority consideration is given to students with significant undergraduate research experience, including participants in FURI, Barrett Honors, REU (Research Experiences for Undergraduates) programs, and other research experiences.

Participation begins with a faculty nomination. Students interested in the program are encouraged to discuss the opportunity with their faculty research mentor.

What participants receive

A high-impact student experience

Every Fulton Future Scholar receives a paid research appointment (approx. 20 hours per week during the academic year), faculty research mentorship, individual mentoring toward doctoral study, professional development opportunities, a doctoral application fee waiver, and a cohort experience with other scholars.

Students who are admitted to an ASU Ph.D. program are eligible to receive a prestigious doctoral fellowship, ongoing mentoring, and continued community as part of the Fulton doctoral scholar network.

Faculty partnership

Developing tomorrow’s doctoral researchers

Faculty mentors are at the heart of Fulton Future Scholars. Participating faculty identify exceptional students with strong potential for doctoral study and provide the mentorship, research experience, and guidance needed to prepare them for success in graduate research.

Faculty partners:

  • Nominate outstanding students.
  • Develop a meaningful research experience.
  • Mentor students toward doctoral study.
  • Guide students through the Ph.D. application process.
  • Support students throughout the fellowship experience.
  • Co-sponsor the scholar’s research appointment.

The program also supports faculty through mentoring resources, workshops, and a community of practice focused on developing future doctoral researchers.

Christian Arenz, Assistant Professor, School of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering in the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering.

Application and nomination process

How the nomination process works

Fulton Future Scholars is a faculty-nominated program. Applications are submitted jointly by the faculty mentor and the nominated student.

Step 1: Faculty nomination

Faculty identify an exceptional undergraduate researcher who demonstrates strong potential for doctoral study and commit to serving as the student’s mentor and funding 50% of their research position throughout the program.

Step 2: Joint application

The faculty mentor and student complete the application together. Faculty describe the proposed research experience and mentoring plan, while students submit a personal statement outlining their research interests, doctoral aspirations, and career goals.

Step 3: Committee review

Applications are reviewed by a multidisciplinary selection committee that evaluates both student potential and the strength of the proposed mentoring relationship.

Step 4: Fellowship begins

Selected Fulton Future Scholars join a cohort of emerging researchers and begin their funded research experience under the guidance of their faculty mentor.
Anca Delgado, associate professor in the School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment and.Harshitha Marikundam, a computer enginnering student.

Selection criteria

Applications are evaluated using a number of factors:

  • Research potential and readiness for doctoral study.
  • Commitment to pursuing a Ph.D.
  • Strength of the faculty mentoring plan.
  • Previous research engagement.
  • Academic preparation.
  • Leadership and contributions to the research community.

Ready to take the next step?

If you are an outstanding undergraduate researcher interested in pursuing a Ph.D., talk with your faculty mentor about being nominated for Fulton Future Scholars.

If you are a faculty member, nominate a student and help develop the next generation of Fulton researchers.

Start a nomination

Contact us

Treavor Boyer

Treavor Boyer

Professor, School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment

[email protected]