The Kummer Innovation and Entrepreneurship (I&E) Doctoral Fellows program is an integrated, collaborative program that connects academic rigor to real-world practicality for students interested in pursuing Ph.D. degrees in STEM and related disciplines.

The program is limited to no more than 100 active fellows and is open to domestic and international students. Each doctoral fellow receives a Graduate Research Assistantship position on campus, a fellowship (paid out semesterly), and tuition remission for required coursework for up to four years.

Learn more and apply

Learn more about the fellowship and how to apply to become a Kummer I&E Doctoral Fellow.

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Exclusive Opportunities

Kummer I&E Doctoral Fellows engage in a number of special opportunities, including:

  • The Kummer I&E Doctoral Fellows welcome and kickoff at the start of each semester.
  • Presenting research at the annual Kummer Day event and at the Graduate Research Showcase.
  • $1,500 per year in supplementary funds to be used to advance research (conference travel, software, etc.)
  • Attendance at industry site visits to learn and observe firsthand cutting-edge research and development of products.
  • Participation in competitions, seminars, and lectures focused on learning and implementing entrepreneurship concepts.
  • Serving as mentors to S&T undergraduate Kummer Vanguard Scholars.
  • The Kummer Doctoral Achievement Award and medal for fellows who complete their Ph.D. in 4 years.
  • Doctoral I&E Award for fellows whose research leads to commercialization.

Portrait of student wearing black and white patterned blazer over a white blouse.

The Kummer I&E doctoral fellowship goes well beyond defraying educational expenses. The program’s belief in my vision rekindled my inner spirit, boosted my motivation and gave me the opportunity to grow.”

— Niloofar Zendehdel
Kummer I&E Doctoral Fellow and doctoral student in mechanical engineering

Requirements to Maintain Eligibility

To remain eligible as a Kummer I&E Doctoral Fellow, students are required to: 

  • Maintain a 3.5 or higher GPA.
  • Be enrolled with full-time graduate student status on the Missouri S&T campus.
  • Complete department Ph.D. requirements in compliance with the program timeline.
  • Actively participate in the Kummer I&E Doctoral Fellows program meetings, presentations and activities.
  • Prepare an annual progress report to be reviewed by the Kummer Student Programs office.

 

 Program Participation Requirements

  • Attend the Kummer I&E Doctoral Fellows welcome and kick-off the week prior to start of classes.
  • Participate in the annual two-day Kummer I&E Doctoral Fellows research conference that includes researchers from industry and academia.
  • Participate in site visits that provide a unique opportunity to connect personally with entrepreneurs and industry leaders.
  • Attend S&T Industry Day where fellows get to pitch their ideas and research to industry subject matter experts.
  • Mentor S&T undergraduate Kummer Vanguard Scholars and collaborating on joint poster presentations to be showcased at the Kummer I&E Fellows and Kummer Scholars poster competition day.

Kummer I&E Doctoral Fellows in the News