Would you like to work on a compelling summer research or teaching project that advances the library’s goals, such as creating instructional videos, helping to re-imagine Fondren Library’s North Reading Room, or updating an interactive database and map of the structures removed and people displaced by highway construction in Houston? If so, apply to become a Fondren Fellow.
Fellows will earn $18 per hour (for up to 275 hours of work), work flexible schedules, hone their skills in research and communication, and be mentored by a Fondren staff member.
Available Projects for Summer 2026
Rice undergraduate and graduate students may apply to work on the projects below. They will begin around May 11, 2026 and end by August 21, 2026. (Please see project descriptions here).
- Directories to Data: Leveraging AI to Create a Digital Preservation Pipeline for Historical Directories
- Fondren on Demand: Creating Instructional Video Tutorials
- Paper Trails: Evaluating a Collection of Museum Exhibition Publications
- Reimagining Fondren: A Charrette Study to Redesign Fondren’s North Reading Room to Align with Student Needs
- roadsTaken Part II
- Teaching Critical Generative AI Evaluation: Developing and Testing an Innovative Framework and Curriculum
Applying for the Program
Applicants must be current Rice full-time graduate or undergraduate students in good academic standing at the time of the program.
To apply, please use 12twenty to submit the following documents:
- a resume or CV that includes your name, email address, telephone number and expected graduation date
- a cover letter. The cover letter should describe which project(s) you would like to apply for, what qualifications you would bring to the project(s), and what you would like to get out of the program. You may apply to multiple projects, but please upload a single letter.
If your application is chosen to move to the next stage, you will be contacted to interview with your prospective mentor.
Only applications submitted on 12twenty will be considered!
Applications are due on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 11:59 pm.
Any questions should be directed to fondrenfellows@rice.edu
Info Session
Monday, February 16, 2026
4:00-4:45 pm
Register here: https://riceuniversity.zoom.us/meeting/register/ppvbBySESBaSsAGtpgw6xA
Benefits for Fellows
The Fondren Fellows program offers the following benefits to students:
- Competitive wage of $18/ hour for up to 275 hours of work.
- Create a meaningful research or teaching project in collaboration with experts.
- Hone research and communication skills.
- Work flexible hours
Expectations
Once selected, Fondren Fellows are expected to:
- Participate in regular meetings with their mentor(s)
- Participate in weekly or bi-weekly cohort meetings on campus between May 11, 2026 and August 21, 2026. It’s OK to miss a few, but Fellows would be expected to be on campus for most of the summer.
- Develop and submit a research plan in cooperation with mentor
- Be able to dedicate 15-20 hours per week during the summer to the project
- Provide reports on their progress in meeting the project goals
- Present their project at a public forum
- Acknowledge the Fondren Fellows program in any publications or presentations resulting from the project
- Provide feedback on the Fellows program, including by completing a brief survey at the middle and end of the project