The Heller Graduate School for Social Policy and Management and the School of Social Science and Social Policy offers a research opportunity for motivated undergraduate students to work directly with social policy researchers as they conduct funded projects. Each student selected for this Spring semester 2026 program will be assigned to a research mentor to assist in primary research in the area of health policy, economic and racial equity, or behavioral health. Students will also participate in group instruction on topics related to conducting applied social policy research. The goal will be to introduce students to the research process and policy analysis.
Details
Up to six Brandeis juniors and seniors will be selected to serve as Heller Fellows for the Spring 2026 semester. No specific research experience is required, but it is preferred that students have taken at least one course that includes conduct of research or research methods. Fellows will be selected based on interest and fit with specific ongoing projects at Heller. Fellows will be placed in one of the following research projects:
- Study of caregivers of older adults
- Economic evaluation of methadone for opioid use disorder
- Researching association between historical redlining and tuberculosis
- Association between corporate tax and tobacco use
- Conceptual model for racism exposure and adverse birth outcomes
- Evaluation of Smart from the Start programs. Smart from the Start is a community organization based in Boston, D.C., Philadelphia, and Atlanta, serving lowest income families providing programs for family members.
Fellows will be expected to work approximately 6-8 hours per week during the semester. Each will be awarded a stipend of up to $2000 for the semester. Work may include: conducting literature reviews, attending interviews with research participants, analyzing data, and participating in research leading to publications. Students will also participate in Heller institute meetings and research updates. Each student will prepare and present their research at the end of the semester to institute fellows, and at the Brandeis Undergraduate Research Symposium in May 2026.
Applications due December 31.
To apply, please send an email to Cindy Thomas, with the following attachments:
- Curriculum Vitae or Resume
- Name of a professor as a reference
- First, second, and third choice for research project placement
You will be notified by January 15 if you are matched with a mentor. Address questions to: cthomas@brandeis.edu.