The ASPIRE Student Fellow Program at Texas State University, supported by a National Science Foundation grant, supports undergraduate success in STEM through mentorship, hands-on research, academic support, and professional development. Fellows, including transfer students, gain research experience, build confidence, develop their scientific identity, and strengthen career-ready skills.
What You'll Gain?
As an ASPIRE Student Fellow, you will:
Faculty Mentorship
Work alongside an experienced Texas State faculty mentor who provides guidance throughout your research experience and supports your academic and professional growth.
Hands-on Research Experience
Participate in paid, faculty-mentored research and gain firsthand experience working on meaningful projects within your STEM discipline.
Academic Success
Access resources and academic success workshops tailored to STEM students. These opportunities help you address academic challenges, strengthen your STEM foundation, and build career confidence.
Professional Development
Participate in professional development and skill-building opportunities designed to strengthen research, communication, and career-ready skills.
Professional Integration
Engage in individualized development planning and activities that help you identify and develop skills aligned with your academic and career goals.
Community
Build connections with fellow students, faculty mentors, and the broader STEM community at Texas State while developing a network that supports your academic and professional growth.
Research Experience
ASPIRE Student Fellows participate in paid, faculty-mentored research for 8–10 hours per week, gaining hands-on experience in meaningful STEM projects. Fellows also receive professional development focused on research skills, communication, ethics, researcher identity, and preparation for future academic and career opportunities.
Mentorship & Professional Network
Program Commitments
Duration
Fall and Spring semesters.
ASPIRE Student Fellows participate in:
Student Fellows participate in:
- Faculty-mentored research
- Academic success workshops and resources
- Professional development and skill-building activities
- Individualized development planning
- Cohort-based activities and support
- Mentoring and research-related training
Research Commitment
Approximately 8–10 hours per week of faculty-mentored research.
Compensation
ASPIRE Student Fellows participate in a paid research experience throughout the program.
Eligibility
Eligibility requirements for the ASPIRE Student Fellow Program follow National Science Foundation guidance. The program is designed to support undergraduate student success in STEM.
Applicants must:
Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or permanent resident
Have a minimum 2.0 GPA
Applications are closed for the school year.
WHY ASPIRE?
ASPIRE combines hands-on research, faculty mentorship, academic support, and professional development to help undergraduate students build confidence, strengthen their scientific identity, and develop skills that support their future goals.
Through the program, Fellows gain meaningful research experience and practical, marketable skills while building connections and preparing for future academic and professional opportunities in STEM.
The THRC Student Fellows Program combines structured training with real-world experience to help students develop these skills while contributing to meaningful health and resilience initiatives that serve Texas communities.
By participating in the program, Fellows gain experiences that prepare them to become adaptable professionals capable of bridging disciplines, building partnerships, and addressing complex health challenges through research and innovation.
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Do I need prior research experience?
No prior research experience is required. ASPIRE provides students with mentorship, training, and support as they gain hands-on research experience
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Is the program paid?
Yes. ASPIRE Fellows participate in paid, faculty-mentored research.
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How much time does the program require?
Fellows participate in approximately 8–10 hours of faculty-mentored research per week in addition to program workshops and professional development activities.
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Will I be matched with a faculty mentor?
Yes. ASPIRE Fellows are matched with faculty mentors who guide their research experience and support their academic and professional development.
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What GPA is required?
Applicants must have a minimum 2.0 GPA.
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Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants must meet National Science Foundation eligibility requirements, including being a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or permanent resident.
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under
Grant No. 2524218.