The UMW Undergraduate Science Fellowship is an opportunity for incoming undergraduate students who want to study science and gain early research experience at the University of Mary Washington in the United States. The Piscopo Rodgers Science Fellows Program provides funding of up to $6,600 per year for four years of undergraduate study. For the first cohort, the application deadline was February 1, 2026. The fellowship supports students interested in medicine, biology, chemistry, computer science, earth and environmental science, mathematics, and physics.
The program was created to give undergraduate students access to research training and faculty mentoring from the beginning of their university education. Therefore, students do not have to wait until graduate school before gaining practical research experience.
Scholarship Overview
| Scholarship Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | UMW Undergraduate Science Fellowship |
| Program Name | Piscopo Rodgers Science Fellows Program |
| University | University of Mary Washington, UMW |
| Location | Virginia, United States |
| Study Level | Undergraduate |
| Funding | Up to $6,600 per year |
| Funding Duration | Up to 4 years |
| Maximum Potential Funding | Up to $26,400 over four years |
| Eligible Fields | Medicine, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Earth and Environmental Science, Mathematics, Physics |
| Research Opportunity | Yes |
| Faculty Mentorship | Yes |
| STEM Career Training | Yes |
| Summer Research | Irene Piscopo Rodgers Summer Science Institute |
| Application Deadline | February 1, 2026 |
| Target Applicants | Incoming first year undergraduate students |
| Cohort | First cohort |
About the UMW Undergraduate Science Fellowship
The Piscopo Rodgers Science Fellows Program is offered by the University of Mary Washington, also known as UMW, in Virginia, United States.
The program was established with support from Irene Piscopo Rodgers, a 1959 UMW graduate and supporter of undergraduate science education. Her gift supports scholarships, research opportunities, and other STEM initiatives at the university.
The fellowship is designed for incoming first year undergraduate students who have an interest in science and research.
Unlike a standard scholarship that mainly provides financial support, the program combines funding with academic training, research experience, career exploration, and faculty mentorship.
UMW Undergraduate Science Fellowship Benefits
Students selected for the Piscopo Rodgers Science Fellows Program can receive several forms of academic and financial support.
1. Up to $6,600 per year
The fellowship provides funding of up to $6,600 every year for four years of undergraduate study.
Over four years, this could provide up to $26,400 in fellowship funding if a student receives the maximum annual amount throughout the program.
The funding is designed to support students as they complete their undergraduate education while participating in research and other program activities.
2. Early research experience
Students begin learning about research during their first year.
The program includes a foundational research methods course and opportunities to observe interdisciplinary research teams. This gives students an introduction to how scientific research works in a university environment.
3. Faculty mentoring
Students receive opportunities to work with faculty members who guide them through research activities.
This can help students understand how scientific projects are designed, conducted, presented, and communicated.
4. STEM career exploration
During the second year, fellows take part in a STEM career exploration seminar.
The goal is to help students understand different professional opportunities available to people with science related degrees.
5. Interdisciplinary research
Fellows can work with other students from different scientific disciplines.
This allows students to learn how different areas of science can work together when solving research problems.
6. Summer research opportunities
The program also connects students with the Irene Piscopo Rodgers Summer Science Institute.
The Summer Science Institute gives UMW students the opportunity to spend an extended period conducting research under faculty supervision. Students can then present their research findings to others.
Courses and Fields Covered
The UMW Undergraduate Science Fellowship is intended for students interested in several science and STEM related fields.
Eligible areas mentioned by UMW include:
• Medicine
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Earth and Environmental Science
• Mathematics
• Physics
Students interested in these areas can use the program to develop their research skills while completing their undergraduate education.
What Fellows Do During the Program
The fellowship follows a development path that introduces students to research gradually.
First year
Students begin with research methods training and interdisciplinary research exposure.
They also have opportunities to shadow research teams. This helps them understand what researchers do and how different scientific disciplines approach problems.
Second year
Students participate in a STEM career exploration seminar.
They also engage in interdisciplinary research with other Piscopo Rodgers Fellows.
Later undergraduate years
Students can continue building their research experience through coursework, faculty mentoring, research projects, and the Summer Science Institute.
They can also present research at conferences and learn how to explain complex scientific ideas to different audiences.
These experiences can be useful for students who plan to attend graduate school or enter the scientific workforce after completing their undergraduate degree.
Who Can Apply for the UMW Undergraduate Science Fellowship?
The program is designed for incoming first year students at the University of Mary Washington who have an interest in science and related research fields.
For the first cohort, students who had already applied to UMW through the early decision or early action application periods and indicated an interest in science were invited to apply. Students applying through regular decision were also required to complete the UMW admission application and the supplemental fellowship application.
The fellowship was open to both in state and out of state first year students.
UMW Undergraduate Science Fellowship Deadline
The application deadline for the first cohort was February 1, 2026.
This was also the regular decision deadline for first year undergraduate applicants at the University of Mary Washington.
Students applying for the first cohort needed to complete the appropriate UMW admission application as well as the supplemental application for the Piscopo Rodgers Science Fellows Program.
Why This Fellowship Is Different
The UMW Undergraduate Science Fellowship combines financial support with practical research training.
Students can start building research experience from their first year rather than waiting until the final years of university or graduate school.
The program can also help students develop skills in scientific communication. Fellows have opportunities to conduct research, present their findings, work with faculty members, and collaborate with students from other disciplines.
For students considering graduate school, these experiences can help them understand what academic research involves.
Students who want to enter the workforce after graduation can also use the experience to develop practical research and communication skills.
Other Financial Aid at UMW
The Piscopo Rodgers Science Fellowship is not the only financial support available at the University of Mary Washington.
UMW also offers other scholarships and financial aid opportunities. These include the Washington Scholarship for eligible Virginia students and the Alvey Scholarship for eligible out of state students.
The university also offers departmental scholarships and other funding opportunities. Some students may also qualify for research and internship funding through external organizations.
Therefore, students interested in studying at UMW should review all available funding opportunities rather than focusing on one scholarship alone.
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How to Prepare for Similar Undergraduate Fellowships
If you are planning to apply for a science fellowship in the future, start preparing early.
Build a strong academic record
Focus on your science and mathematics subjects. A strong academic record can help demonstrate your ability to handle demanding university coursework.
Develop your research interest
Think about the scientific problems that interest you. You can read about research projects, participate in science activities, or complete school projects related to your preferred field.
Prepare a strong personal statement
Explain why you want to study your chosen field, what interests you about research, and what you hope to achieve through university education.
Apply early
Do not wait until the final day. University admission and scholarship applications can require different documents and deadlines.
Conclusion
The UMW Undergraduate Science Fellowship provides incoming students with financial support and early access to undergraduate research. The Piscopo Rodgers Science Fellows Program offers up to $6,600 per year for four years, along with research training, faculty mentorship, career exploration, and opportunities to present scientific work.
For the first cohort, the application deadline was February 1, 2026. The program is particularly relevant to students interested in medicine, biology, chemistry, computer science, earth and environmental science, mathematics, or physics.
Students planning for future undergraduate scholarship opportunities should monitor UMW announcements and prepare their academic and application materials well before the next application period opens.
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