Why PROPEL?

The PROPEL program is an immersive research experience, mentorship, graduate school preparation, professional development and collaborative opportunities to ignite their passion for cutting edge engineering research. Students from under resourced backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply, as are those from academic institutions with limited research opportunities in STEM. 

Two PROPEL participants at the symposium Two young men presenting during PROPEL

Over eight weeks, participants will conduct research with a faculty mentor and participate in activities that will prepare them for success in graduate school, including workshops on scientific writing, presentation skills and networking. Highlights include:

  • Interactive and professional development workshops
  • Hands on research projects
  • Guided mentorship
  • Weekly seminars and social activities
  • Social activities and community building
  • Baltimore and DC excursions

At the end of the summer program, participants will present their research at a campus wide symposium. Participants in PROPEL receive housing, a competitive stipend, meal plan and round-trip travel to Baltimore. All students will be housed on campus with easy access to shopping, food and public transportation.

Program Date: Wed., May 27 – Fri., July 24, 2026

 

Applications are closed. Applicants will be notified of admission decisions by early April.

Featured PROPEL Student Research

  • Headshot image of Jalyn, propel scholar

    Jadyn Decuir, Howard University, Civil and Systems Engineering

    By detecting anomalous ship behavior in AIS data, her research lays the groundwork for preventing future ship–bridge collisions.

  • Headshot photo of Caly, propel scholar

    Caly Ferguson, University of MD Balt. County, Mechanical Engineering

    A motorized, torque-controlled elbow brace is developed to emulate adjustable joint stiffness for studying and quantifying limb rigidity.

  • Headshot photo of Rafael, propel scholar

    Rafael Cedeño, Virginia Tech, Mechanical Engineering

    A custom experimental setup combining controlled particle injection and digital image projection is developed to measure particle deposition growth in turbulent flows.

Participant Profile

  • Be currently enrolled full-time in an accredited public or private college or university in the United States, or its territories as recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
  • Good academic standing with a GPA of 3.0 or better
  • Have completed at least two semesters and have at least one semester remaining of their undergraduate education by the start of the summer program (rising juniors and rising seniors will be given priority) 
  • Have a genuine interest in pursuing a PhD in engineering 
  • U.S. Citizen or permanent resident
  • International students with an F-1 Visa who are already living in the United States and studying at a U.S. university are also eligible to apply
  • Applicants must be at least 18 years old
    Student participating in the PROPEL symposium

 

Application Requirements 

  1. Complete Interfolio Application 
  2. Research Statement – One page – include research interests, prior research experience and how this program aligns with your future goals.  Review departmental websites and identify 2-3 faculty whose research aligns with your research interests.
  3. Leadership Statement – One page to describe your academic, leadership or service engagement
  4. Resume or CV
  5. One Letter of Recommendation – The letter must be from an individual that can speak to the applicants academic and research experience (faculty member, research mentor/supervisor, etc.)
  6. Unofficial Transcripts – Include all semesters to date.

Propel students sitting listening to part of the program

Stacey Marks Cager

Outreach and Belonging Program Manager