The Piscopo Rodgers Science Fellows Program at the University of Mary Washington has opened applications to incoming undergraduate students who want to pursue research and careers in medicine, biology, chemistry, computer science, earth and environmental science, mathematics or physics. The program, which offers funding of up to $6,600 per year for four years of undergraduate study, is the only one of its kind in Virginia, offering funding and opportunities for undergraduate students that are typically only available for graduate-level degrees and advanced work in fields of study.
“This isn’t just another scholarship program – it’s a comprehensive interdisciplinary research training experience that prepares science students for graduate school and research careers while building lifelong connections with faculty mentors and fellow scholars,” said UMW Director of Sciences Lynn Lewis.
Piscopo Rodgers Fellows are involved in research beginning in their first year through a foundational research methods course and interdisciplinary shadowing of research teams. In their second year, students discover professional opportunities through a STEM career exploration seminar and engage in interdisciplinary research with other Piscopo Rodgers Fellows. Through coursework and hands-on faculty-mentored research experiences including the Irene Piscopo Rodgers ’59 Summer Science Institute (SSI), students conduct research, present their work at conferences and learn to communicate complex ideas to many audiences.
The Piscopo Rodgers Fellows program and experiences are all funded through a substantial gift supporting students from Irene Piscopo Rodgers, a 1959 UMW alumna who dedicated her life to advancing scientific excellence and opening doors for future generations of STEM scholars. Students may be inspired to follow in her footsteps or pursue one of many paths from the program. Piscopo Rodgers Fellows will graduate with the skills and confidence needed to pursue graduate study or enter the scientific workforce.
For this initial cohort of scholars, any student who has already applied to UMW through the early decision and early action dates in November with an indicated interest in science will be invited to apply for the program. The opportunity has been extended through the February 1 filing date, and new students should complete both their regular decision application and the supplemental application for the Piscopo Rodgers Fellows program.
Students may also qualify for additional awards, including UMW’s prestigious Washington and Alvey Scholarships, which offer full tuition and fees to in-state and out-of-state students respectively. UMW’s Tuition Promise extends full tuition for Virginia students who qualify for Pell grants, making it a stand-out in-state college choice. Departmental scholarships are available in addition to program-specific funding and internship grants via the National Science Foundation and the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV). In addition, students may be considered for the Honors Program at UMW, compete in Division III Athletics, and balance their pursuits with fine and performing arts or double majors in any college at the University, including business and education.
“All in all, this program provides a fantastic support for students passionate about science to start their undergraduate degrees by getting involved in research from the beginning and graduate prepared for their next steps. They’ll benefit from faculty guidance, peer mentors and an alumni network that excels across the liberal arts and sciences,” said Director of Undergraduate Research Elizabeth Lewis.
Learn more about the Piscopo Rodgers Fellowship at UMW, and complete an application for fall 2026 by February 1.
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