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HEI’s Fellowship Program is Propelling the Next Generation of Environmental Health Professionals
2026
Undergraduate programs in the environmental sciences are pivotal stepping stones in identifying educational and career trajectories for students aspiring to be environmental health professionals. Since 2023, the Health Effects Institute (HEI) has provided a unique and inspiring opportunity for rising juniors and seniors from universities across the United States, pairing students with mentors based at academic and research institutions for a 10-week hands-on research program. For many fellows, this experience is a student’s first taste of what environmental health science research encompasses. It is also designed to encourage students who might not have access to an opportunity like this one to apply. Through this program, HEI supports students in their individual research projects and provides networking and research training opportunities to enhance each student’s skillset for their future success.
The summer fellowship experience
"I like how this program sought to connect undergrads with high level researchers in the field of environmental health. I enjoyed having access to someone who was very knowledgeable in the field and had many connections.”
-2025 Fellow
Since 2023, the program has supported 24 fellows. A 2025 fellow shared how this program made them feel more “capable and confident in [their] ability to conduct research” and how their networking and research skills have "improved tremendously.” Mentors from 2025, some of whom served in previous years, expressed their hopes in participating as mentors in the future. Since 2023, the number of both mentor and fellow applicants has grown exponentially. Similarly, this year we anticipate a higher volume of applications and hope to support more fellows in future years.
"We appreciate that this opportunity exists. It is not only great for students but covering costs for a summer internship is a big deal for the host organization.”
-2025 Mentor
The program culminates with final presentations of research, where fellows share their findings from the summer. However, the impact of this program continues well beyond their 10-week summer program. Past fellows have shared that they walked away with a better understanding of career pathways and graduate programs available to them. Beyond the program, some students have accomplished the following:
• Completed and presented scientific research to peers, mentors, and others in a variety of topics related to environmental health.
• Co-authored and contributed to research papers on indoor air quality.
• Published articles on the importance of access to air quality data and mapping gaps in air quality standards.
• Presented research on communities affected by air pollutants at institutional research symposiums.
• Work in the field of research and government.
• Applied to and actively pursue graduate school.
We are continuously looking for ways to expand this impactful program and would appreciate any support to ensure we can continue providing valuable research experiences to students across the country.
"I feel much more capable and confident in my ability to conduct research... students, professors, and EHS professionals." –2025 Fellow
Please visit the fellowship page for more information on the program, and the donation page if you would like to support the program.
