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Summer Student Fellowship

The application for summer 2024 is now closed. Decisions for SSF 2024 will be released by mid-March.

A research project is at the heart of the Summer Student Fellowship program. All Fellows work on a project selected in collaboration with their sponsor(s) that will provide meaningful results in one summer’s work. Project topics span the vast spectrum of research in ocean sciences and engineering conducted in WHOI’s science departments and the Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center of the U. S. Geological Survey (USGS).

Fellowship recipients have the opportunity to attend and participate in a busy schedule of talks, seminars and a hands-on, one-day ocean sampling cruise onboard the R/V Tioga focusing on data collection and sampling methods with advanced oceanographic technology and instruments.

Fellows also have many occasions to interact with current MIT-WHOI Joint Program graduate students, from the Q&A session designed specifically for that purpose to the Ethics in Science Workshop and a near-peer mentoring program.

Members of groups underrepresented in ocean science and engineering are encouraged to apply.

More information
» Program Overview
» Admissions

Applications are accepted each year starting in late November/early December through February 5.

Here is what some past fellows had to say:

“This experience has given me invaluable insights into the broad spectrum of WHOI projects and activities ranging from fundamental oceanography principles to harmful algal blooms and autonomous vehicles. The WHOI SSF has truly laid the foundation for my scientific career. Thank you!” SSF '10

“I really appreciated the Summer Lecture Series--I think that one of the best parts of the SSF program is that you become exposed to all different areas of Oceanography, and the lecture series was one of the primary methods for doing so! I feel like I learned so much, and it really broadened my horizons.” SSF '11

“I have never been more satisfied with my advisors. I owe all my summer knowledge to them. They have inspired me to pursue the field of oceanography.” SSF '11

“...a day out on the water is always a good day.” SSF '11

2023 Summer Student Fellows. Twenty-eight students participated in the 2023 fellowship. (Jayne Doucette, WHOI)
2022 Summer Student Fellows. We welcomed the program back fully in-person, giving students hands-on experience in a broad spectrum of ocean science research. (Jayne Doucette, Woods Hole Oceanographic)
The 2021 Summer Student Fellowship had a hybrid format, primarily remote with a one-week visit to Woods Hole. Thirty-one students participated. (Jayne Doucette, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)

Additional Information

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2017 Research Highlights

In 2017, 30 Summer Student Fellows representing 29 different U.S. and international colleges and universities spent their summer immersed in ocean science and engineering projects at WHOI. Read about some of their experiences and research projects here.

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2016 Summer Research Highlights

In 2016, 32 Summer Student Fellows representing 25 different U.S. and international colleges and universities spent their summer immersed in ocean science and engineering projects at WHOI. Read about some of their experiences and research projects here.

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2015 Summer Research Highlights

In 2015, 32 Summer Student Fellows representing 28 different U.S. and International colleges and universities were selected from over 200 applicants. Read about some of their experiences and research projects here.

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2014 Summer Research Highlights

In 2014, 30 Summer Student Fellows representing 26 different U.S. and International colleges and universities spent their summer immersed in ocean sciences and engineering projects at WHOI.  Read about some of their experiences and research projects here.

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2013 Summer Research Highlights

In 2013, 32 Summer Student Fellows (SSF) representing 32 different U.S. and International colleges and universities spent an unforgettable summer immersed in ocean sciences and engineering projects at WHOI.  Read about some of their experiences and research projects here.

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2012 Summer Research Highlights

In 2012, 32 Summer Student Fellows (SSF) representing 30 U.S. and International colleges and universities were selected from a group of 192 applicants.  Read about some of their experiences and research projects here.

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PopSci's 25 Most Awesome College Labs 2011

WHOI's Summer Student Fellowship was named one of the "25 Most Awesome College Labs" by Popular Science.

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A Summer of Science on the Sea

WHOI Summer Student Fellowships offer a taste of research life. Article from Oceanus Magazine.

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Profiles of 2009 Summer Student Fellows

In 2009, twenty-eight Summer Student Fellows (SSF) representing 25 colleges and universities were chosen from a record high 241 applicants. Read descriptions of some of the fellows and the work they did.

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In an Octopus's Garden

Undergraduate students spend a summer getting hands-on oceanographic research experience and working with world-class scientists and engineers in WHOI's Summer Student Fellowship program.  Read a blog by fellow Ellie Bors who wrote about her experience working with biologist Tim Shank.