The Big Ten Academic Alliance and Smithsonian Institution Celebrate Prestigious Fellowship Program

The Smithsonian Institute is accepting applications for the 2025-2026 fellowship through October 15, 2024.  For more details and to apply, visit the Big Ten Academic Alliance Smithsonian Fellowship Program.

The Big Ten Academic Alliance is proud to announce the 2024 recipients of the prestigious Big Ten Academic Alliance Smithsonian Fellowship. Since its inception in 2012, the fellowship program has awarded 83 fellowships to exceptional doctoral candidates across various disciplines, fostering academic excellence and promoting diversity.

The Fellowship offers doctoral candidates from Big Ten Academic Alliance universities an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich resources and research environment of the Smithsonian Institution. This collaboration not only supports innovative research but also builds a bridge between academia and one of the world’s leading cultural institutions.

2024 Fellows:
This year, nine Big Ten Academic Alliance doctoral students were awarded the Fellowship.

•    Madeleine Kelly, University of Chicago
•    Scott Lakeram, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
•    Nicholas Bezio, University of Maryland
•    Asia Hightower, Michigan State University
•    Ashley Duffy, University of Minnesota
•    Mary Kate Robbett, Northwestern University
•    Erik Schoonover, Pennsylvania State University
•    Emma Osle, Rutgers University-New Brunswick
•    Maeve Hogan, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fellowship Benefits
The fellowship term can range from 3 to 12 months, with an annual stipend of up to $45,000, split between the Smithsonian and the fellow’s university. This funding allows fellows to focus on their research without financial burden, providing invaluable support for their academic pursuits.

Building Professional Networks
One of the most significant benefits of the Big Ten Academic Alliance Smithsonian Institute Fellowship is the access it provides to the Smithsonian’s extensive network. Fellows have the unique opportunity to collaborate with leading experts and gain insights from professionals across various fields. This collaboration extends beyond academic research, offering fellows a chance to work closely with museum conservators and other specialists, translating their academic knowledge into practical applications.

Encouraging Future Applications
The Big Ten Academic Alliance Smithsonian Institute Fellowship represents more than just a financial award; it is an extraordinary opportunity for doctoral candidates to advance their research and academic careers through collaboration with Smithsonian experts. This fellowship not only supports the development of cutting-edge research but also fosters the growth of informed global citizens, prepared to make significant contributions to their fields.

For aspiring applicants, the key to a successful fellowship lies in identifying research questions that align with both personal interests and the Smithsonian’s mission. Leveraging the Smithsonian’s vast resources effectively is crucial. Prospective fellows are encouraged to clearly illustrate how specific Smithsonian resources will be utilized in their research projects.

The Smithsonian Institute is accepting applications for the 2025-2026 fellowship through October 15, 2024.  For more details and to apply, visit the Big Ten Academic Alliance Smithsonian Fellowship Program