Gambrell Student Research Fellowship

A group of students review a map with a UNC Charlotte library staff member.

Turn your local knowledge into research that matters.

The Gambrell Student Research Fellowship gives UNC Charlotte master’s students the opportunity to explore a quality-of-life issue that matters to them, work alongside a community partner and apply their academic training to research that can make a difference in the region.

Generously supported by The Gambrell Foundation in collaboration with the Charlotte Urban Institute, this 18-month fellowship combines hands-on, community-engaged research with mentorship, professional development and financial support.

This is research that starts with lived experience.

The issues that shape quality of life in our region are complex. Understanding them requires more than data alone. It requires people who know their communities, ask meaningful questions and are willing to explore what could be different.

Gambrell Student Research Fellows will:

  • Work 15–20 hours per week at the Charlotte Urban Institute.
  • Co-design and conduct a research project with a community partner.
  • Receive guidance from a Charlotte Urban Institute research mentor or engaged faculty member.
  • Participate in a biweekly seminar and cohort-based learning experience.
  • Build skills in community-engaged research, research translation and knowledge dissemination.
  • Develop professional and community connections.
  • Receive tuition assistance and a financial stipend throughout the fellowship.

The inaugural fellowship runs from January 2027 through May 2028. Fellows will receive $1,500 toward tuition per fall and spring semester, an $8,500 stipend per fall and spring semester, and a $4,800 summer 2027 stipend. Across the 18-month fellowship, that represents $26,300 in total financial support, assuming the student receives each listed payment.

Who can apply?

The fellowship is open to:

  • Full-time UNC Charlotte master’s students
  • Students originally from North or South Carolina
  • Students in their first year of a two-year master’s program or second year of a three-year program
  • Students admitted to a UNC Charlotte master’s program from Fall 2026 through Spring 2028
  • Students from any major

Students from the Institute’s 14-county region are especially encouraged to apply. Learn which counties make up our region here. Prior research experience is not required.

See what’s possible

This is the first year of the Gambrell Student Research Fellowship, but it builds on a growing body of Gambrell faculty research that is also supported by the Institute and The Gambrell Foundation. Gambrell Faculty Fellows have explored questions like, “what does it mean to live a good life?” and “what does it take for our communities to thrive?” Their work spans multiple disciplines and addresses issues that affect quality of life across our region.

Explore their work here to see what questions Gambrell-supported researchers are asking — and imagine where those questions could lead.

Putting it into perspective

A fellowship project could begin with something a Gambrell student fellow experienced, observed or wondered about in their community.

What makes it harder for people to find stable housing? How does transportation shape opportunity? What helps people feel connected to their communities? What could make life better for families, workers, students or older adults across the region?

The Gambrell Student Research Fellowship gives graduate students the opportunity to turn questions like these into research — and to work with the people and organizations closest to the issues.

Ready to become an inaugural Gambrell Student Research Fellow? Here’s how:

The cohort will begin in January 2027 and the application is available through the Niner Scholars Portal.

Application deadline: [INSERT CONFIRMED DEADLINE DATE]

APPLY THROUGH THE NINER SCHOLAR PORTAL (COMING SOON!)