The Kummer Innovation and Entrepreneurship (I&E) Doctoral Fellows Program is an integrated, collaborative program that connects academic rigor to real-world practicality for students interested in pursuing Ph.D. degrees in STEM and related disciplines.

The program is limited to no more than 100 active fellows and is open to domestic and international students. Each doctoral fellow receives a Graduate Research Assistantship position on campus, a fellowship (paid out semesterly), and tuition remission for required coursework for up to four years.

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The Kummer I&E fellowship goes well beyond defraying educational expenses. The program’s belief in my vision rekindled my inner spirit, boosted my motivation and gave me the opportunity to grow.”

— Niloofar Zendehdel
Kummer I&E Doctoral Fellow and doctoral student in mechanical engineering

Exclusive Opportunities

Kummer I&E Doctoral Fellows will engage in a number of special opportunities, including:

  • The Kummer I&E Doctoral Fellows Welcome and Kickoff the start of each semester
  • Participation in the annual Kummer Day event to present research
  • $1,500/year in supplementary funds to be used to advance research (conference travel, software, etc.)
  • Attendance at industry site visits to learn and observe firsthand cutting-edge research and development of products
  • Participation in competitions, seminars, and lectures focused on learning and implementing entrepreneurship concepts
  • Serving as mentors to S&T undergraduate Kummer Vanguard Scholars
  • The Kummer Doctoral Achievement Award and medal for fellows who complete their Ph.D. in 4 years
    Doctoral I&E Award for fellows whose research leads to commercialization

Learn more and apply

Learn more about the program and apply to become a Kummer Innovation and Entrepreneurship Doctoral Fellow. 

Apply Now

Requirements to maintain eligibility

To remain eligible as a Kummer I&E Doctoral Fellow, students are required to: 

  • Maintain a 3.5 or higher GPA
  • Be enrolled with full-time status at the graduate level on the Missouri S&T campus
  • Pass your department’s Ph.D. qualifier exam in compliance with the program timeline
  • Actively participate in the Kummer I&E Doctoral Fellows Program meetings, presentations, and activities
  • Prepare an annual progress report to be reviewed by the Kummer Student Programs office

Program Participation Requirements
  • Attend the Kummer I&E Doctoral Fellows Welcome and Kick-Off the week prior to start of classes

  • Participate in the annual two-day Kummer I&E Doctoral Fellows research conference that includes researchers from industry and academia

  • Participate in site visits that provide a unique opportunity to connect personally with entrepreneurs and industry leaders
  • Attend S&T Industry Day where fellows get to pitch their ideas and research to industry subject matter experts

  • Mentor S&T undergraduate Kummer Vanguard Scholars and collaborating on joint poster presentations to be showcased at the Kummer I&E Fellows and Kummer Scholars poster competition day