Become a Burns Fellow
Drawing on the expertise of the Faculty and Fellows of Notre Dame’s Institute for Educational Initiatives—including scholars in economics, political science, psychology, sociology, cognitive science, computer science, data science, law, literacy education, STEM education, the Keough School of Global Affairs, and collaborating institutes and centers—we train doctoral students in research design, implementation, analysis, and inference. Grounded in basic research, research-practice partnerships, and systems improvement, trainees learn to conduct research that advances fundamental understanding and achieves meaningful educational impact.
A Coordinated Program of Study
Fellows pursue doctoral training within their home departments while participating in a coordinated interdisciplinary program focused on rigorous research that both shapes and is shaped by educational practices, policies, and programs. In addition to fulfilling the Ph.D. requirements of their respective disciplines, fellows engage in a curated set of seminars, methods workshops, and apprenticeship opportunities that draw on our partnering disciplines, national research organizations, and research-practice partnerships. These experiences deepen their understanding of how minds, cultures, and systems shape education–and how education, in turn, shapes them.
Fellows also participate in a bi-monthly seminar that brings together leading scholars and practitioners to explore cutting-edge research, research-practice partnerships (RPPs), and ethical, practical, and methodological challenges in education. This shared learning environment fosters collaboration across disciplines and professions and prepares fellows to carry out rigorous research that is intellectually ambitious, ethically grounded, and responsive to the complexities of educational systems.
Burns Fellowship Benefits
Students admitted to ND PIER will be awarded the Rev. James A. Burns Fellowship. In addition to the stipend – including full tuition remission and health insurance – typically awarded Ph.D. students, students will receive:
- A top-off award to boost the annual stipend to the level of the Graduate School’s most competitive fellowships for up to five years
- Professional development funding for research and travel (about $2,500/year)
- Because some students have other fellowships or funding arrangements, the PIER Steering Committee may also award PIER Fellowships, which provide only the professional development funding for research and travel.
How to Apply
Students apply to the Burns Fellowship as part of their application to one of Notre Dame’s Ph.D. programs (e.g., Computer Science and Engineering, Economics, Political Science, Psychology, or Sociology). On the “Uploads” page of the application, students should submit a 300-word statement of interest describing their fit with the fellowship, and elaborating on their interests in student learning and/or educational practices, programs, and policies.
After departments screen candidates, the ND PIER Steering Committee will review applications and admit students across affiliated departments and faculty.