Research Fellowship
A page within Menard Family Initiative
MFI Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program
Our fellows are integral members of our research team, which includes the two co-directors, Dr. Adam Stivers and Dr. Nabamita Dutta; our research economist, Nicholas McFaden; and our student fellows, Khang Duong, Joshua Schulze-Reimpell, and Grace Reek. As part of their research responsibilities, fellows will be expected to write monthly non-technical op-ed pieces, produce a more technical research paper each semester, and present their work at the end of each term.
In addition to research duties, our fellows will be actively involved in MFI programming. This includes assisting with essay contests, promoting and planning events, and attending all MFI-sponsored events. Fellows will also be required to attend our monthly MFI meetings.
If you are interested in applying for the 2026 - 2026 Fellowship, check out the information below!
As a fellow, you will:
- Conduct research & write about entrepreneurship, the local economy, and local regulations
- Work on data analysis & visualizations
- Assist in writing non-technical research papers
- Help plan and promote MFI events
Commitment:
- Enroll in 3 internship credits (CEI 450 or ECO 450)
- 10-15 hours per week (independently, with occasional check-in meetings)
Who Should Apply?
✔ Students with relevant coursework & extracurriculars
✔ Students interested in free market economics, the local economy, or entrepreneurship
✔ Students with past involvement with MFI (preferred, but not required)
Deadline: March 31 – Apply by emailing menardinitiative@uwlax.edu with:
- Unofficial transcript
- Resume
- Cover letter detailing your interest and qualifications (max 2 pages, double-spaced, 12-point font)
Check out our current Fellows' research:
Our 2025–2026 student fellows—Grace, Khang and Joshua—presented their current research findings during the Visionary Ventures poster session at this year’s Entrepreneurship Research Conference.
Past Student Fellows
Fall 2024 - Spring 2025
Fall 2023 - Spring 2024
Fall 2023
