Who is eligible to apply?

All registered Hopkins undergraduates (freshmen, sophomores, juniors) in good academic standing (not on academic probation or suspension) are eligible. HOUR especially encourages applications from students from underserved backgrounds (e.g. first-generation students, low-income backgrounds), students who are underrepresented in STEM fields, and/or those who may not have previously had an opportunity for a research experience. This program is NOT open to post-bac students (students that have just graduated prior to the summer of the program).

How many professors can I pick?

Students can select no more than 3 professors (in no particular ranking order) of interest. They do not need to be related to your major/ minor. If you are only interested in working with a specific professor, only select that one!

What is required to apply?

1. Basic information for the online application [name, JHU email, cell number, anticipated year of graduation, campus and permanent addresses, major(s), and demographic information]
2. Your current resume/ CV. Note: HOUR staff is happy to review your resume/ CV and provide feedback and guidance.
3. A Personal Statement/s
   • Format: single page, ½“ margins, single or double spaced, sans serif font (like Arial or Calibri).
   • As you may select up to 3 BDPs of interest, you can submit up to 3 targeted letters toward each faculty or a single generic letter for all faculty to review.
   • Your personal statement should be you ‘selling you’ to the faculty: Why are you excited about this project and/or faculty member? What do you hope to get out of the opportunity? Is there anything special you are bringing to the project?
   • Note: HOUR staff is happy to review your statement/s and provide feedback and guidance.

Can I apply to and or receive HOUR opportunities more than once?

Yes, you are encouraged to continue to apply to our programs throughout your undergraduate career at Hopkins. Projects evolve, interests change and HOUR wants to encourage your exploration. In the case of “tied” review scores in an individual program cycle, preference will be given to students that have not previously received funding through HOUR programs.

Note: If you apply to Summer PURA, BDP Summer Program and CIRCUIT for the current summer, you may only participate in one. All require your full time commitment and cannot be done concurrently.

Is there a formal product due at the end of the project?

Yes, all HOUR program recipients are expected to present their project at DREAMS (occurring in the Fall and Spring semesters) or another HOUR approved presentation event. Projects can be in many formats. See the DREAMS page for examples. This presentation should occur within one academic year after the award period is complete. Exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis after the recipient contacts the HOUR office about a conflict.

Are BDP professors required to participate in this program?

No, all Bloomberg Distinguished Professors are invited to participate annually. We strongly encourage participation as it is valuable and rewarding for the both the students and the faculty. Participating faculty decide how many undergraduates they want to sponsor each summer. The list of BDP faculty, projects, and number of student they will accept varies from year to year based on faculty participation and projects.

Can professors ‘hard-wire’ undergraduates into their projects for this program?

All interested undergraduates must apply through the SMApply system. If a student is already working with a professor and there is an agreement to hardwire them, the student must still apply through the system. Professors or their selected proxies may select the ‘hard wire’ students during the review process. However, we strongly encourage the review of ALL assigned applicants as great undergraduates could be otherwise be overlooked.

What is required of the participating faculty?

The faculty and their research group or lab is expected to provide an engaging project for the undergraduate to participate in over the summer. The project should both further the research of the faculty and provide beneficial skills, experience and mentorship for the undergraduate participants.

How is funding distributed?

The entire award will be transferred to the awarded student for discretionary use at the beginning of the summer with the understanding the student will complete participation in the program.

What can the funding be used for?

Funding may be used for personal use to purchase a new computer, software, conferences, living expenses, travel.

Note: the Homewood campus offers limited dorm rooms and a database/ spreadsheet of rental sublets. Contact the housing office for details. Upon request, HOUR is happy to provide a letter assuring the office you are working at the university over the summer.

How are students selected?

Participating faculty and their designees are provided with access to all students that selected them via the SMApply portal. They are unable to see other applicants in the system. Faculty and designees review the applications and documents. They may also reach out to applicants directly to conduct interviews prior to making selections.