Plant, Environmental and Agroecology Sciences Fellowship

About the PEAS fellowship

The Department of Plant Sciences hosts the Plant, Environmental and Agroecology Sciences Fellowship, known as PEAS, in partnership with the Undergraduate Research Center. The program provides mentorship and financial resources for undergraduate students to engage with research and professional development opportunities in agroecology, sustainable agriculture and relevant plant, soil and biological sciences fields. Students gain experience in real-world settings, preparing them for a career in these fields while also providing more inclusive pathways for undergraduates from different backgrounds to meaningfully engage in research.

PEAS benefits

Fellows propose a project that they develop and manage over the summer with mentorship from project partners and UC faculty, staff and graduate students. This may take many forms, depending on the area of study, and is intended to provide a dedicated period in the summer for research when academic activities are typically light. Research may take place at UC Davis, research stations, on farms, in farming communities and private and non-profit organizations. Fellows may have opportunities to participate in workshops proposed by the Undergraduate Research Center and to receive a stipend and funds for travel, conference attendance, or research supplies.

Fellows receive a stipend of $3,500 for the summer, as well as $1,500 for supplies, materials or travel funds to carry out their studies.

Program eligibility

This program provides three annual fellowships to candidates who meet the following criteria:

• Full-time continuing undergraduate in good academic standing
• Declared major in plant sciences, biophysical, socio-economic or political sciences with an interest in agroecology and sustainable food systems. Students in interdisciplinary majors such as international agricultural development, sustainable agriculture and food systems, and Native American studies are encouraged to apply.
• Hold a faculty-sponsored research position, work in a campus lab with a mentor (e.g. lead student farmer at Student Farm), or obtain a research position before summer

Expectations

Fellows are expected to:

• Take a 1-unit spring course to further develop project and mentorship plan
• Conduct 8-10 weeks of full-time (25-30 hrs. a week) research in summer
• Attend weekly summer workshops at the Undergraduate Research Center
• Present research at the Summer Symposium and the Undergraduate Research Conference in 2027

Because they conduct research full-time over the summer, Summer Sessions enrollment is discouraged for fellows. 

First-generation and students with demonstrated financial need are encouraged to apply.

2026 Application information and deadlines

2026 application deadline: Monday, Jan. 26 by 11:59 p.m.

Timeline:
 - Application Review - Feb. 2 - Feb. 20
 - Interviews for select applicants - Feb. 23 - March 6
 - Notice of acceptance - Mid March
 - Project development - 1 unit course, Spring 2026
 - Undergraduate Research Program (URP) Summer Workshops - June 15 - August 21
 

Apply online here

Research project ideas are not required on the initial application form. Selected applicants are offered time to brainstorm and develop a project.

For more information about the PEAS Fellowship,  watch this video and email Program Coordinator Katelyn Mann.

You can also reach out to Faculty Director and PI Amelie Gaudin, Administrative Director Lolita Adkins, or visit the Undergraduate Research Center, Room 2300 in the Student Community Center.