PSEG Undergraduate Summer Research Scholars

Job Description

Non-Exempt (Hourly)

About the Program

The PSEG Undergraduate Research Scholars for Environmental Justice is a 10-week paid summer research program that provides undergraduate students the opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary research focused on sustainability and environmental justice.

The program supports undergraduate students, beginning as early as their sophomore year, to work closely with faculty mentors at Stevens Institute of Technology. Research projects fall within the "3

Ps" of sustainability:

* Planet:
Environmental and energy sustainability

* People:
Social and community sustainability

* Prosperity:
Business and economic sustainability

This experience is designed to build students' skills in research, critical thinking, community engagement, and sustainability problem-solving.

Program Duration

10-week Summer Program

Start Date

25 May 2026

Work Hours

Students are expected to commit to 35 hours per week throughout the program. These hours include research, mentoring sessions, workshops, and professional development opportunities. The specific work schedule will be determined in consultation with your faculty mentor. Students must log their hours weekly in the Stevens Workday App.

Location

Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ

(In-person, remote, or hybrid arrangements based on project needs and mentor guidance)

Eligibility Criteria

* Open to undergraduate students from all academic disciplines.

* Applicants must have completed their freshman year by the program start date.

* Students must either be enrolled at a college/university within PSEG's service territory or reside primarily within the service territory. Check here

* Students must be able to attend in-person programming at Stevens as needed, including site visits, lab work, and field activities.

Key Responsibilities

* Attend all mandatory in-person program events.

* Work closely with an assigned faculty mentor on a sustainability-focused research project.

* Submit a two-page work plan by the end of Week 2, outlining project goals, methodology, and relevance to environmental justice communities.

* Conduct research activities such as literature reviews, data analysis, fieldwork, prototyping, and testing, as appropriate to the project.

* Learn and apply the necessary digital tools, software, laboratory methods, or research techniques required for project execution.

* Maintain timely and professional communication with your faculty mentor and the Program Manager at the Stevens Center for Sustainability.

* Participate in all required meetings, including weekly mentor check-ins.

* Attend two mandatory in-person workshops: one during Week 5 (mid-program) and one during Week 10 (final presentation and reflection).

* Submit a mid-program progress report by the end of Week 5.

* Produce a professionally written final report (3,000-4,000 words) by the end of Week 10.

* Prepare and submit a research poster by the end of Week 10.

* Adhere to research ethics, confidentiality requirements, and all laboratory safety protocols throughout the program.

Benefits

* $7,500 stipend for research over 10 weeks (35 hours/week).

* Mentorship from experienced faculty in sustainability-related disciplines.

* Practical experience in interdisciplinary research addressing environmental justice challenges.

* Professional development through workshops, reporting, and presentation opportunities.

* Peer learning and networking with students, mentors, and professionals in the field.

Application Materials Required - 3 attachments

(ONLY COMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED)

1. Resume

Please submit a current resume (1-2 pages) highlighting:

* Major(s) and academic background

* Relevant coursework

* Research experience (if any)

* Technical skills, data analysis, GIS, modeling, coding, lab, or field experience (as applicable)

* Community engagement, leadership, or sustainability-related activities

2. Statement of Interest & Project Idea (1 page maximum)

Applicants must submit a 1-page statement that combines their interest in the program with a brief idea for what they would like to explore during the 10-week PSEG U.G. Scholars Program.

This does not need to be a formal research proposal. The goal is to understand your interests, curiosity, and how they align with sustainability, environmental justice, and faculty mentors' research areas.

Please include:

* · Why you are interested in the PSEG U.G. Scholars for Environmental Justice Program

* · Your main area of interest (select from below) and why it matters to you

* A short description of a topic or question you would like to explore and the approach you may use (academic, applied, experimental, community-based, or exploratory)

* What you hope to learn or gain from the experience

Areas of Interest:

* Planet - Environmental and energy sustainability (e.g., clean energy, climate change, water, ecosystems, infrastructure, emissions, forever chemicals)

* People - Social and community sustainability (e.g., energy access, green spaces, public health, community…