The Ethan M. Posner Fellowship was established in memory of Ethan, an undergraduate Biophysics major at Johns Hopkins with ambitions to pursue an MD-PhD. Known for his exceptional intelligence, keen work ethic, and unwavering kindness, Ethan brightened every room he entered. He always put in extra effort and strived for excellence with an insatiable curiosity, which fueled his pursuit of knowledge and innovation both academically and personally. His passion for learning and community involvement served as an inspiration for his peers and left a lasting impact on those around him. Ethan dedicated himself to research, driven by a desire to make discoveries and help others. He passed unexpectedly in 2024 due to natural causes and his legacy of curiosity, perseverance, and kindness continues through the fellowship named in his honor.

The Ethan M. Posner Fellowship is open to first- and second-year students from all majors of the Krieger School of Arts & Sciences (KSAS) who share Ethan’s passion for research and determination to make a difference in the world. Two fellows – one in the natural sciences and one in the arts, humanities, or social sciences – will receive up to $11,000 each to fund an independent research project of their own design. Fellowship funds may be spent on research costs which may include summer living expenses, travel, equipment, supplies, and use of archives or laboratories. Fellows will focus on their undergraduate fields of specialization to pursue one or more intensive research projects, crafted in conjunction with URSCA staff and their faculty mentor.

Graduating fellows are required to present the results of their research to the Johns Hopkins community at the annual URSCA Symposium, held in the spring. Additionally, a portion of each fellow’s award must be dedicated to the dissemination of their research at a professional conference.

Fellowship Criteria

The Ethan M. Posner Fellowship will be awarded to two candidates who exemplify the following three qualities:

1. Are motivated to pursue research by a desire to change the world;
2. Possess vibrant energy and passion for learning as demonstrated in their involvement in the life of the University;
3. Exhibit a caring commitment to their community and fellow students as demonstrated in an application essay that reflects on the ways in which they give of themselves at Hopkins and beyond, whether formally or informally.

To Apply

Applications require a project proposal, including a budget and timeline; a personal statement; a CV/resume; one letter of recommendation; an unofficial transcript; and a one-page reflective essay. Selected finalists  will also be interviewed by URSCA staff.

Project Proposal

The project proposal should include a title, abstract, background, problem/question, literature review, goals, methods, references, and detailed budget. There is no preferred time period or duration for the project. The proposed project should be executed during your enrollment as an undergraduate at JHU and must be completed by the end of the Fellow’s graduating semester. Please see full proposal guidelines here.

Personal Statement

The personal statement should explore your own interests and abilities with a focus on demonstrating how your proposed project will create a profound impact on you and others.

Reflective Essay

In a one-page essay, please reflect on  the ways in which you give of yourself at Hopkins and beyond. You might share anecdotes about your participation in civic-minded, charitable, or social justice related clubs, organizations, or volunteer opportunities. Or you might express your sense of community care through descriptions of less formalized but still impactful involvement in supporting neighbors, mentoring peers, or otherwise improving the lives of others.

Letter of Recommendation

The letter should address your ability to pursue the proposed project and your  fulfillment of the three criteria of the Ethan M. Posner Fellowship (desire to change the world, vibrant energy and passion, and community care).