Coffee Food System Undergraduate Summer Research Fellowship

With the generous support of the MacKenzie Scott Foundation, Whittier College has established the Coffee Food System Undergraduate Summer Research Fellowship.

The fellowship will support up to two fellows who have an interest in food and food systems, coffee production systems, agronomical practices, and a desire to engage in a fulfilling experiential summer undergraduate research project with a faculty mentor in the Whittier College Research Coffee Orchard.

Coffee is an agricultural product that almost every family and individual has experienced. It is one of the most traded commodities in the world, and demand for coffee continues to increase. Whittier College is home to a Research Coffee Orchard, in which students and faculty learn about coffee systems and engage in original research. The goal of this fellowship is to continue collecting data regarding plant growth, health, and production, and to assist with current field research. The fellow will lead the summer harvest and bean processing, including data organization and analysis. Conversations with local roasters and site visits will be integrated into this fellowship as feasible to connect field experience with the coffee industry.

Among the main objectives of this fellowship are:

  • Systematic data collection pertaining to coffee bean production;
  • Completion of field procedures pertaining to coffee harvest and processing;
  • Establishment of trials pertaining to different methodologies to process coffee beans;
  • Introduction to the complexity of the coffee supply chain.

The selected student fellow will work under the direct supervision of Professor Cinzia Fissore (Biology and Environmental Science).

Eligibility Criteria

  • First-years, sophomores, or juniors in good academic standing; seniors eligible if graduating the following Fall semester
  • Open to students of any major or academic program

Selection Criteria

  • Demonstrated ability to work independently. 
  • The project will enhance the student's academic experience.
  • The personal essay is compelling and well-written.
  • There is an evident passion and interest in the topic at the core of this guided fellowship.
  • The ability and/or experience to conduct fieldwork.

Benefits

  • A stipend of $4,000

Application Documents