2025 Worldwide Yale University Dorrit Hoffleit Undergraduate Research Scholarship for Students.
The Dorrit Hoffleit Undergraduate Astronomy Research Fellowship at Yale is named in honor of Dr. E. Dorrit Hoffleit, a senior research astronomer at Yale who worked for more than fifty years in the University’s Department of Astronomy. She also served as director of the Maria Mitchell Observatory on Nantucket Island for over 20 years, where she ran summer programs for hundreds of students, many of whom went on to successful careers in astronomy.
She was the author of the Bright Star Catalogue and the co-author of The General Catalogue of Trigonometric Stellar Parallaxes. In 1988, Hoffleit was awarded the George Van Biesbroeck Prize by the American Astronomical Society for a lifetime of service to astronomy. She lived for 100 years, and through her teaching and summer programs, she inspired a lifelong interest in Astronomy in thousands of young women and men.
The Dorrit Hoffleit Undergraduate Astronomy Research Fellowship at Yale University offers undergraduate students a unique opportunity to engage in astronomy research during the summer. Established in honor of Dr. E. Dorrit Hoffleit, a distinguished astronomer and educator who spent over fifty years at Yale’s Department of Astronomy, the fellowship continues her legacy of inspiring young scientists.

This fellowship is open to undergraduate science majors in Astronomy, Astrophysics, or Physics, particularly those who are in their second or third year of study. Students of any nationality are eligible to apply, especially those who are interested in pursuing graduate studies in these fields. The fellowship encourages students to deepen their knowledge and experience in the astronomical sciences.
Selected fellows receive a bi-weekly stipend, housing within Yale’s Residential Colleges, weekly meal vouchers for 15 meals, and up to $1,000 in travel expense reimbursements. This support allows fellows to focus on their research projects, which are conducted under the mentorship of Yale faculty members. The opportunity to work on ongoing projects at one of the leading universities in the field provides invaluable experience for aspiring researchers.
The fellowship is designed not only to enhance the academic growth of students but also to encourage them to consider careers in scientific research. Each selected fellow works closely with Yale faculty members, who provide mentorship and guidance throughout the research process. This collaborative environment helps students refine their research skills, engage with current issues in the field of astronomy, and build valuable networks within the scientific community.
The summer program gives students the chance to delve into specific research topics, contributing to ongoing projects at Yale’s Department of Astronomy. Past projects have included topics such as stellar evolution, planetary science, galaxy formation, and observational techniques. Fellows often have access to state-of-the-art research facilities and telescopes, gaining experience with both theoretical and observational aspects of astronomy.
The application process for the Dorrit Hoffleit Undergraduate Research Fellowship typically starts in November, with a deadline in February of the following year. Applicants must submit an online application that includes academic transcripts, a one-page statement describing how a summer at Yale would contribute to their career goals, and two letters of recommendation.
Through participation in this fellowship, students gain valuable research experience, contribute to cutting-edge astronomy projects, and honor Dr. Hoffleit’s influential work in the field, all while furthering their academic and professional aspirations.
Benefits
- A bi-weekly stipend of $450.
- Accommodation within Yale’s historic Residential Colleges.
- Weekly meal vouchers for 15 meals at the residential colleges.
- Up to $1000 in travel expense reimbursements.
Requirements For The Worldwide Yale University Dorrit Hoffleit Undergraduate Research Scholarship
- Undergraduate science majors in Astronomy, Astrophysics, or Physics, who at the time of application are in their 2nd or 3rd year of undergraduate study.
- Students of any nationality.
- Students with a strong desire to continue on to graduate school are particularly encouraged to apply.
Application Documents
- Personal details
- Application form
- Academic Transcripts
- Academic CV
- 1 page statement describing how a summer at Yale would fit into the pursuit of your career goals
- Two Recommendation Letters
Method of Application
Application Deadline: February 15, 2025.
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