Based on a competitive application process, each year the HERO program selects a diverse group of undergraduate students to be HERO Fellows. HERO values students who demonstrate energetic and inquisitive minds, and who are fearless when charting new intellectual territory.
Previous coursework in research methods (GEOG 141 or equivalent), and human or environmental geography — such as urban and population studies, GIS, landscape ecology, land-use planning, statistics, and remote sensing — is helpful but not required. There is no minimum GPA or required class standing, but evidence of outstanding scholarly and professional potential is essential. Students must also still be enrolled full-time as undergraduates during the fall and spring semesters following the summer program.
Compensation
HERO Fellows are awarded a stipend for the eight weeks of full-time research and also receive academic credit during the year. Additionally, HERO Fellows have many opportunities for publications, presentations, honors, and awards, as well as funding for attendance to present their research at the Association of American Geographers (AAG) annual scholarly meeting to an audience of like-minded scholars and professionals.
