Apply by June 1: Digital Inquiry Fellowship for grad students

The Digital Scholarship and Initiatives Department in the University Library invites graduate students to apply for the Digital Inquiry Fellowship—a unique, paid opportunity to expand your research through innovative digital methods. Open to Iowa State University graduate students, this fellowship supports hands-on exploration in areas such as text analysis, data visualization, GIS technologies, digital storytelling, and AI-assisted research and analysis. Fellows work closely with Digital Scholarship librarians to develop a defined project or experiment with new methodologies, gaining practical experience that strengthens academic and professional skill sets.

Running from fall 2026 through March 2027, the fellowship offers a $2,500 stipend and a supportive, collaborative environment to pursue meaningful scholarly work. Participants commit approximately five hours per week and produce outcomes such as digital projects, research workflows, or methodological prototypes. Fellows have the opportunity to present their work at the library’s annual Digital Scholarship Symposium, showcasing their achievements to the campus community.

Fellows will work with Digital Scholarship Librarians Erin Ridnour and Michael Cummings, whose expertise reflects the breadth of digital scholarship at the library. Ridnour’s projects include computational analysis of historical texts, digital storytelling, and geospatial analysis and mapping, while Cummings supports areas such as geospatial storytelling, data visualization, and digital exhibits.

Whether you’re pursuing a defined project or exploring new methods, the Digital Inquiry Fellowship offers mentorship and support to move your work forward. Applications are open now through June 1, 2026. Don’t miss your chance to expand your research approach.

Visit the Digital Inquiry Fellowship page to learn more, and apply today. 

Questions? Contact Erin Ridnour, Digital Scholarship Librarian.