Clark Summer Research Program

UT Dallas is a leading institution for scientific research and has attracted the brightest minds since its founding. The Anson L. Clark Foundation established The Clark Summer Research Program in 1968, more than 20 years before the first freshman class was admitted to UT Dallas. This program allows incoming first-year students at UT Dallas to join active research groups to launch their research careers through an intensive summer experience. The objective of the Clark Summer Research Program is to enrich the academic experience of our students by providing an opportunity for them to conduct hands-on research with some of UT Dallas’ nationally recognized faculty and talented undergraduate, graduate, and post-doctoral students.

Students frequently remain with their research group beyond the summer term, often continuing for several years or through their entire undergraduate degree. “Clarkies” have gone on to successful careers in academia and industry and earned Goldwater Undergraduate Research Fellowships, Fulbright Research Awards, NSF Graduate Fellowships, and other recognition and financial support. These students consistently point to the Clark Program as the starting point for their research excellence. We encourage aspiring researchers to join us for a unique summer experience that will frame your educational endeavors and provide context for your undergraduate coursework. At UT Dallas, education is not confined to the classroom, and there is much left to discover.

Program Objective

Students are actively engaged in serious research activities that give them a realistic view of the work conducted in their academic disciplines. Each student is assigned a faculty research mentor for the duration of the program. After-hour and weekend activities, classes, and events are planned to help “Clarkies” become Comets and prepare them for their first semester at UT Dallas.