Predoctoral Research Fellowship

Program Information

Launched in 2022, the PDRI-DevLab Predoctoral Research Fellowship Program supports outstanding young scholars from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) with interests in international development and potential for success in an academic career in the social sciences.

The program provides exceptional young scholars with an opportunity to work with leading Penn faculty on a variety of international development research projects, invest in their technical research skills, enroll in classes, and become part of the international development research community at Penn.

While at Penn, Predoctoral Fellows receive ongoing mentorship from Penn faculty, including advice and support on PhD applications. We expect individuals to work in this role for 1-2 years, before starting PhD level studies in the social sciences, or moving into applied social science careers.

Information for Applicants

Penn Development Research Initiative/DevLab@Penn (PDRI-DevLab) at the University of Pennsylvania invites applications for its predoctoral fellowship program. The program provides hands-on research experience to early career researchers, expand the representation of researchers from low and lower-middle income countries in international development research, and provide a pathway for students who otherwise might find it difficult to make the transition to globally competitive PhD programs. We encourage applications from recent BA, BS, MA, or MS graduates with a strong desire to attend a top global PhD program in the social sciences; we particularly encourage applications from first generation college students. We welcome applicants from a wide variety of research backgrounds and do not require a particular country focus or expertise. The predoctoral researchers will work on PDRI-DevLab research projects, receive mentorship from Penn faculty, and take classes. The combination of applied research and traditional coursework qualify fellows for an F-1 student visa.  

Applicants should send the following materials: 

  • C.V.  
  • Transcript/s 
  • A letter outlining research interests and fit with the goals of the fellowship. This letter should: a) outline prior experience that has led you to be interested in research on development and aspire to attain a PhD; b) explain your research interests; and c) explain how those aspirations overlap with the lab’s work and the goals of this fellowship. Letters should not exceed three single-spaced pages.  

The free, online application form is available here. A list of Frequently Asked Questions is available here. A pre-recorded information session is available here.

We will begin reviewing applications on September 9. The final date to apply is September 15.

Current Predoctoral Fellows

Mahda Soltani

Born and raised in Iran, Mahda Soltani, holds a B.S. in Computer Science, a B.A. in Political Science with Departmental Honors, and a B.A. in Law, Societies. Leveraging her interdisciplinary background, Mahda harnesses the transformative capabilities of data science and artificial intelligence to promote global peace and enhance international relations.

 

Ezgi Ecem Yilmaz

Born and raised in Türkiye, Ezgi Ecem holds a B.S. in Applied Economics and Management from Cornell University. Previously, she worked as a research intern at RTI International and as a consultant at MSI International. Her coursework and interests include political economy, rural development, international law, and gender equality with a passion for improving the welfare of socio-economically and historically disadvantaged groups for promoting social justice and peace.