Gail Werner-Robertson Fellows

Gail Werner-Robertson Fellows

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The Gail Werner-Robertson Fellows program offers undergraduate students the opportunity to work on an original research project for a full semester or part-time, under the supervision of a faculty mentor. The program focuses on research questions in economics, philosophy, ethics, and entrepreneurship, though interdisciplinary projects that align with the mission of the Menard Family Center for Economic Inquiry (MCEI) are also considered. Preference is given to strong candidates who have demonstrated consistent involvement in MCEI programs.

Students are suggested to follow a 3-steps track in the GWR-Fellows Program. The first step is registering in the SILOS, which allows them to start to work on a research topic and create the discipline and develop research skills. The second and third steps are the Novice and Apprentice GWR. Each step lasts one semester and students could start in the second semester of their Freshman year if they want to complete all the steps. In some cases, students can be waived of the first step and/or second step. 

Novice

A student could start directly as a novice in the program if they have independently developed the novice proposal. Nevertheless, the suggested path is starting with a semester in a SILO. Students that have been GWR-RA of a faculty and during their assistantship, have developed the outputs of the Novice level, they could apply directly to the Apprentice level with the support of their faculty.

After completing the Novice level the student should be able to explain ideas and concepts. They should have demonstrated the ability to classify, describe, discuss, explain, identify, locate, recognize, report, and select relative information on their topic.

Apprentice

The apprentice level of writing in the Gail Werner Robertson program is taken by either a student who has been able to prepare the novice-level work on his or her own or through the GWR-RA program before application or who has successfully completed one semester of work at the novice level. 

Successful completion requires a completed white paper proposal, continued attendance and participation record, and completion of other program expectations.  This apprentice step could be repeated as approved by the sponsoring faculty as well as the MCEI director. The final deliverable in this category is a white paper which will be the signature product of the GWR-Fellows program.

After completing the Apprentice level the student should be able to use information in new situations. They should have demonstrated the ability to execute, implement, solve, use, demonstrate, and interpret relative information pertaining to their topic.