A new graduate fellowship at Case Western Reserve—backed by UL Research Institutes (ULRI) and a matching investment from the university’s Office of Research and Technology Management—will prepare STEM PhD students for impactful careers beyond academia.
The ULRI Graduate Fellowship Program will support three cohorts of six students, offering immersive, hands-on experiences with ULRI that integrate academic research with industry engagement. Each fellow will receive program funding—including a stipend bonus and professional development support—as they explore real-world applications of their research and build essential skills for success in science and technology sectors. For academic year 2025 – 2026, the inaugural cohort includes graduate students in chemistry, chemical engineering and physics, among others.
Designed to bridge the gap between graduate education and industry readiness, the fellowship will place students in direct collaboration with ULRI researchers—a unique opportunity with one of the nation’s leading nonprofit safety science organizations. Fellows also will receive career guidance from CWRU faculty mentors and participate in executive education courses at the university’s Weatherhead School of Management to sharpen their leadership, communication and project management skills.
“This program empowers PhD students to chart their own unique paths to success,” said Marvin Nieman, vice provost and dean of graduate studies. “Whether their aspirations lie in research, innovation or beyond, we are equipping them with the knowledge, skills and connections to excel.”
The idea for the fellowship originated from Michael Oakes, senior vice president for research and technology management and Veale Professor for Technology Transfer and Commercialization at CWRU, in collaboration with Christopher Cramer, chief research officer at ULRI.
“Recognizing that many PhD students will pursue careers outside academia, this fellowship will provide students with the skills, knowledge and networks necessary for successful careers in industry,” Oakes said.
Cramer echoed that vision: “The ULRI Graduate Fellowship Program is about equipping students with the skills and experiences necessary for diverse career paths. We are eager to help PhD students expand their professional horizons and develop essential competencies.”
While the fellowship will directly fund 18 students over three years, resources and events associated with the program, including professional development workshops and career development resources, will be available to all CWRU PhD students through the School of Graduate Studies.