The Arnhold Undergraduate Research Fellows Program is part of an initiative to help foster undergraduate research within the English Department at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). It was made possible by a generous donation from John and Jody Arnhold. John Arnhold received his B.A. in English from UCSB in 1975. In a letter describing the terms of his gift to the school, he wrote that he is “particularly interested in ensuring [this] support enhances teaching [by] integrating the undergraduate teaching and research experience.” With this vision in mind, the Arnhold Undergraduate Research Fellows Program is designed to aid and encourage English majors who want to conduct research beyond the level of ordinary course assignments.
The program provides the opportunity for a cohort of English majors to receive extra guidance and assistance as they pursue their research goals. The Fellows will benefit from one-on-one research mentoring from the Arnhold Graduate Fellow; special workshops and panels designed to address questions about research, graduate school, and future careers ; and the opportunity to present their research professionally by participating in the end-of-year Research Showcase.
Successful performance in the program leads to graduating with the designation of “Arnhold Undergraduate Research Fellow.”