Student and Faculty Research
The Lab’s approach to research emphasizes both scholarly rigor and public relevance, engaging students and faculty across the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. By supporting faculty scholarship and student research together, the Lab builds an interdisciplinary community focused on how governance works in practice – and how research can contribute to more thoughtful democratic decision-making.
Student Research
The Lab provides direct support for student research through competitive funding and faculty-guided projects. Students across the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences pursue original work that engages real policy questions and institutional challenges. Projects range from qualitative and interpretive work to data-driven and technical analysis. These awards can support senior theses, independent studies, and original projects that address pressing policy challenges.
- Awards are offered through four application cycles each year, aligned with the DavisConnects funding deadlines
- Typical awards range from $2,000–$4,000, depending on scope and need
- A faculty sponsor is required for all applications
- Funding does not require academic credit, though projects may be integrated into coursework
- Applicants must submit a detailed budget outlining anticipated expenses
All recipients are recognized as Public Policy Fellows for the academic year – a designation that reflects both the competitiveness of the award and the Lab’s investment in students’ intellectual and professional development.
Students are strongly encouraged to meet with the Director of the Lab, Nicholas F. Jacobs ([email protected]), prior to submitting an application.
Student Research Projects
Embedded Environmentalism: Understanding Rural Resistance to Renewable Energy in Maine
Faculty Research
The Lab supports faculty whose scholarship engages questions of governance, public institutions, and public problem-solving. Through research assistance, collaborative opportunities, and targeted project support, the Lab helps faculty connect their work to broader public questions while integrating students into the research process.
The Lab will issue its first Faculty Research Call for Proposals in Spring 2027, with funding beginning in Summer 2027 and continuing through the following academic year.
This program is designed to support faculty research that:
- advances understanding of governance and public institutions
- engages pressing policy challenges
- incorporates students into the research process
Faculty support may include:
- funding for student research assistants (including summer support outside of Maine)
- support for book/paper workshops
- assistance with identifying and applying for external grants
- collaboration with public partners and institutions