GEM Fellowships at ULRI-ULSE
Join UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement in engineering a safer and more sustainable world
What is the GEM Fellowship program?
The National GEM Consortium offers fellowships that connect employers with graduate students studying science and engineering. All GEM Fellows receive full tuition and fees, while Employer Fellows are also matched to a paid summer work experience that furthers their research skills and supports career readiness.
Current fellowship opportunities
Electrochemical Safety Research Institute: Investigating the limits of batteries and other renewable energy technologies to advance safer energy storage
Materials Discovery Research Institute: Applying advanced computing and experimental methods to create materials that support a transition to renewable energy and protect human health
UL Standards & Engagement: Amplifying and translating scientific discoveries into action through data analysis and development of consensus-based standards
Research Innovation & Technology Center: Enhancing research performance by facilitating the effective management and utilization of knowledge and innovation
- Office of Research Experiences & Education: Creating on-ramps into safety and sustainability science for high school, undergraduate, and graduate students
Fellowship Disciplines
- Chemical engineering
- Computer engineering
- Electrochemical engineering
- Electrical engineering
- Mechanical engineering
- Chemistry
- Computer science
- Data science
- Materials science
- Technology & innovation management
- Information management
- Operations
- Engineering education
- Other relevant degree areas
Why should you complete your GEM Fellowship at UL Research Institutes or UL Standards & Engagement?
At ULRI and ULSE, our mission is to engineer a safer and more sustainable world. Since becoming a GEM partner in 2021, the number of sponsored GEM Fellows who work with our engineers and scientists toward this mission has more than doubled. We are always seeking new talent. You will find our research institutes and offices offer unique opportunities to contribute toward innovation in renewable energy, climate change, human and environmental health, and digital safety.
In addition to research fellowship experiences at ULRI and ULSE, the GEM Fellowship encourages participation in our Student Engagement Program. Summer programming includes an in-person welcome orientation at our Evanston, Illinois, headquarters outside of Chicago, as well as professional development workshops, research talks, and mentorship.
Since 1894, the UL enterprise has helped enable the possibilities of today while looking ahead to safeguard the unknowns of tomorrow. By empowering trust and smarter decisions, we help build a better world by advancing innovation, safety, sustainability, and connected security. See how you can contribute toward creating a safer, more sustainable world.
Meet the 2025 GEM Fellows
In 2025, ULRI and ULSE welcomed seven new GEM Fellows — future innovators ready to dive into cutting-edge research and real-world impact:
- Amorette Chiossi at MDRI: recently earned an M.S. in materials science and engineering from University of Washington, entering a Ph.D. program this summer
- Zina Deriche at ESRI: currently a Ph.D. student in chemical engineering at Rice University
- Roulince Dukuly at MDRI: currently a Ph.D. student in chemical engineering at Columbia University
- Makayla Headley at OREE: currently a Ph.D. student in engineering and science education at Clemson University
- Michael Henderson at ESRI: currently a master’s student in civil engineering at the University of California, Berkeley
- Everett-Alan Hood at ULSE: expected to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in computer science from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in June 2025, entering a master’s program this summer
- Zahin Ritee at ULRI’s Fire Safety Research Institute: currently a B.S. student in physics and mechanical engineering in a dual degree program at Adelphi University and Columbia University
Meet the 2024 GEM Fellows
GEM Fellow Drives Water Harvesting Innovation at MDRI
Britney Mack, a GEM Fellow from the University of Alabama, made strides in atmospheric water harvesting during her 2024 summer fellowship at the Materials Discovery Research Institute. A second-year Ph.D. student in chemical engineering at the time, Mack brought her materials science expertise to this groundbreaking project.
Choosing UL Research Institutes for our focus on uplifting women and minorities, Mack thrived in her role, gaining invaluable lab experience and contributing to the setup of MDRI’s laboratory.
“The experience was transformative, giving me autonomy and hands-on access to unique equipment,” Mack shared. Her 10-week internship also included professional workshops that offered crucial learning perspectives.
Learn about the poster competition Mack won during her time with MDRI.
GEM Fellow Michael Henderson Explores Battery Innovation at ULRI
Michael Henderson’s 10-week fellowship at the Electrochemical Safety Research Institute transformed his research journey. Through the National GEM Consortium, he joined ESRI in summer 2024 to delve into groundbreaking battery research at UL Research Institutes.
Focused on flow batteries, Henderson’s work creating a testable battery sparked his passion for renewable energy storage. This experience motivated him to pursue a master’s in civil engineering at UC Berkeley, where he plans to explore battery integration in future projects.
ULRI-ULSE’s Student Engagement Program boosted Henderson’s confidence, helping him realize the value of his ideas. “ULRI felt like a family,” he said, appreciative of the supportive environment that enriched his fellowship experience.