Menard Family Business Research Fellows

The Menard Family Business Research Fellows are a select group of Heider College of Business students focused on the improvement of self and society. Students in this branch of the Heider Fellows Program are encouraged to think critically about the many trade-offs implied by issues facing the world in which we live, and more importantly, what we can do to effectively improve them.

Business Research Fellows receive hands on guidance and mentoring from faculty and upperclassmen, exclusive Macroeconomics and Microeconomics classes specifically tooled for this program and the opportunity to surround themselves with a like-minded group of motivated students. Throughout the program, Menard Family Business Research Fellows are presented with opportunities to participate in research groups, reading groups, colloquia and other events. By senior year, the skills and expertise gained will lead to the completion of an individual research project. Upon graduation, Menard Family Business Research Fellows are uniquely prepared to enter any workplace or graduate program.

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Strengths of the program

Menard Family Business Research Fellows spend a significant portion of their freshmen year as a cohort, developing lasting relationships while working their way through a rigorous, honors-equivalent curriculum. In the process, fellows develop impressive critical thinking skills in topics related to philosophy, politics and economics. Students meet and share their work and experiences with scholars from different institutions. Our fellows demonstrate their commitment to service through the Dean’s Honor Roll for Social Responsibility, and the Institute offers stipends for summer or semester travel related to research activities.

1-on-1 student-faculty research collaboration

2 student papers published a year on average

Dollars to support research-related travel

What makes me a good fit for the Menard Family Business Research Fellows program?

Interest in conducting in-depth research on a topic of your choice
Ability to analyze data and think critically about your findings
Curiosity about philosophy, politics and economics, and the intersection between the three
Intellectual rigor that strengthens through mentorship and co-curricular reading groups and colloquia

"As a BRF, I’ve explored business in a more personal way. I cherish the connections made with faculty and visiting speakers and am grateful for the chance to research interesting topics.”

— Gaige Ash, Class of 2023, economics

"I can always share my opinions without fear of judgement within my research fellow cohort and benefited by gaining a wider range of ideas and different perspectives through respectful discourse.”

— Taylor Meng, Class of 2024, business intelligence and analytics and marketing

"Being a BRF has connected me with driven peers and provided opportunities to explore my academic and professional interests through research, colloquia and reading groups.”

— Aaron Rivera, Class of 2024, business intelligence and analytics and marketing