The Ferguson Family Program in Food Studies is announcing its ​second annual competitive scholarship program for the summer of 202​6. A select number of Ferguson Family Food Studies Fellows will be awarded up to $​8​,000 each to support food-related summer research projects.

Each awardee will explore a food topic relating to food or agriculture, broadly conceived. The topic may have an academic or policy focus or an emphasis on public service. As such, projects can be archivally based or involve field work or engagement experiences. Preference will be given to projects that promote long-term advancement of food studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Fellowship Details Application Past Fellows Apply

2025 FELLOWS

Click here to read more about this year’s fellows and their projects.

Srinithi Raj
Faith Austin

​The Ferguson Family Food Studies Fellowship honors the late Dr. Jim Ferguson and his dedication to undergraduate research in food studies. Jim and his wife, Ellie, established the Ferguson Family Food Program through Honors Carolina to advance the field of food studies and create a network of students and alumni who carry forward their legacy of community and connection around the world.

Contact

Samantha Terhune
Director, Fergson Family Food Studies
sbucknr@email.unc.edu

Eligibility

  • Rising sophomore, junior, or senior undergraduate students at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  • 3.0 or higher cumulative grade point average
  • Applicants should have at least one semester remaining following the completion of their fellowship prior to graduation

Application Deadline

February 13, 2026 at 4:00 PM