NYUAD PhD Pathways Program

About the Program

• Selection Criteria

  To be selected for this program, NYUAD's students must:
  

  • Be a UAE citizen and a holder of the UAE family book.
  • Have declared a major (summer of before junior year).
  • Have an excellent academic record indicative of potential for advanced study (min GPA: 3.5).
  • Submit a completed application, including:
    • A personal statement that indicates interest in pursuing doctoral education and commitment to participate fully in the program.
      
    • A letter of recommendation from a faculty member.
      
    • Signed program contract.
  • Complete the entry interview successfully.
• Program Structure

  

  ---

  Selected fellows will:

  • Conduct closely mentored research with a faculty member in an academic discipline of their choice.

  • Participate in workshops to develop a wide range of meta-professional skills that will help them in academia or in the professional world, such as public speaking and presentation skills, resume/CV writing, time management, leadership, financial literacy, and negotiation and self-advocacy.

  • Be advised on graduate school planning, including program selection, preparation for the GRE or other exams, support for application writing, education on funding opportunities, and negotiating an offer.
  • Attend and present at conferences. Students will be encouraged to find at least one conference of their choice, and submit and present their research in order to gain real-world experience pertinent to successful PhD career paths.
  • Take part in social activities, information sessions, periodic check-in meetings, social gatherings, and the official program completion ceremony
• Program Expectations

  NYUAD PhD Pathway fellows are expected to adhere to the following guidelines and responsibilities:

  • Engage in mentored research (35 hours per week) over the summer.
    • Complete a one-credit Summer Directed Study Course.
    • Complete weekly logs based on your progress with your mentor, individualized research, and graduate school preparation milestones.
    • Complete the Mock Capstone Project Proposal using the options given. Be sure to detail the research problem, question(s), theme or issue to be addressed, and the significance, why the research is needed, and the broader implications of the proposed research.
  • Complete program evaluations at the end of each summer.
  • Attend all designated program workshops and events throughout the year.
  • Be committed to the program.

  To ensure a productive and successful experience for students, mentors, and the program staff, we expect students to be mindful of the following principles:

  • Maintain good academic standing throughout your undergraduate degree at NYU Abu Dhabi.
  • Proactively manage your own progress through the program.
  • Communicate and work responsibly with your faculty mentors.
  • Be committed to the philosophy of this program.
  • Respond in a timely and responsible fashion to all communications sent regarding the program obligations, from any department.
  • Inform the Pathways Program staff at the earliest if your personal circumstances or academic goals and plans change.
    

  For further guidelines and detailed information, please refer to the student handbook (PDF).

• Mentoring

  The mentor’s role will be instrumental in shaping the research experience and future trajectory of our NYUAD PhD Pathway students. The program staff will provide support and ensure a rewarding research experience for all participants. Mentors will provide direction and guidance to help fellows refine their research interests and develop them into a substantial paper, project, or Capstone.

  Faculty Mentors

  • Tarek Abdoun
  • Rana AlMutawa
  • Wisam Alshaibi
  • Laure Assaf

   

  • Kevin Coffey
  • Jemima Frimpong
  • Alberto Gandolfi
  • Gabriel Koehler-Derrick

  
  
  

  • Nader Masmoudi
  • Veda Narasimhan
  • Nikos Nikiforakis
  • Luca Maria Pesando
    

  
  
  
  

• Funding Support

  Students selected to be a part of the NYUAD PhD Pathway Program will receive funding support in the following formats:
  

  • Summer stipend or research expenses. Please note that If you are enrolled in another summer research program, you will not be eligible for payment for both programs.
  • GRE preparation and university application fees
  • Research expenses, if needed and justified
  • Funding to produce posters or other materials for final presentations
  • Summer housing on campus, as long as students are expecting to conduct research on campus or prefer to live on campus during the summer rather than at home.
    
    
• Application Requirements

  Deadline: March 14, 2025

  A complete application must include:

  1. Official transcripts
  2. Personal Statement (750 words)
     1. Your rationale for participating in the NYUAD PhD Pathway Program
     2. Your research interests
     3. Your current level of preparation to apply for PhD programs
     4. Your plans after graduation
     5. Why you want to pursue a PhD and where (if known)
     6. How this program will help in your PhD application journey
  3. One recommendation letter

  Apply