Future Leaders in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering

The Cornell FLAME Summer Program provides students a unique opportunity to launch into a Ph.D. program through enhanced summer research experience and through a subsequent fast-tracked/prioritized admission into the Sibley School's Ph.D. program in mechanical engineering with tailored programmatic and financial support.
Seven people stand side-by-side in a row outside of Upson Hall. The people are Professor Nelly Andarawis-Puri and six members of the FLAME program

Designed for students interested in:

  • Advanced Manufacturing and Materials

  • Biomechanics

  • Bioengineering

  • Energy and Sustainability

  • Robotics and Autonomy

  • Space Science and Engineering

Students present during Cornell SmallSat Mission Design School
Bill Nye and Smith Charles talk about various mechanical devices sitting on a table
A woman smiles as she listens to another woman amid a crowd.

The FLAME program is designed to advance student access to research experiences and graduate study in mechanical and aerospace engineering. Admission to FLAME is available on a competitive basis to domestic students who will be eligible to apply to graduate school by fall 2025 and are U.S. citizens, permanent residents, Indigenous peoples of Canada eligible to register as U.S. domestic students under the Jay Treaty, or students holding DACA, TPS, refugee, or asylee status.

Summer Program Highlights

  • Academic preparation for graduate school
  • Opportunity to cultivate a relationship with your potential future Ph.D. advisor
  • Assistance with preparation of applications to Ph.D. programs (Cornell or other)
  • $6,300 stipend, $500 of travel support, on-campus housing, meal plan, and local transport included
  • Social events and trips

Sibley School Ph.D. Program

  • Waived GREs
  • Waived application fee to Sibley School Ph.D. program
  • Direct match into Ph.D. lab if desired
  • $1,250 towards professional development (e.g., laptop, professional clothes) available after matriculating