Why PEM?

At PEM, exceptional talent meets unparalleled opportunity. Scholars receive individualized mentorship from faculty, peers, and industry leaders who are invested in their success. This multitiered mentoring network provides critical academic support, career development opportunities, and a strong sense of community. With mentorship as its foundation, PEM enables scholars to excel in their research, navigate their graduate journey with confidence, and make meaningful contributions to the field of engineering.

Holistic Support for Rising Engineering Leaders

PEM delivers a comprehensive experience that accelerates success in academia, research, and industry. Scholars receive:

  • Proven strategies for academic excellence, ensuring they thrive in MIT’s rigorous environment.
  • Exclusive career development and networking opportunities with faculty, industry leaders, and global innovators.
  • A dynamic, cross-disciplinary community that fosters idea exchange, collaboration, and game-changing discoveries.

Mentorship that Builds Leaders

At PEM, mentorship isn’t just guidance—it’s a high-impact network of support that accelerates careers:

  • Direct access to industry leaders and alumni for strategic insights and career advancement.
  • Structured pairing of new doctoral candidates with seasoned faculty mentors who help them navigate MIT’s challenges and opportunities.

Financial Support that Fuels Breakthroughs

PEM removes financial barriers, allowing scholars to focus on research, discovery, and leadership. Scholars benefit from:

  • $8,000 annual stipend supplement (up to $40,000 total) for research travel, equipment, and academic growth.
  • Guaranteed five-year funding, covering full tuition, a competitive living stipend, and health insurance.
  • Flexibility to combine PEM support with other prestigious fellowships, maximizing financial stability.

Bringing the Best Minds Together

PEM is committed to attracting, supporting, and empowering the most promising engineering scholars—bringing together varied perspectives to fuel discovery:

  • Strategic recruitment of top-tier PhD candidates from a range of backgrounds and experiences.
  • Programming designed to cultivate future academic and industry leaders, ensuring scholars have the resources to push boundaries.
  • Open to both U.S. and international students, PEM recognizes and invests in candidates who have demonstrated excellence, resilience, and leadership.

Participating Departments

PEM spans multiple disciplines within the MIT School of Engineering, supporting scholars in:

  • Biological Engineering
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Civil and Environmental Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
  • Harvard-MIT Program in Health Sciences and Technology
  • Materials Science and Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Nuclear Science and Engineering

PEM is more than a program—it’s a community that fuels innovation, fosters meaningful mentorship, and unlocks the full potential of every scholar.