Applications open for 2024-25 Global Change Research Fellows

Sponsored by the USGS Southeast Climate Adaptation Science Center (SE CASC) and NC State University, the Global Change Research Fellows program is designed to provide financial, scientific, and professional-development support for graduate students who are incoming or currently enrolled at a Consortium university of SE CASC or a citizen of a USET member Tribal Nation in the Southeast. The mission of the SE CASC is to provide science and tools to help fish, wildlife, water, lands, and people adapt to a changing climate and land use. We invite applications from students who are interested in interdisciplinary research related to climate and global change (the various changes connected to the rapid increase in human activities which started around the mid-20th century), and especially those students who seek to do work that informs or directly addresses challenges associated with global change. 

We believe in making climate adaptation science more just and inclusive of voices and interests that have been underrepresented in this field of work and value diversity of thought and experience which leads to better decision-making and more effective adaptation strategies. 

Scientific and Professional Development

Recipients will join a diverse, multidisciplinary community of graduate students and faculty with interests in global environmental change. Global Change Research Fellows will be required to participate in:

1. An expenses-paid, one-week-long Climate Adaptation Science Field Intensive to be held in August 2024, focused on principles of SE CASC mission and climate adaptation challenges and strategies of resource managers.
2. Regularly scheduled monthly virtual cohort meetings and periodic skill-building workshops.
3. A Team Science Synthesis Project, SE CASC-funded Working Group, or SE CASC Communications Project as a research assistant.
4. Implementing at least two seminars as part of the SE CASC Global Change Seminar Series for 2024-25.  
5. Developing a Researcher Spotlight highlighting their research and experience in the program.
6. Other professional development opportunities throughout the year. 

Financial Support

We expect to fund 10 to 12 students for the 2024-25 academic year. Stipends (in the form of Research Assistantships) will be paid at a rate determined based on their university and college affiliation and set by NC State University, approximately $27,300-$32,000 stipend plus tuition and health insurance for the period August 1, 2024 – July 31, 2025. Support after the Fellowship year of funding is the responsibility of the student’s advisor and/or graduate program, and the faculty advisor must demonstrate commitment to fully supporting the remaining graduate program assistantship and tuition waiver for accepted students. This commitment should be expressed in the faculty member’s letter of recommendation. Students will be responsible for paying any student fees. Some additional funds may be available for student travel and professional development opportunities.

Faculty Involvement

Applicants should request a letter of recommendation from a SE CASC Research Affiliate who is or will serve as their faculty advisor. SE CASC accepts on a rolling basis requests from faculty who would like to be listed as Research Affiliates. Faculty advisors are expected to actively participate in the graduate fellowship program by participating in SE CASC activities such as seminars, mentoring graduate students in their research programs, encouraging student participation in Fellowship activities, and guiding Fellowship projects in cooperation with other faculty, SE CASC leadership, and partners. Letters of recommendation are submitted separately from student applications.

Eligibility

Applicants must be enrolled in or entering a PhD or Masters degree program at a SE CASC Consortium university or must be a citizen of a USET member Tribal Nation who is enrolled in or entering a Masters or PhD degree program.

Graduate students working on research projects that are funded by SE CASC are also eligible to apply to the Global Change Research Fellows program.

Application and Selection Process

Applications should be submitted by February 15, 2024 via this form, providing general information about the student applicant and: (1) a Statement of Interest formatted according to this template, (2) a copy of applicant’s graduate school application, (3) name and contact information for the faculty advisor who will be submitting a letter of recommendation. Incomplete application packages will not receive full consideration.

Recipients will be notified by March 29, 2024. Questions about the program should be directed to SE CASC Consortium Director Becky Irwin (reirwin@ncsu.edu) or SE CASC Assistant Consortium Director Cari Furiness (csf@ncsu.edu).

For more information

Global Change Research Fellows: secasc.ncsu.edu/home/about/people/global-change-fellows
Southeast Climate Adaptation Science Center: secasc.ncsu.edu