The ERI supports student research in environmental sciences, including multidisciplinary work on projects that cross boundaries of environmental sciences, social sciences, policy, humanities, and other multidisciplinary collaborations. Funding is available to support the following (links are accessible to .vassar.edu users):
1. Mentored Research Support
Mentored environmental research projects (e.g. theses) will be considered. Up to $1000 can be requested. A full research proposal must be submitted. Proposals to fund student research are accepted on a rolling basis, with a preference given to those submitted by the Monday after Fall break and the Monday after Spring break. A sample (funded) application is provided here. When submitting an application please also email Catherine Meyer (cameyer@vassar.edu) so that the ERI is notified of your submission.
Link to Mentored Research Application
2. Summer Environmental Research
NOTE – NOAA internships TBA summer 2022
The ERI funds students interested in summer internships at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This is an excellent opportunity for students to conduct marine or atmospheric (e.g. weather and climate) research, policy, communication, or outreach work. A stipend equivalent to an URSI stipend is provided; the ERI will cover the costs of carbon offsets for travel through Terapass or equivalent.
List of Available NOAA Internships will be posted as available
The ERI can also fund summer environmental research, internships, or field courses of ~8-10 week duration. Courses other than field courses are not ordinarily considered. Proposals for summer support will be evaluated on a competitive basis. If travel is included, the budget should include carbon offsets for travel from Terrapass or another similar site; total funding is up to $3500 + cost of carbon offsets. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with preference given to those submitted by the Monday after Spring Break. Check out the blog for some previous student summer experiences!
Link to Summer Opportunity Application
3. Travel to Meetings and Conferences
The ERI has funding available to support student travel to environment-themed meetings and conferences, particularly where the student is presenting work. This funding is meant to supplement funds available from other sources. Applications should include funding for carbon offsets from Terrapass or similar. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, and are to be emailed to Catherine Meyer at cameyer@vassar.edu
Link to Student Travel Application
Questions about Collins funding can be directed to any member of the ERI steering committee: Alison Keimowitz (Chemistry; Coordinator); Lynn Christenson (Biology; Coordinator); Jodi Schwarz (Coordinator); Lisa Paravasini-Gebert (Hispanic Studies; director of Environmental Studies Program); Jeff Walker (Earth Science and Geography); and Ben Ho (Economics).