Announcing the Institute for Energy Solutions Graduate Student Fellowship Program!
About the Institute for Energy Solutions Graduate Fellows Program:
The Institute for Energy Solutions (IES) Graduate Fellows program is a one-year program that brings together graduate students and postdoctoral scholars at the University of Michigan from diverse disciplines who are interested in advancing future energy solutions via interdisciplinary networks. IES graduate fellows will have the opportunity to share their expertise and learn from each other and IES faculty about current energy challenges and opportunities for interdisciplinary advances on energy topics. The graduate fellows will participate in monthly gatherings where they will share energy-related knowledge on current research topics. The fellows will also be supported to develop and execute an interdisciplinary community-building activity or project throughout the year, working as small self-organized teams. The graduate fellows will assist in creating energy solutions by working together to generate ideas for clean, equitable, and sustainable energy systems. At the end of the program, the fellows will summarize the outcomes of their activities and projects and share recommendations for growth in the next generation of IES graduate fellows.
Who is eligible?
Current doctoral graduate students and postdoctoral scholars at the University of Michigan (any campus) who are in the second year or later of their program. Participants must be able to participate in person at the UM Ann Arbor campus throughout the Winter 2024 and Fall 2024 semesters. In-person participation is not required for summer 2024.
Why participate?
- Join a network of multi-disciplinary graduate fellow energy enthusiasts
- Broaden your awareness and knowledge about energy solutions
- Share your domain expertise with other energy scholars in broad disciplines
- Develop and apply community-building activities for interdisciplinary solutions for clean energy systems
- Shape co-curricular graduate programs for future energy scholars at the University of Michigan
What is the support and timeline?
- Annual support of $7500 per person, can be used for student salary support, research expenditures, travel, or other related graduate student expenses.
- Number of fellows for 2024: 8-12
- Program duration: January 15, 2024 – January 14, 2025
How to apply?
Complete the online application form which includes the following brief essay questions and required documents.
1. Why would you like to join the IES Graduate fellows program? Specifically, what energy-related experience will you share with the fellows? (maximum 200 words)
2. Briefly describe an energy-related community-building topic or project you would like to work on with an interdisciplinary team of fellows for one year (maximum 200 words). The proposed activity should frame development of clean, equitable, inclusive energy solutions, e.g., beyond LEEDS certification – defining the next steps for equitable, accessible low-carbon, low-energy residential housing; engaging with rural and urban farmers to understand current and future agricultural energy needs and opportunities; preserving cultural identity with renewable energy carriers. The activities can include development of UM programs and practices.
3. Describe your contributions, current or proposed, toward creating more inclusive and equitable energy solutions (maximum 200 words)
Supporting documents required:
1. Agreement to commit to active participation, including in-person meetings monthly on the first Monday of each month from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., a kick-off session in January 2024, and a closing session in December 2024.
2. Resume
3. Two letters of recommendation, preferentially from University of Michigan faculty or staff, addressing the potential impact support will have on the nominee and addressing the selection criteria provided below. To be emailed to [email protected]. Please have your references include your name in the subject line.
Application deadline: 11:59 p.m. ET, October 31, 2023
Selection criteria:
25% Demonstrated record of energy expertise
25% Concept for interdisciplinary, inclusive and equitable energy solutions project activity
25% Potential to significantly contribute to an interdisciplinary energy solutions project
25% Letters of support