Research Intensive Pedagogical Training of Interdisciplinary Estuarine Scientists (RIP-TIDES)

Target Audience: Graduate Student


Institution: Romberg Tiburon Center for Environmental Studies, San Francisco State University

Institutional Web Link: http://www.rtc.sfsu.edu

Description of Internship or Research Opportunity: This National Science Foundation Research Traineeship (NRT) award to San Francisco State University will prepare a new generation of masters-level graduates with the scientific and professional skills needed to enter STEM and STEM-allied careers that address research projects focused on adaptation, mitigation and conservation solutions for urbanized coastal areas confronting the effects of climate change. Trainees will be recruited from a diversity of populations to enhance the creativity and success of our nation's future STEM professionals. The project anticipates training forty (40) to sixty (60) MS students, including forty (40) funded trainees, from the Departments of Biology, Earth and Climate Science, Chemistry, and Geography; trainees will participate in an interdisciplinary MS degree program in Marine Science based at the Romberg Tiburon Center for Environmental Studies.

The project will combine coursework, an interdisciplinary research experience, and a professional internship to graduate MS students adept at working at the interface of science and society in a time of global change. The new MS curriculum will consist of: (1) an integrated series of courses and workshops to provide a comprehensive background in global change impacts on urbanized coastal areas and professional and communication skills training; (2) an internship with a policy, management or public education organization; (3) an independent research project; (4) teaching experience through a teaching assistantship; and (5) dedicated advising sessions throughout the program to support student success and professional development. Formal coursework will introduce students to interconnected aspects of estuarine and coastal processes, biotic responses, critical habitats, human impacts, and resource management issues associated with global change. Graduate seminars will emphasize critical reading of relevant primary literature. Workshops will address professional skills, scientific communication, scientific writing, data analysis, ethics and budgeting. Our program will train MS students to reach diverse audiences through effective communication and education, and support policymakers in translating science to inform decisions. Trainees will be mentored in conducting cutting-edge research projects that examine impacts of global change and that illuminate fruitful areas for action in developing solutions.

Scholarships, Fellowships Associated with the Course: All students accepted into the RIP TIDES MS program will be eligible for a National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded Research Traineeship (NRT) fellowship award during their second year. Ten students will be awarded NRT fellowships with a $34,000 stipend plus full in-state SF State tuition during the second year of the program. Fellowship awards will be announced upon acceptance into the program, but are contingent upon students meeting academic benchmarks during their first year, including maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.5, and completing a research prospectus acceptable to the student�s MS committee. RIP TIDES students without NRT fellowships and first-year fellows may also be supported by individual faculty members� research grants, departmental teaching assistantships, and additional scholarships obtained independently.

Funding Source: National Science Foundation (NSF)


How to Apply: Go to http://www.rtc.sfsu.edu/riptides for more information.

Application Closing Date: 02/01/2017

Opportunity Starts: 2017-08-21

Opportunity Ends: 2021-05-31