Fellows Program

ESDRI's fellows are an academic and research-minded group of undergraduate students, and – although we come from diverse backgrounds and have many different majors – we agree that the environment is the thread that connects all of our interests.  We typically meet a few times per semester, with opportunities for extracurricular events too, such as community engagement or service projects.  The ESDRI fellows at Kent State University constantly strive to lead by example.  One of our goals is to foster change by drawing from robust, well-informed science or extrapolating on the research ourselves.  We shape the future by impressing upon the up-and-coming generation of advocates and connecting them with faculty that are well-versed in environmental topics.  We hope to meet you soon!

Benefits:

• Eligibility for research funding
• Website and symposium acknowledgement(s)
• Research and/or professional advising
• Meet other like-minded students and faculty
• Assistance with research placement
• Stay in the loop with environmentally focused information
• Add this service and the skills you build to your resumé

Expectations for fellows (reported annually):

• Participate in at least one ESDRI event per semester; summer term is optional
• Enroll in at least one environmental related course per semester
• Attend the Fellows Program meeting that we have once in fall and spring term.
• For upperclassmen: present research at a university symposium or conference once per academic year
• For upperclassmen: guide underclassmen scholars via mentoring, posting news, community service, writing blogs, etc.

Open to:

Any current undergraduate student at Kent State University.  We enjoy working with students across the campuses and all majors/minors.

Application details:

• Accepted year-round
• Approximately 10 minutes to complete

Begin/View the application for fellowship

Thank you for applying to the Environmental Science and Design Research Institute's Fellows Program!  We look forward to supporting you throughout your journey at Kent State University.  Now that you have submitted the online application and are awaiting a response, here are a few things you can still do.

• Keep checking your KSU email for your acceptance.  You will receive a response from esdri@kent.edu -- whether you are accepted or denied -- within one week.
  • Upon submission, you will automatically be added to ESDRI's listserv, which features the institute's latest news, events, and communications.
  • Upon acceptance, you will be asked whether or not you are interested in being connected with an actively researching Kent State faculty member.  This is not a formal commitment.  We offer this service to all fellows.  Please respond to this email if you are interested in being connected with an instructor whose research interests align with yours and/or discussing your options. 
  • If you did not respond to the email/did not think you needed to be connected with faculty, and have now changed your mind, please contact us.  We will be happy to assist you.
     
• Think about what details you want to mention in your biography.  If you did not submit a headshot (does not have to be professional) when you applied, feel free to email us one.  
  • If you would like a free, professional headshot, students can schedule an appointment via Handshake with Career Exploration and Development.
     
• Plan to attend a meet-and-greet event hosted by ESDRI.  Time and date will be forthcoming.
  • This informal get-together will answer all of your questions, cover how to apply for research funding, allow leadership to learn more about you, and allow you to meet other new and current fellows.
     
• Remember, there are a few minimum requirements for maintaining your fellowship (listed above).  It is never too early to begin networking with potential faculty, drafting your funding proposal, or completing the program's requirements.

If you have additional questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out.  We look forward to welcoming you into the Fellows Program!

Have you already received an acceptance letter into the institute's Fellows Program?  If so, congratulations and you are now eligible for funding related to your research!

Helpful reminders:

1. Plan to apply for funding as long as you are not graduating in the same semester.  If you are, please contact us first to discuss your options.
2. Continue to meet the program's requirements (see above) to remain eligible.  
3. You must identify KSU faculty who will oversee your research.  Give them a heads up that you are requesting funding because they will need to submit a letter of recommendation for the research project.

We encourage you to open the link below and browse what documents you will need to compile beforehand.  The application also details what money can be awarded for and how the money will be awarded.  Click the link below to access or start the application for funding which is only open to current ESDRI fellows.
Begin/View the application for funding
The institute wishes you the best as you start your research!