Funded Student Research Opportunity - Environmental Governance & Communication STEPS Traineeships
Grace Marasco-Plummer
Applicants are now being accepted for RIEEE Environmental Governance & Communication (EG&C) STEPS traineeships beginning in February 2025. This is a great opportunity for students interested in topics such as:
Environmental policy,
Law and institutions, including local or state government
Communications strategies.
The EG&C research experience funded up to $9,000 over spring semester and summer. This is expected to be your primary commitment outside of classes in the spring semester. Summer courses can be approved on a case-by-case basis.
We anticipate funded EG&C scholars will spend 10-15 hours on average in spring semester and 30-35 hours on average over the summer. These needs may vary based on research travel or other project needs. Our expectation is that scholars will seek permission from the EG&C faculty before undertaking substantial outside commitments over the summer (e.g. classes, outside employment, etc.).
Students from underrepresented backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply for this program.
Duties for EG&C STEPS scholars would include the following:
Interviewing policy makers and government actors
Qualitative research coding and analysis (software provided)
Developing targeted communication strategies
Students interested in this opportunity must be available for in-person orientation February 20-21 (dates can be adjusted slightly based on class schedules), the NSF site visit June 2-5, and a research workshop in July (dates to be determined).
If interested in becoming a GJS RIEEE STEPS scholar, please contact Dr. Kelly Chernin (cher...@appstate.edu) with questions via email. You can also complete an interest form at this link. Review of interest forms will begin on January 29.
Sincerely,
Dr. Kelly Chernin (Communication, Appalachian State)
Dr. Jay Rickabaugh (School of Public and International Affairs, North Carolina State University)
Information about the Program
The Science and Technologies for Phosphorus Sustainability (STEPS) Center is a Science and Technology Center funded by the National Science Foundation. The STEPS Center is a convergence research community of scientists from 11 U.S. institutions, who seek to address the complex challenges in phosphorus sustainability by integrating disciplinary contributions across the physical, life, social, and economic sciences. The STEPS vision is to facilitate a 25% reduction in human dependence on mined phosphates and a 25% reduction in losses of point and non-point sources of phosphorus to soils and water resources within 25 years, leading to enhanced resilience of food systems and reduced environmental damage. Find out more about the STEPS Center here.
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Grace Plummer
Managing Director
1117 Peacock Hall
828-262-7514
