EVST News January 25, 2021

January 25, 2021

Program News

Spring Courses | Add/Drop begins today and will run through the end of the first week of spring classes.  If you have questions about the process that are not addressed here, please contact your residential college dean. If you are still shopping for courses, check out the Environmental Humanities Spring 2021 Course ListingsYale offers dozens of courses each year approaching environmental issues from diverse humanities perspectives. EVST juniors and seniors are invited to apply for a new project in ENV 959, Clinic in Climate Justice, Climate Policy, Law, and Public Health | The goal of the project, Climate Justice for Persons Vulnerable to Heat Stress: Auditing Cooling Centers in Northern Manhattan (sponsoring organization: WE ACT for Environmental Justice), is to formulate evidence-based recommendations to improve the effectiveness and quality of cooling centers in Northern Manhattan. Students will conduct a survey about barriers to and facilitators of cooling center use among residents of Northern Manhattan and will plan a summer 2021 audit of Northern Manhattan cooling centers. A more detailed description of the project can be found here.  Enrollment is by application only. Apply using this online form. Questions and additional information: Contact Dr. Laura Bozzi at laura.bozzi@yale.edu.

EVST DUS Office Hours | Email Professor Fotos to make an appointment to Zoom or talk on the phone. Office hours this week: Tuesday from 2-5:00pm.

EVST Program Manager |Questions about the major, summer opportunities, or the YSE 5-Year Program? Email Linda Evenson to make an appointment to zoom or talk on the phone.

EVST Peer Mentors Bennet Hall, Lauren Kim, Epongue Ekille, Katie Schlick and Trinidad Kechkian can answer questions about EVST! Feel free to contact them with questions. 

EVST Calendar | Check the calendar for upcoming events and opportunities.

Becoming an EVST Major | Students interested in joining either the EVST BA or BS Programs must complete a short process - details can be found here.  If you have questions, please email studies.environment@yale.edu.

Follow EVST on Facebook and Instagram and request to join the Yale College Environmental Studies Group and the Yale Blue Green on LinkedIn.

EVST newsletters are now posted in the “news” section of  the EVST website!

Summer Opportunities

Yale Summer Funding for Environmental Internships

According to a Yale Summer 2020 Activities Survey, nearly two-thirds of all Yale College students secured their summer employment during the spring semester. More than 59% secured their position in March or later. 

Many Environmental Studies students choose to do their own research projects during the summer. Dozens of Yale fellowship programs are available for the support of undergraduate research projects. Students who are on a leave of absence are generally eligible to apply, but check with the specific fellowship to confirm. 

Due to the Covid epidemic, we do not yet know whether Yale-funded travel will be permitted this summer. You are advised to make summer plans with caution, taking into account that your proposed project may be subject to restrictions or may need to be carried out remotely. For more information on Yale-administered Fellowship Programs, explore Yale Student Grants and Fellowships databasepathwaystoscience.org, and read about the following funding and research opportunities below in last week’s newsletter, found on the EVST website

Summer Research Opportunities, Apply for Funding Separately

Biking for Science and Health | This Yale Collaborative research initiative will deploy smart environmental sensors for monitoring and mapping heat stress and air quality in urban environments.  These sensors will be Installed on public and private bicycles, to measure health-related environmental variables (temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide, ozone and particulate matter) and tag the measurements with spatial coordinate information. Use of bicycles as an environmental monitoring platform contributes to efforts of building a culture of health in urban communities. Participating cyclists will collect data as they travel city streets. The project is supported by a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and a Leitner Award for Uncommon Collaboration. Contact Professor Xuhui Lee if you’re interested.

Prime Impact Fund Summer Internship | Opportunity to be part of a small and dynamic team at the forefront of investing, philanthropy, and technology commercialization. Participate in identifying, screening, and evaluating companies for Prime Impact Fund’s potential investment, and support operations in the identification and screening process. To be considered for an internship, please complete application form hereApply by January 29th.

Funded Summer Opportunities

NOAA Scholarships | Apply by Apply by February 1st for the following NOAA scholarships:

  • Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship provides successful undergraduate applicants with awards that include academic assistance (up to $9,500 per year) for two years of full-time study and a 10-week, full-time paid internship at a NOAA facility during the summer.  Reach out to EVST Hollings Scholars Danielle Losos ‘22 or Adriana Maciel Metal ‘22  with questions and read Danielle’s experience at the end of this newsletter.
  • The William M. Lapenta NOAA Student Internship Program offers paid summer internships targeted towards current 2nd and 3rd-year undergraduate and enrolled graduate students to work in areas that will provide robust research and/or operational experience that will prepare the student for further study in NOAA fields. Projects may be focused on research areas or the development of operational products such as decision support tools, climate and weather forecast models, data analysis methodologies, and social science strategies to communicate climate and weather information. Students will focus on areas that will meet the future needs of NOAA’s ever-broadening user community and address strategic weather-water-climate issues. 
  • EPP/MSI Undergraduate Scholarship Program provides funds for two years of undergraduate study to rising junior undergraduate students majoring fields that directly support NOAA’s mission. Participants conduct research at a NOAA facility during two paid summer internships. The EPP/MSI and Hollings Scholarships share a common application.

Alaska Conservation Foundation’s Conservation Internships Alaska Conservation Foundation’s Ted Smith Conservation Internship Program is targeted toward students who plan a career path in conservation and are willing to make a long-term commitment to preserving and protecting the pristine environment and diverse cultures of Alaska. Undergrads and recent grads are eligible! Internship placements can be at nonprofit conservation, environmental justice and Alaska Native organizations as well as government agencies. In 2021, ACF is offering 17 internships across Alaska: 2021 CIP Position Descriptions. Internships are 12 weeks and will begin on June 1st. Includes an Intern stipend of $6,000 and travel reimbursement costs to and from Alaska up to $1,200. Host organizations will assist interns in finding low-cost housing for the summer, but interns are ultimately responsible for their own housing. Apply by February 22ndTristan Funary ‘20 EVST ’21 MPH participated in this program this past summer. Read about his summer internship at the bottom of this newsletter. 

Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies REU program | Cary REU students design and carry out independent research projects in ecology, with the support of mentors, fellow students and the rich Institute community of scientists and educators. Science and translational ecology skills are built in workshops, seminars, panel discussions and working on short, authentic communication and teaching activities. In light of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Cary REU program in 2021 will be either hybrid or 100% virtual. Our goal is to decide which model we will follow by the end of March, at the same time the 2021 cohort of participants is being finalized.  To be eligible for NSF/REU grant support you must still be enrolled as an undergraduate during the summer of 2021.  Second semester seniors completing their degree in December 2021 or January 2022 are eligible. Applications accepted until midnight EST Friday January 29th. Program Dates: June 7 - August 13. More details are available on their FAQ page.

Connecticut Sea Grant Undergraduate Research Fellowship | Seeks to broaden participation of underrepresented/underserved students in marine and coastal professions by providing early career experience, training and mentorship to the next generation of scientists, decision makers and marine industry professionals. The program will fund a research fellowship for up to two undergraduate students who represent the social diversity of the communities of Connecticut. Underrepresented minorities and socioeconomically disadvantaged students as well as students of color, indigenous students, US military veterans, members of the LGBTQ community, and students with disabilities are encouraged to seek a research mentor with whom to apply for this opportunity. Up to two fellowships, each with a $5,000 stipend, will be offered to enable selected students to conduct independent research under the guidance of a research mentor. The application process requires submission of a mentor-proposed natural or social science-based research project and a student nomination for the research fellowship. The research project must be completed in nine weeks over the summer, and be focused on a coastal, marine or watershed issue relevant to the Connecticut Sea Grant Strategic Plan for 2018-2023, which can be accessed hereApply by March 15th. Click here for application instructions

The Doris Duke Conservation Scholars Program at UCSC and UW are fully-funded programs for two summers for first or second year studentsEVST is proud to have had so many students participate in this program.  Feel free to reach out to them with any questions.

  • Doris Duke Conservation Scholars Program at the University of California-Santa Cruz  serves students with the highest potential to make sustained contributions as conservation innovators and leaders and to increase the racial, ethnic and cultural diversity of the conservation field. Apply by February 5th. EVST UCSC scholars include students Adriana Maciel Metal ‘22 EVST (2020), Isabella Rosado ‘22 EVST (2020), Max Teirstein ‘21 EVST (2018), and Ashia Ajani ‘19 EVST (2017).  
  • Doris Duke Conservation Scholars Program at the University of Washington integrates multiple academic disciplines and ways of knowing, from a variety of conservation practitioners, to support scholars in finding a conservation practice and career path that is right for them. Apply by February 1stEVST UW Doris Duke scholars include Lauren Kim ‘21 EVST (2018) and Sandra Amezcua Rocha ‘22 EVST (2019) . 

Upcoming Events

Check the EVST calendar for all upcoming events. Below are a few events happening this week or requiring registration:

Building the Future Sustainable City: A Conversation About Aspirations and Challenges  | Thursday, January 28th. 5:30— 6:45pm. Join the Yale Environmental Dialogue at YSE for an online panel discussion on how to build the future sustainable city. What is the knowledge that we need to build the cities that we aspire to? What are the obstacles to doing so? This panel aims to address these key questions and facilitate an engaging conversation about integrating sustainability into urban design and planning efforts by featuring commentary from leaders in this arena. Register here.

18th annual All Ivy Environmental and Sustainable Development Career Fair is going virtual as All Ivy Career Week! See the full schedule of events here. Representatives from organizations in the private, non-profit and public sectors across a multitude of industries will be available through 1-on-1 and groups chats to connect with top graduate and undergraduate students. 

February 1-3 Graduate Program Information Sessions: Virtual graduate program information sessions for students wishing to explore graduate school opportunities.

  • University of Pennsylvania: February 1: 10–11am ET
  • Brown’s Watson Institute for International & Public Affairs: February 1: 12–1pm ET
  • Columbia: Febuary 1: 2–3pm ET
  • Dartmouth: February 2: 11–12pm ET
  • Yale School of the Environment: February 3P: 12–1pm ET

February 2-3 Panels: Breakout sessions on professional topics of interest. Each session will feature a panel of professionals working on these topics who will discuss their background, career path and insights on how to break into the field.

  • Environmental Consulting: February 2: 5 – 6pm ET
  • Circular Economy: February 3: 5 – 6pm ET

February 5 All Ivy Career Fair: Representatives from public agencies, consulting firms, nonprofit organizations, and corporations participate in the Fair to discuss careers, internships, full-time positions and graduate opportunities in a variety of fields. The Fair will take place from 10am -1pm ET. Register by Monday, February 1st. Register hereHere is a list of the Recruiters Attending. What Students Need to do Before the All Ivy Fair includes instructions on everything from how to upload and update your resume; how to research employers; how to let employers know you’re interested; joining a 1:1 employer session; joining a group employer chat and more! 

Climate Stories Contest | The Climate Stories Contest is a multi-media art competition across four categories: visual arts, film/photography, written word, and performing arts. Participants must submit original artwork that illustrates the impact of the climate crisis on themselves, society or a subset of society (i.e. a specific demographic), and the work must communicate a message calling people to action. These two requirements, along with the quality of the work itself, will form the basis of submission judging. The competition is open to undergraduate and graduate students ages 18-25. First, second and third-place winners will be selected from each category, for a total of 12 award recognitions. Monetary prizes will be given to each of the 12 winning submissions. Group or collaborative submissions are permitted but awards must be divided among group members. All Climate Stories projects must be submitted by February 1st. First Place: $1,500, Second Place: $1,000, Third Place: $750. Details here.

The New Climate War: The Fight to Take Back Our Planet (Living on Earth & Michael Mann)|February 4th @ 4:30pm ET | In The New Climate War, renowned climate scientist MICHAEL MANN (’98 PhD) shows how fossil fuel companies have waged a thirty-year campaign to deflect blame and responsibility and delay action on climate change, and offers a battle plan for how we can save the planet. Join STEVE CURWOOD, host of the nationally-syndicated public radio show Living on Earth, for a virtual conversation with Mann about his new book. Register here. This conversation is part of the Living on Earth Book Club and is free and open to the public. 

The Yale Roosevelt Institute is excited to invite you to participate in the inaugural Yale x Yale-NUS Global Policy Conference and Hackathon | The Yale / Yale-NUS Policy Hackathon brings together students around the world to solve critical issues in global policy. The Hackathon aims to empower students interested in solving the pressing issues around them by providing them with the tools, resources, and opportunities necessary to explore an interest in global issues. This year’s hackathon will be run entirely virtually and include two topics, one focusing on issues relating to the COVID-19 pandemic and the other focusing on global environmental issues and economic development. The Hackathon will take place over the weekend of February 26th-28th. Teams are given 2 days to prepare and create a solution, and the top 6 teams will have the opportunity to present to a panel of judges consisting of distinguished researchers, policymakers, and professors in relevant fields. Participants will also have access to a Policy Conference, which features workshops and presentations from industry professionals, researchers, and policymakers in relevant fields. Teams will be composed of 4-6 students from various global universities. Students may sign up as a closed team, an open team, or an individual looking to join a team. To register as an individual, click here. To register as a partial or full team, click hereRegistration is due by February 21st.  For more information, see this brochure, visit our website at policyhackathon2021.com, or contact policyhackathon2020@gmail.com.  

Climate2025 | C2025’s five year mission supports emerging movements that have the urgency, aptitude & compassion needed to tackle the crisis we are in. This project is a platform that aims to facilitate co-creative spaces that enable strategic alliances to form between global South and North resistances groups, with a focus on grassroots networking, information sharing and campaign creation. Example of work: reaching out to movements, experts, networks and scholars to co-create the network, and invite them to join; building up an organisational mechanism that cultivates co-creative spaces for diverse movements and facilitates information flows; researching on various topics encompassing social movement/civil society theory, COP negotiations, and Transnational Advocacy Networks; and ploting a project connecting Amazonian communities with international solidarity movements. You can learn more here and find details about specific roles and associated accountabilities here.

EVST Student Summer Experiences

 

UCSC Doris Duke Scholar Adriana Maciel Metal ‘22: “DDCSP helped me to improve my professional and academic skills as an aspiring community worker and researcher through research projects I conducted in my own neighborhood and nearby parks. I actually learned a surprising amount about working with data. However, the best aspect of this program has been how my DDCSP family has supported my personal growth. They met me where I was, personally and academically, and they worked with me to grow and improve. The Doris Duke Conservation Scholars Program promised a loving and empowering community, and that is exactly what I have now. I’m looking forward to my second year with DDCSP, which involves an internship and (hopefully) living with my DDCSP family.”

 

NOAA Hollings Scholar Danielle Losos ‘22: “I was able to select the branch of NOAA where I wanted to intern during summer 2020. I chose the GOES-R Program, which collaborates with NASA to operate the latest mission of geostationary satellites. When my virtual internship ended, I was grateful to be offered a job to stay on with GOES-R (virtually) for another 9 months. My primary tasks are improving the accessibility of GOES data to end-users, and conducting geospatial analysis of the imagery. My current project uses the satellite images to detect wildfires in real-time and monitor the spread and severity of burned areas. Sophomores and juniors interested in atmospheric or oceanic science should consider the NOAA Hollings and Lapenta Scholarships!”

 

Alaska Conservation Foundation’s Ted Smith Conservation Intern Tristan Furnary ‘20 EVST ‘21 MPH worked last summer as an Environmental and Community Health Researcher/Advocate at Alaska Community Action on Toxics, a statewide environmental health and justice organization. Tristan concentrated in Human Health and the Environment and is interested in how perinatal exposure to pharmaceutical drugs and environmental toxins play a role in the developmental origins of disease. His senior thesis, Potential Role of Acetaminophen and Pesticides in the Developmental Origins of Autism Spectrum Disorder via In Silico and Stem Cell Models was advised by Vasilis Vasiliou. He hopes to merge his environmental health interests with medicine at the completion of medical school.