Senior Essay Research
The senior essay project is the capstone for the Environmental Studies Major. Seniors in the major write a substantial piece of original research that draws on upon their concentration. The senior essay project provides students with the opportunity to research and write a substantial in-depth treatment of an environmental topic or problem.
Gaylord Donnelley Prize in Environmental Studies
Beginning in 1999, the Environmental Studies Program has recognized its most outstanding seniors for their academic achievements with the Gaylord Donnelley Prize. The award is made by faculty to the author of a distinguished piece of interdisciplinary scholarship. The Prize is presented to a senior at commencement. It is funded by an endowment from the Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation and the Donnelley Family, in memory of Mr. Gaylord Donnelley, a conservationist dedicated to advances in research and education. The Donnelley Foundation also endows a post-doctoral fellowship through the Yale Institute for Biospheric Studies.
Summer Environmental Fellowship
The Environmental Summer Fellowship welcomes applications from all Yale undergraduates (rising sophomores through rising seniors) interested in learning about environmental issues. The summer experience should provide the student with a substantive environmental research or training opportunity. Possibilities include interning with an environmental organization or governmental agency or working on a research project in the field or laboratory at Yale or at another institution. The Environmental Summer fellowship has supported many Environmental Studies majors working on senior thesis research. Students interested in applying should visit the Yale Student Grants & Fellowships website and search for “Summer Environmental Fellowship.” This fellowship is not able to support summer income contributions or summer courses.