Published January 27, 2026

MSU offers fellowship opportunities to support graduate and doctoral students conducting water-related research. The following fellowships provide funding to enhance research, travel, and professional development for students addressing water challenges in Michigan, the Great Lakes, and beyond. 

• The Rose Graduate Fellowship in Water Research supports Ph.D. students whose research addresses critical water issues in Michigan, the Great Lakes, nationally, or globally. Established by Joan and Tom Rose, the fellowship reflects their ties to MSU and their commitment to advancing water research.

One award is issued each year.

Funding Amount: $2,500
Eligibility: Doctoral students conducting water-related research
Application Deadline: February 10, 2026

Fellowship funds may be used to support research or travel. Recipients must acknowledge funding support through the Rose Graduate Fellowship Fund at Michigan State University in presentations and publications, as appropriate.

Learn more and apply:
https://grad.msu.edu/funding/funding-list/rose-fellowship 

• The Clifford Humphrys Fellowship for Preservation of Water Quality in the Great Lakes supports graduate students whose research focuses on water quality, particularly issues affecting the Great Lakes and Lake Michigan. 

Up to five awards may be issued each year.

Funding Amount: $15,000
Eligibility: Graduate students performing research on water quality
Application Deadline: March 13, 2026, at 5 p.m. ET

Fellowship funds may be used to support research or travel. Recipients must acknowledge funding support through the Clifford Humphrys Fellowship for Preservation of Water Quality in the Great Lakes at Michigan State University in presentations and publications, as appropriate. Recipients are also expected to attend an annual Fellows event during the Fall semester.

Learn more and apply:
https://grad.msu.edu/funding/funding-list/humphrys-fellowship