WaterCube NRT Fellowship Program

About WaterCube

Water resources and aquatic ecosystems around the world face increasing challenges and risks from climate change, natural and anthropogenic disasters, harmful algal blooms, and changes in land use. Recent advances in sensors, robotics, genomics, and computational modeling generate an amount and variety of data related to water at all scales.

These data offer a tremendous opportunity for revolutionizing scientific understanding and management of water resources; however, the challenges associated with the volume, heterogeneity, and uncertainty of the data pose a significant barrier for translating science into action. The WaterCube program was designed to prepare a competent workforce for addressing future sustainability and socio-economic challenges in water. We believe that solving complex, real-world water problems takes synergistic advancement and integration of data science, water science, and social science.

WaterCube is a National Research Traineeship (NRT) program funded by the National Science Foundation.

Apply to the WaterCube NRT now.

Our Goals

Train Ph.D. students who are:
- competent in the knowledge, understanding, and practice of issues at the intersection of data science, water science, and social science;
- well-versed in cross-disciplinary research collaboration; and
- well prepared for diverse career options.
Create a convergent research paradigm that enables breakthroughs in addressing challenging, pressing water problems by merging the expertise and talent from broad backgrounds, and conversely, propels advancement of disciplines in data science, water science, and social science.
Establish and disseminate a novel, generalizable approach to graduate training in big data-enabled water sustainability and equity.

How the Program Works

Program Offerings

The WaterCube program will provide trainees with broad technological, scientific, and cultural perspectives for addressing current and future water challenges. The program consists of:

Coursework to provide foundational training in all three aspects of the WaterCube: data science, water science, and social science. Courses also integrate experiential learning opportunities.
Convergent research addressing critical water issues
Training in cross-disciplinary communication and collaboration
Professional development experiences
Regular seminars, symposia, and events with the WaterCube community
Internships and international exchange opportunities
Public outreach and communication experiences

Eligibility

First year and prospective PhD students are eligible to apply. Prospective graduate students applying to the WaterCube NRT program must apply to and be accepted by a participating Ph.D. program at MSU. Students not enrolled in an MSU department cannot be part of the WaterCube NRT program nor can they receive WaterCube NRT fellowships. The WaterCube NRT program and fellowship is an add-on to normal admission and student status, and this application in no way replaces the MSU Graduate Admissions Process (see https://grad.msu.edu/apply/). Only US citizens and permanent residents are eligible for NSF-funded fellowships; however, the WaterCube NRT has additional funds to support a limited number of international trainees.

Application Process

Apply and be accepted to a participating department at MSU:

Complete an application via NSF ETAP

Online form:
- Contact information
- Demographic information
- Educational background
- Previous program participation and prior academic achievement
Upload your CV
Upload a single pdf file with brief responses (up to 250 words for each response) to the following:
- Describe any relevant experiences that you think have prepared or motivated you to participate in the WaterCube program.Describe your research interests and how those interests align with the goals of the WaterCube program.
- Describe how this training program will enhance your education and future career.
- WaterCube trainees will work as part of a multidisciplinary team on a question that addresses multiple axes of the WaterCube. Briefly describe your approach to teamwork.
One letter of recommendation from your current or prospective major advisor at MSU
Acknowledge that you understand expectations if selected

NSF ETAP Application

Expectations

We expect students who are awarded and accept WaterCube NRT support to commit to participating in all required WaterCube NRT program elements throughout their graduate programs at MSU. These requirements include:

Coursework in data science, water science, & social science
Training in convergent research
Cross-disciplinary communication and collaboration training
Professional development programs
International exchanges or internships at private firms or national labs
Attend seminars and events

Program Contact

If you have any questions, please contact:

Dr. Erin Dreelin, WaterCube NRT Program Coordinator
dreelin@msu.edu