WaterCube NRT Fellowship Program

About the Fellowship Program

The WaterCube NRT is a graduate training program for advancing data-enabled water sustainability through an equity lens. The name “WaterCube” reflects our conviction that it takes the convergence of data science, water science, and social science to solve complex, real-world water problems. The program immerses PhD students in convergent research where engineers, computer scientists, biologists, and social scientists work together to solve water problems of paramount significance.

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

Apply to the Program

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

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How the Program Works

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 (update link each year) that includes:
1. Online form:
  1. Contact information
  2. Demographic information
  3. Educational background
  4. Previous program participation and prior academic achievement
2. Upload your CV
3. Upload a single pdf file with brief responses (up to 250 words for each response) to the following:
  1. Describe any relevant experiences that you think have prepared or motivated you to participate in the WaterCube program.
  2. Describe your research interests and how those interests align with the goals of the WaterCube program.
  3. Describe how this training program will enhance your education and future career.
  4. 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.
4. One letter of recommendation from your current or prospective major advisor at MSU
5. Acknowledge that you understand expectations if selected

Apply to the WaterCube NRT

Deadline

Review of applications begins in early February of each year.

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 (DWSE graduate certificate)
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

Guidance for Recommendation Letters

For applicants:

You should request a letter of recommendation from your major advisor at MSU.
If you do not yet have a major advisor, our WaterCube team can assist with identifying faculty mentors.

For letter-writers:

In your letter, please address:
- The student’s potential for success
- The interdisciplinary, convergent nature of the student’s research
- How participation in the WaterCube NRT will enhance the student’s education and your own research program

Your commitment to supporting the student beyond the one-year of funding provided by the NRT