National Needs Fellowship (NNF) Program in Data Science for AgroEcosystem Sustainability

National Needs Fellowship (NNF) Program in Data Science for AgroEcosystem Sustainability for 2021

Note:  We are not currently accepting applications.

The National Needs Fellowship (NNF) Program at Colorado State University seeks applications from newly admitted graduate students from groups under-represented in data science related to sustainable agriculture and agroecology,  

Agricultural scientists increasingly utilize multiple streams of information and large data sets to derive meaningful, actionable information for local producers. This fellowship program is intended to help support and train the next-generation of diverse scientists to enhance the sustainability of agricultural practices. 

This program will support three newly admitted Masters Students and one PhD student affiliated with the Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory, Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, or Department of Ecosystem Science and Sustainability. Applications are being accepted for Fall 2021 with a preferred application deadline of February 15, 2021. 

Successful candidates would focus on projects which could include, but will not be limited to, the following topics: 

Environmental outcomes of regenerative practices
Climate adaptation
Soil Health
Remote sensing and big data applications

Fellowships are awarded directly to students. MS students will receive $18,500 for two years and the PhD student will receive $24,500 for three years, pending satisfactory progress and good-standing. Students will be responsible for covering tuition and fees, which can also be supported through teaching or research assistantships. 

APPLICATION INFORMATION

Applicants must also be admitted to a CSU graduate program, and have identified a faculty advisor. Our selection criteria include academic potential, alignment of interests, and potential to contribute to a diverse agricultural science workforce. We will develop a cohort of diverse students and strongly encourage applications from students traditionally underrepresented/marginalized (i.e., African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans) groups apply. In addition to the regular CSU graduate application process, students should complete the online application below and the required documents, also listed below.  Applicants must be admitted to, or in the process of applying to CSU Grad School. Your NNF fellowship application maybe simultaneously with your Grad School application, but NNF awards can not be made until a the student is officially accepted into CSU Grad School.

FELLOWSHIP REQUIREMENTS:

Eligibility for NNF – The grantee institutions develop the selection criteria and it is their responsibility to award fellowships to high caliber students in superior academic standing. Only individuals who meet the eligibility requirements listed below will be awarded fellowships. In order for individuals to receive Fellowship stipend support they must:

1. Be citizens or nationals of the United States of America as determined in accordance with Federal law.

2. Have strong interest, as judged by the institution, in pursuing a degree in a national Targeted Expertise Shortage Area (TESA;) are preparing for a career as a food or agricultural or natural resources scientist or professional; are registered as full-time students.

3. Not have:

a. Completed more than one semester or equivalent hours of full-time study as defined by the institution, or

b. Been enrolled previously in the same academic program at the same degree

In addition to the application information, applicants should submit the following:

CV/resume
Transcripts (unofficial)
Letter of Recommendation
Statement of research interests (less than 2 pages)
Letter of Grad school acceptance if not already enrolled at CSU

To apply, fill out the application here.  After your application is submitted you can begin to upload documents.