Sustainability Scholars

Through a generous grant from a Jasper alum, the Sustainability Scholars program will fund innovative research projects that prioritize environmental sustainability. Four students and their faculty advisors will receive $3,500 stipends and the opportunity to reside on campus for 8 weeks during the summer, dedicating their time to pioneering research in this critical field.

Scholars from all majors and schools are encouraged to submit proposals that focus on research to advance environmental sustainability, emphasizing projects that enhance ecological outcomes, promote economic development, foster equity, and improve quality of life. Topic examples include hyperlocal climate policies, biodiversity, soil ecosystems, and sustainable infrastructure systems The selection process will prioritize proposals that demonstrate a strong commitment to addressing environmental challenges and exhibit potential for significant contributions to the field of sustainability research.

The Center for Graduate School and Fellowship Advisement will provide specialized programs, advising, and support to help students develop the intellectual, interpersonal, and research skills needed to become competitive applicants for graduate schools, professional schools, and fellowships.

A key component of the Summer Research initiative is to cultivate a vibrant scholarly community during the summer months. Students participating in the Sustainability Scholars program will engage in intensive research under the mentorship of Manhattan College faculty, with a strong focus on developing innovative solutions to pressing environmental issues. Faculty sponsors must be employed by Manhattan University throughout the entire research period and fall presentation.

After the summer, students will present their findings in a college-wide seminar and poster presentation. Additionally, students are required to submit a brief report detailing their research methods, findings, and conclusions. As part of the program’s commitment to advancing the field of sustainability, participants must also submit their research results for publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal or present their work at a peer-reviewed regional or national scientific conference within two years of completing the program.

Eligibility

Current first-year, sophomores, and juniors with a major in any school are welcome to apply. Students may apply to as many research opportunities as they want each summer, but they may accept only one program's award in a single summer. Students may not participate in multiple summer programs and must get permission from their research advisor if they want to work remotely or accept an internship at the same time.

 

  • Call for Proposals

    Students who would like to collaborate on a research project with a faculty member must submit an online application. They must have already identified a faculty sponsor and, with their faculty member, a research project to apply. You will need to fill out an online application form and upload a research proposal.

    Please note that the research proposal needs to be signed by your faculty sponsor and the Department Chair of your major. If your faculty sponsor is in a department different from your major then the Department Chair of your faculty sponsor should also sign the proposal.

  • Proposal Guidelines

    If selected you will:

    • Be eligible to live in on-campus housing over the summer.
    • Be required to participate in pre-summer training workshops and summer research sessions.
    • Be required to present your work in poster and oral sessions, and submit a report, at least 5 pages long, about the type of research, methods used, and results obtained.
    • Be required to submit the results from your work for publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal or presentation at a peer-reviewed regional or national scientific conference within two years of participation in the Program.
    • Have access to individualized advising about career pathways after graduation.
  • Application Form

    You must submit an online application to be considered for this award.

    The proposal should follow the rubric above and must be submitted no later than February 25, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. ET.

     

    COMPLETE YOUR APPLICATION