Sustainability Scholars

Through a generous grant from a Jasper alum, the Sustainability Scholars program will fund innovative research projects that prioritize environmental sustainability. Three 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

    Include the following sections (if relevant) in your research proposal. In addition, you will need to have your proposal signed by your faculty advisor. Please limit your proposal to 3 pages. Students are expected to write their own proposals and may work with faculty to determine project content and design. Students should have their faculty research sponsor review their proposals, and may work with them to finalize their submission.  

    Criteria Explanation
    Contact Information    Please include your Name, Email Address, Cell Phone Number, and Department.
    Faculty Advisor Information                                           Please include your Faculty Advisor's Name, Department, and Email Address
    Significance    Please explain the impact of your research project both in the context of your academic discipline and to society more generally.  Describe how your proposal fits into the research or literature of your field.
    Goals and Objectives Please give a clear statement of your goals and objectives for this work.  This statement may be your thesis statement, research question, hypothesis, or other explanation of your goals and objectives. If the proposed work is part of a larger project (either yours or your research advisor’s), state the specific goals and objectives that will be accomplished during the summer session funded by this program.
    Project Design  Please provide a short description of how you plan to execute your project, your research methods, and your timeline.  How will you address the questions involved in your thesis, research question, or hypothesis?  This may include research techniques, theoretical perspectives, data collection and analysis methods, etc.  Please explain how these methods will support or address you goals and objectives. 
    Feasibility and Off-Campus Work  Please identify any archives, equipment, materials, contacts, or other resources which you require to complete your project.  If these resources are not available at Manhattan University, explain how you or your faculty mentor will secure access to them.  Also, if you will complete any research away from campus, please identify the dates when you expect to be away, where you will be, and why it is necessary.
    Presentation                                                                                                                               Please identify at least one professional conference or publication to which your work might be submitted.  In addition, we expect that all Jasper Research Scholars will make a presentation to the MC community in September following their summer experience.
    Personal Interest and Career Goals     Please explain your interest in this research proposal/topic. Also please explain some of your future career goals and how these goals are related to this research project. Please identify the knowledge and skills you will acquire by completing this project. 
  • 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, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET.

     

    COMPLETE YOUR APPLICATION