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WaterCube NRT applications now open

January 2, 2025

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Applications for the next cohort of WaterCube NRT trainees are due January 31. Please encourage 1st year and incoming PhD students working on water issues to apply. If you have any questions about the traineeship or the application process, please feel free to reach out to Erin Dreelin (dreelin@msu.edu) or Xiaobo Tan (xbtan@msu.edu).

 

About the WaterCube NRT

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.

Prospective and first year PhD students at MSU are eligible to apply. Students must be accepted and enrolled in a participating home department at MSU and work with a WaterCube faculty mentor. The participating departments are:

  • Biosystems & Agricultural Engineering
  • Civil & Environmental Engineering
  • Computer Science & Engineering
  • Earth & Environmental Sciences
  • Electrical & Computer Engineering
  • Fisheries & Wildlife
  • Food Science & Human Nutrition
  • Geography, Environment, & Spatial Sciences
  • Integrative Biology
  • Pharmacology & Toxicology
  • Plant Soil & Microbial Sciences
  • Political Science
  • Public Health
  • Sociology​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Trainees who are US citizens and permanent residents are eligible for NSF NRT fellowships; other funds are available to support a limited number of international students. Eligible trainees receive one full year of fellowship support through the WaterCube, which includes stipend, tuition & fees, with additional years of study supported via other funding sources. Trainees also receive funds for research supplies and are eligible for travel funding.

Application Process

  1. Apply and be accepted to a participating department at MSU (see above list).
  2. Complete an NSF ETAP application that includes:
  • Online form
  • CV
  • Brief statement (upload a single pdf) that describes:
    • Your research interests and how those interests align with the goals of the WaterCube NRT program
    • Your relevant experiences that have prepared and motivated you to participate in the program
    • How the program will enhance your education and future career
    • Your approach to teamwork
  • One letter of recommendation from current or prospective faculty advisor at MSU
  • Understanding of expectations if selected