ESPP Weekly Update (10/19/2026)
Course Announcements
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GLG 813: Watershed Hydrology (Spring 2027) — Dr. Jay Zarnetske, Tuesdays & Thursdays 12:40–2:00 PM, 3 credits.
Addresses six fundamental questions: where water goes when it rains or snows, how long it resides in a watershed, what flowpaths water takes to a stream, what processes control water storage and movement and how we model them, the history of watershed hydrology, and why the answers matter to society and ecosystems. Students gain experience reading literature, conducting technical writing and teaching, and applying course topics to their own research. This course is appropriate and accessible to all environmental scientists, managers, and engineers. Undergraduate students welcome! Questions: jpz@msu.edu.
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CAS 892-001: Risk Communication (Spring 2027) — Dr. John C. Besley, Tuesdays 3:00–5:50 PM.
Spring semester seminar teaching students to apply evidence-based principles of effective risk communication through small-group discussions, selected readings, and hands-on exercises. Dr. Besley is the Ellis N. Brandt Professor of Public Relations and author of Strategic Science Communication: A Guide to Setting the Right Objectives for More Effective Public Engagement (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2022). Key topics include goal-focused communication about risks and benefits, social norms, self-efficacy, trustworthiness, emotion, and framing. Suitable for master’s students who want to become more effective science and risk communicators, as well as Ph.D. students who want to ground their research and engagement activities in insights from science and risk communication research.
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SOC 890: Skills and Practices for Social Change (Spring 2027) — Dr. Jennifer Carrera, Tuesdays 1:50–4:40 PM, Berkey Hall Room 457.
Graduate practicum guiding students in developing and facilitating skills in reflective listening, identifying dimensions of vulnerability, and co-creating actionable plans to address priority issues within groups while reducing harm to and burden on vulnerable individuals. Appropriate to all majors with a desire to work directly with communities; STEM students are encouraged to participate, and qualitative social science students will find the course enhances interviewing skills. Limited to 15 students, with priority to students actively planning community-engaged research. To register, contact Sociology Academic Programs Coordinator Taylor Gallagher (galla352@msu.edu).
Seminars, Workshops & Other Events
Water Alliance Lunch & Learn: Water Connects Us All: Ireland and the U.S.
The MSU Water Alliance Lunch & Learn series features Dr. Kelly Salchow MacArthur and Elaine Moynihan and Katie McShane, co-founders of WiseWater Academy. Dr. Salchow MacArthur is a Professor of Graphic Design at MSU, two-time Olympic rower and Olympian Artist whose creative work focuses on environmental awareness, advocacy and action; she explored sustainability through graphic design as an Honorary Visiting Researcher at University College Cork’s School of Education. WiseWater Academy is a social enterprise connecting young people and communities to the importance of water through multi-sensory workshops. Register here.
ESPP 2026 Fall Student Research Symposium
The ESPP 2026 Fall Student Research Symposium brings together graduate students, post-doctoral researchers, and undergraduates from all departments for research talks, poster sessions, lightning talks, free lunch, and ESPP swag. Opening keynote: “Digital Agriculture to Design Sustainable and Resilient Agricultural Systems” by Dr. Bruno Basso, John A. Hannah Distinguished Professor at MSU, an internationally recognized agricultural systems scientist. Second keynote: “From the mountains to the sea: Livelihood sustainability challenges and opportunities among small-scale producers in low resources settings” by Dr. Ivy Blackmore, Assistant Professor in Community Sustainability at MSU. Abstract submission is closed; to register and attend, click here. Sponsored by ESPP, the College of Social Science, and the Fate of the Earth Endowment. Pay-by-plate parking at Ramp 6.
CIRCLE Interdisciplinary Teaching Workshop
In this interactive workshop presented by MSU’s Center for Interdisciplinary Research, Collaboration, Learning, and Engagement (CIRCLE) and CTLI, hosted by CIRCLE Associate Director Dr. Ellie Louson, you’ll hear from a panel of MSU educators about their innovative co-teaching experiences, practice skills that contribute to strong interdisciplinary collaboration, and leave with a personalized plan for interdisciplinary teaching. Faculty, graduate students, postdocs, and staff are all welcome. Coffee and snacks provided; feel free to bring a brown-bag lunch. Register here.
2026 National Beach Summit in Traverse City, MI
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and the Great Lakes Beach Association are excited to host the National Beach Summit in 2026! This summit will discuss how recent technology advancements are changing the way beaches are monitored and results are communicated. Monitoring approaches have more options with beach sanitary surveys, composite sampling, microbial source tracking, rapid testing methods in the lab and in the field (as little as 15 minutes), remote monitoring, predictive and forecast modeling, and harmful algal monitoring with field test strips, analytical methods, and satellite imagery. Register here.
Strategy & Storytelling: A Communication Workshop for MSU Researchers with National Geographic Explorer Dr. Reyhaneh Maktoufi
MSU will host National Geographic Explorer Dr. Reyhaneh Maktoufi, an internationally acclaimed communication expert with extensive experience helping scientists and other researchers share their work creatively and strategically. “Stories are a powerful way to connect with audiences, but not all stories are effective. Drawing on narrative research, we will use examples and activities to discuss storytelling principles and help you find the right story based on your goals.” Provided at no cost to faculty, staff, post-docs, and Ph.D. students through the support of University Outreach and Engagement including the Office of Public Engagement Scholarship, University Communications and Marketing, the College of Natural Science, Graduate Studies, and the College of Communication Arts and Sciences through the Health and Risk Communication Center, and the Brandt Endowment. Space is limited — register here; questions: jbesley@msu.edu.
Scholarships, Fellowships, & Funding Opportunities
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Michigan Chapter SWCS Conservation Scholarship ($1,000) | Deadline: November 9, 2026
The Michigan Chapter of the Soil and Water Conservation Society (MiSWCS) is offering a $1,000 scholarship through the Michigan Scholarships in Conservation Program for the Fall 2026 – Spring 2027 academic year. Applications must reach the Scholarship Committee by November 9, 2026; the recipient will be selected by November 30, 2026. The fillable application is available on the MiSWCS website or from Chapter Secretary Daniel F. Kesselring (kesselring@miglswcs.org).
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USGS 104(g) General Funding Research Opportunity | Deadline: November 12, 2026, 5:00 PM ET
The United States Geological Survey is accepting applications under the 104(g) General Funding Research Opportunity, supporting water resources research projects. Applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM Eastern Time on November 12, 2026. The MSU Institute of Water Research team is available to answer questions.
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2027 Switzer Environmental Fellowships | Deadline: December 14, 2026, 11:59 PM PST
The Switzer Foundation is accepting applications for the 2027 Switzer Environmental Fellowships, given to graduate students who demonstrate outstanding leadership potential and commitment to a career in environmental improvement. Eligibility is no longer restricted to California and New England schools — the fellowship is now open to graduate students at accredited institutions throughout the United States and U.S. territories. Each fellowship includes a one-year $18,000 unrestricted cash award, two multi-day leadership training and cohort-building retreats, access to grant programs and career support, and engagement with the Switzer Network of 800+ environmental leaders. Students of color, first-generation students, and students from traditionally underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. An information session will be held November 18, 3–4 PM EST (register via Eventbrite).
Job and Training Opportunities
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The Kennedy School invites applications for two faculty positions in energy and climate change. The first is a tenure-track junior scholar position applying disciplinary tools (preference for political science or economics) to questions in energy policy, energy markets, the politics and geopolitics of energy, the energy transition, and/or climate change, with a joint appointment at the Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability. The second is a full-time Lecturer position combining practical experience in energy and climate policy with teaching excellence (initial three-year appointment, possibility of renewal). Submit a cover letter, CV, research/teaching statement, and writing samples via the posting link; review began October 15, 2026 and continues until filled.
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The Duke University Nicholas School of the Environment is hiring a Postdoctoral Associate in Policy at the Duke Critical Minerals Hub, focused on critical minerals policy and governance. Details and application instructions are available online. Questions may be directed to Erika Weinthal or Kimberly R. Marion Suiseeya.
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The Michigan Section of the American Water Works Association (MI-AWWA) is hosting its second Young Professionals Summit on March 9–10, 2027 at Lansing Community College (West Campus), only about a 10-minute drive from campus. The event connects young professionals (generally under 35) with water experts to build professional networks and engagement with Michigan's water community. Undergraduate and graduate students and early-career professionals working in the water space are encouraged to submit a presentation abstract via mi-water.org/yp-summit by October 30, 2026.
Environment News
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EPA quietly backtracks on claims US has phased out toxic PFAS compounds (The Guardian)
The EPA changed wording on its website claiming the US has phased out toxic PFAS compounds, after a Guardian report found a Texas-based company is still manufacturing plastic container barriers using these chemicals.
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Tap water no longer drinkable in Norwegian town as climate-related thawing releases heavy metals (The Guardian)
In Longyearbyen, Svalbard, warming Arctic permafrost is releasing naturally occurring heavy metals into the water supply, forcing the town to declare its tap water undrinkable.
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Cop17 at a glance: everything you need to know about the UN's nature summit (The Guardian)
A timely explainer on the UN biodiversity summit (Cop17) in Yerevan, setting out what's on the agenda for global conservation targets under the Nature Positive framework.
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Arizona joins Nevada to fight proposed cuts to their shares of Colorado River (The Guardian)
Arizona and Nevada are teaming up to oppose proposed reductions to their Colorado River allocations, setting up a multistate showdown over water in the drought-stricken West.
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US workers facing deadly heat borrow from tomato pickers to win key protections (The Guardian)
Building on tactics pioneered by Florida tomato pickers, US workers in hot industries are winning new heat-stress protections as deadly workplace temperatures become more common.