The WaterCube National Research Traineeship (NRT) program at Michigan State University (MSU) is now accepting applications. The 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 are eligible to apply. Students must enroll in a home department at MSU and work with a WaterCube faculty mentor. 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 at least one full year of fellowship support through the WaterCube, which includes stipend, tuition & fees, with additional years of study supported via other forms of assistantships. Trainees also receive funds for research supplies and are eligible for travel funding.

Eligibility

First year and prospective PhD students are eligible to apply. Prospective graduate students applying to the WaterCube NRT program must apply to and be accepted by a participating Ph.D. program at MSU. Students not enrolled in an MSU department cannot be part of the WaterCube NRT program nor can they receive WaterCube NRT fellowships. The WaterCube NRT program and fellowship is an add-on to normal admission and student status, and this application in no way replaces the MSU Graduate Admissions Process (see https://grad.msu.edu/apply/). Only US citizens and permanent residents are eligible for NSF-funded fellowships; however, the WaterCube NRT has additional funds to support a limited number of international trainees.

Application Process

1. Apply and be accepted to a participating department at MSU:
   • 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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
2. Complete an application via NSF ETAP (https://etap.nsf.gov/award/5216/opportunity/6438) that includes:
   • Online form:
     • Contact information 
     • Demographic information
     • Educational background 
     • Previous program participation and prior academic achievement
   • Upload your CV
   • Upload a single pdf file with brief responses (up to 250 words for each response) to the following:
     • Describe any relevant experiences that you think have prepared or motivated you to participate in the WaterCube program.Describe your research interests and how those interests align with the goals of the WaterCube program.
     • Describe how this training program will enhance your education and future career.
     • WaterCube trainees will work as part of a multidisciplinary team on a question that addresses multiple axes of the WaterCube. Briefly describe your approach to teamwork.
   • One letter of recommendation from your current or prospective major advisor at MSU
   • Acknowledge that you understand expectations if selected

Deadline

Review of applications begins in February 2024, open until filled.

Expectations

We expect students who are awarded and accept WaterCube NRT support to commit to participating in all required WaterCube NRT program elements throughout their graduate programs at MSU. These requirements include:

• Coursework in data science, water science, & social science​
• Training in convergent research​
• Cross-disciplinary communication and collaboration training​
• Professional development programs​
• International exchanges or internships at private firms or national labs​
• Attend seminars and events

Guidance for Recommendation Letters

For applicants:

• You should request a letter of recommendation from your major advisor at MSU.
• If you do not yet have a major advisor, our WaterCube team can assist with identifying faculty mentors.

For letter-writers:

• In your letter, please address:
  • The student’s potential for success
  • The interdisciplinary, convergent nature of the student’s research
  • How participation in the WaterCube NRT will enhance the student’s education and your own research program
  • Your commitment to supporting the student beyond the one-year of funding provided by the NRT

Program Contact

If you have any questions, please contact:

Dr. Erin Dreelin, WaterCube NRT Program Coordinator
dreelin@msu.edu