Program Components
COURSEWORK
Scholars will build a foundational understanding of the climate crisis through the study of climate science by taking at least two courses in the Division of Earth and Climate Science (ECS) in the Nicholas School of the Environment.
- Required Course: Climate Change for Future Leaders (ECS 103)
- Elective Course(s): In addition to ECS 103, Scholars will take at least one of the following courses:
- Ocean and Atmosphere Dynamics (ECS 202)
- Exploring Climate Sciences (ECS 212S)
- Energy and the Environment (ECS 231)
- Atmospheric Chemistry (ECS 239)
- Weather and Climate (ECS 365)
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
An integral component of the University Climate Commitment is engaging with the broader Duke and/or Durham community to highlight the importance of this existential crisis. Climate Scholars can participate in community engagement through a variety of means such as: volunteering locally at the Urban Ministries of Durham shelter, distributing fresh vegetables with Catawba Trail Farm, or helping to lead tours around the main campus and the medical school highlighting the university’s climate mitigation efforts. Scholars can also choose to connect with a broader community through a variety of public-facing communications such as art installations, science journalism, or digital media.
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Climate Scholars will receive:
- research funding (up to $2,500)
- conference funding to participate in a professional scientific meeting (up to $1,500)
- travel course or professional development funding (up to $1,500)
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
During the fall semester of their senior year, Climate Scholars will join the Marine Lab Scholars in bi-weekly professional development workshops. Scholars will benefit from workshops on writing skills, science communication, graduate education, and career opportunities. Senior scholars will act as mentors for the new cohort of scholars, providing a critical bridge between peers, and enabling scholars to gain practice as leaders and mentors.
GRADUATION WITH DISTINCTION OR INTERnSHIP
All scholars are expected to complete an honors thesis for Graduation with Distinction (GWD) or an internship related to their project theme. The goal of this work is to see a project from conception to completion, producing a report that can be used by a specific audience to gain insight and knowledge into a topic related to climate disruption. Some products may be published in peer-reviewed journals, a benefit for students considering continuing their education in graduate school. Alternatively, students interested in the growing climate work in the corporate or non-profit sectors may pursue an internship in that field and write up a report at the completion of their internship.
Program Benefits
- independently-led and faculty-mentored research experience with the potential for publication in a peer-reviewed journal
- resources to perform original research, attend a conference, and take a travel course or professional course
- cohort and community-building within the climate research community
- professional development workshops and advising from specialists in the field
- peer mentorship and leadership opportunities
Potential Faculty Mentors
Students interested in pursuing research are encouraged to explore faculty profiles and websites to find a faculty member whose research aligns with their interests. Nicholas School of the Environment faculty are listed here and can be filtered by division and research interest.
Meet the Scholars
Current Scholars
Class of 2025 |
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Sydney Bell Major: Earth & Climate Sciences Cohort: 2023 Advisor: Dr. Jim Hench Contact: szb5@duke.edu |
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Jules Kourelakos |
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Kendra Rentz Major: Environmental Sciences Cohort: 2023 Advisor: Dr. Drew Shindell Contact: krr44@duke.edu |
Class of 2026 |
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Dylan Cawley Major: Public Policy; Environmental Sciences & Policy Cohort: 2023 Advisor: Dr. Drew Shindell Contact: dtc28@duke.edu |
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Tiana Dinham Major: Earth & Climate Sciences; Geology Cohort: 2023 Advisor: Dr. Avner Vengosh Contact: Tsd32@duke.edu |
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Chibuike Okafor Major: Environmental Sciences (intended) Cohort: 2023 Advisor: Dr. Ryan E. Emanuel Contact: ceo41@duke.edu |
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Chloe Young Major: Environmental Sciences & Policy Cohort: 2023 Advisor: Dr. Brian McAdoo Contact: chloe.young@duke.edu |
Class of 2027 |
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Clarence Soh Major: Mechanical Engineering or Interdisciplinary Engineering & Applied Sciences (intended) Cohort: 2023 Advisor: Contact: cs768@duke.edu |
How to Apply
Each fall, participating faculty from the Nicholas School of the Environment will select Climate Scholars for the upcoming academic year. First-years, sophomores, and juniors are eligible to apply. Scholars will be announced in December. If you have any questions about the application or finding a potential faculty advisor, please reach out to ClimateScholars@duke.edu.
DEADLINE
October 18, 2024 by 11:59 PM
APPLICATION
The application process includes submitting the following items as one PDF document with the file name LastName_FirstName_GradYear_CSApplication:
- Faculty Advisor Preference. Prior to applying to the program, applicants should reach out to faculty with whom they wish to work and discuss possible research ideas as well as the faculty’s current availability to advise a scholar. Please list your desired primary faculty advisor. If you have spoken to multiple faculty members with whom you would like to work, you can provide a ranked list of no more than three advisors.
- Statement. Prepare a one-page (12-pt font, 1-inch margins) statement describing how you will benefit from the Climate Scholars Program and how this program will help you reach your academic and career goals. The application statement should include your research idea(s) and preferences of faculty with whom to carry out research. It is beneficial to reach out to faculty with whom you are interested in working prior to writing your application statement.
- Resume. Your resume should be one page and include relevant experience, coursework, and your GPA.
All application materials should be emailed to the Climate Scholars Program at ClimateScholars@duke.edu by the deadline. Applications with statements or resumes not meeting the formatting standards listed above will not be considered. Semi-finalists will be selected from the pool of applicants for interviews or may be asked to provide additional information.
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