Women in STEM Lecture: Exploring Gender, Economic Opportunity, and Household Decisions

How do women's employment opportunities influence household decisions, family well-being, and economic outcomes?

Join NIU's Women in STEM Lecture Series on Wednesday, November 4, for a presentation by Dr. So Yoon Ahn, Assistant Professor of Economics at the University of Illinois Chicago.

Dr. Ahn will present "Juggling Priorities: Women's Labor Market Opportunities and Household Consumption," exploring the relationships between gender, economic opportunity, and decision-making within households.

About the Speaker

Dr. Ahn is a labor economist whose research examines marriage markets, migration, and gender dynamics within households.

Her research explores topics including:

• How women's labor market opportunities influence household decisions.

• The role of bargaining power in shaping family and economic outcomes.

• The effects of migration and language policies on families.

• Connections between economic opportunities, charitable giving, and children's outcomes.

Event Details

• Date: Wednesday, November 4, 2026

• Time: 12:30–1:30 p.m.

• Location: Founders Memorial Library Staff Lounge, ground floor next to Einstein Bros. Bagels

• Cost: Free

• Lunch: Provided

• RSVP: Encouraged but not required

Students attending this event are eligible to receive Honors Engaged credit.

Why Attend?

Understanding the relationships between economic opportunity, gender, and household decision-making is important across many disciplines, including environmental studies, economics, public policy, and sustainability.

For Environmental Studies students interested in environmental justice, social sustainability, and public policy, this lecture offers an opportunity to explore how economic and social systems influence opportunities and outcomes for individuals and communities.

The Women in STEM Lecture Series celebrates the diverse experiences, perspectives, and contributions of people working in STEM fields. Students, faculty, staff, and community members from all backgrounds are encouraged to attend.

RSVP and Learn More

RSVP for the November 4 Lecture

Learn More About NIU's Women in STEM Lecture Series

Meet Dr. So Yoon Ahn

Join the conversation and explore how research can help us better understand gender, opportunity, and the decisions that shape our communities!

Winter Break Field Course: Study Caribbean Marine Ecosystems in Mexico!

Looking for an opportunity to gain hands-on environmental research experience while exploring the Caribbean coast of Mexico? Ecosystem Field Studies (EcoFS) is accepting applications for its Caribbean Ecosystem Field Studies course, taking place December 28, 2026, through January 17, 2027!

This three-week field course offers students the opportunity to study coral reefs, marine ecosystems, and coastal environments while developing practical scientific research skills.

What Will You Explore?

Students will participate in hands-on field investigations along Mexico's Caribbean coast, using the natural environment as their classroom.

Activities include:

• Exploring coral reefs and coastal ecosystems through snorkeling and optional SCUBA diving.

• Learning scientific observation, data collection, and field research methods.

• Investigating marine biodiversity and ecosystem processes.

• Developing and conducting an original ecosystem field research project.

• Working alongside students from universities throughout the United States and beyond.

The course takes place at Xpu-Ha Beach along Mexico's Riviera Maya, where students will study marine and coastal ecosystems directly in the field.

Course Details

• Dates: December 28, 2026 – January 17, 2027

• Location: Xpu-Ha Beach, Mexico

• Credits: 3 undergraduate semester credits

• Course: ENST 391, University of Montana

• Format: Three-week, immersive field course

• Eligibility: Undergraduate students from all universities, majors, and years of study

The course is offered by Ecosystem Field Studies, an academic partner of the University of Montana's Environmental Studies Program.

Program Costs

Program fees depend on lodging and activity selections:

• Beach tent camping: $3,390

• Beach bungalow accommodations: $3,790

• Optional SCUBA and snorkeling package: Additional $700

• Snorkeling-only option: No additional charge

Program fees include instruction, accommodations, meals, field activities, research equipment, and scheduled ground transportation between Cancún International Airport and the field site.

Students are responsible for airfare and personal snorkeling equipment. An additional $155 credit administration fee is available through the University of Montana for an official transcript.

Limited scholarships of $250–$750 may also be available through EcoFS.

Review Program Costs and Scholarship Information

Eligibility and Academic Credit

Students must be at least 18 years old, have a valid passport, and be comfortable swimming in the ocean. Students selecting the SCUBA option must have Open Water SCUBA certification before the course begins.

Important for NIU Students: Academic credits are offered through the University of Montana, not NIU. Interested students should confirm how the credits would transfer and whether they could apply toward their Environmental Studies degree requirements before enrolling.

How to Apply

Applications are currently open and reviewed on a rolling basis until the course fills.

Students should review the program details and syllabus before applying.

• Caribbean Ecosystem Field Studies Course Information

• Apply for the Winter Field Course

• Visit the EcoFS Website

A $20 application fee is required and is refunded if an applicant is not accepted.

Questions?

Contact Professor Steve Johnson, Ecosystem Field Studies Director:

Email: steve@ecofs.org
Phone: 303-859-0173

Turn your winter break into an opportunity to explore marine ecosystems, develop field research skills, and experience environmental science beyond the classroom!

Winter Course Opportunities: Explore Oceans and Natural Disasters Online

Looking to explore environmental science topics over winter break? The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is offering two fully online courses during its Winter 2026–27 session, giving students an opportunity to learn about Earth's natural systems, climate, and environmental hazards between semesters.

Both courses are offered through the Department of Earth Science & Environmental Change and may be of interest to Environmental Studies students.

Available Courses

GEOL 117: The Oceans

Dive into the science of Earth's oceans, exploring marine environments, ocean currents, coastal processes, and the connections between oceans and climate.

This course is a great option for students interested in marine science, climate change, coastal ecosystems, and environmental processes.

View GEOL 117 Course Details

GEOL 118: Natural Disasters

Explore volcanoes, earthquakes, and other natural hazards, including how these events affect communities and how people prepare for and respond to environmental disasters.

This course may appeal to students interested in natural hazards, disaster preparedness, environmental risk, and community resilience.

View GEOL 118 Course Details

Course Details

• Dates: December 18, 2026 – January 15, 2027

• Format: 100% online

• Credits: 3 credit hours per course

• Duration: 4 weeks

• Course Limit: Students may enroll in one winter course.

• Tuition: $1,326 per course for visiting, non-degree undergraduate students, regardless of residency. Additional materials or proctoring fees may apply.

Both courses fulfill the University of Illinois' Natural Sciences & Technology, Physical Sciences General Education requirement.

Registration Information

Registration for visiting students opens November 16 and closes December 14, 2026.

Students interested in enrolling should review the University of Illinois non-degree registration process.

Additional information about winter session tuition is also available online.

Important Information for NIU Students

Because these courses are offered by another university, NIU students should confirm how the credits will transfer and apply toward their degree requirements before registering.

Students can use Transferology to explore potential transfer equivalencies and contact their academic advisor to determine whether a course would fulfill a specific NIU requirement.

The four-week winter format is intensive, so students should also be prepared to dedicate regular study time throughout the session.

Questions?

For additional information about the courses, contact:

Dr. J. Cory Pettijohn
Department of Earth Science & Environmental Change
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
jcpettij@illinois.edu

Make winter count by exploring the science behind our changing planet!

Fully Funded Ph.D. Opportunity: Energy Justice, Data Centers, and Environmental Change

Interested in energy justice, environmental policy, sustainability, or the impacts of expanding data centers on communities and ecosystems? The University of Tennessee's Department of Geography and Sustainability is recruiting a Ph.D. student for a fully funded research assistantship beginning in Fall 2027.

This opportunity may be especially interesting to Environmental Studies graduates considering advanced research in energy transitions, environmental justice, geography, and community-engaged research.

About the Research Project

The selected student will join an interdisciplinary research team working on the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation-funded project, "Data Centers and the Southern Energy Buildout: Implications for Electricity Cost, Energy Transition, and Energy Justice."

As data centers expand across the United States, their growing electricity demands raise important questions about energy costs, fossil fuel development, decarbonization, and environmental justice.

The project will examine these issues across the southeastern United States, particularly Central Appalachia and the Tennessee Valley Authority's service territory.

What Will You Do?

The graduate research assistant will contribute to the project through:

• Conducting interviews and community-engaged research with residents and stakeholders.

• Collecting, processing, and analyzing environmental, energy, and demographic data.

• Developing maps of data center locations and electricity demand.

• Investigating connections between data center expansion, energy infrastructure, and environmental justice.

• Traveling throughout Central Appalachia and the Southeast to conduct field research.

• Collaborating with researchers from the University of Tennessee, Emory University, and the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis.

Funding and Benefits

The position includes four years of guaranteed funding, contingent on satisfactory progress in the Ph.D. program.

• Years 1–2: Graduate Research Assistantship with a stipend of at least $34,000 per year.

• Years 3–4: Graduate Teaching Assistantship with a minimum stipend of $26,500 for nine months.

• Additional Funding: Possibility of applying for a fifth year of teaching assistantship support.

• Research Travel: Three years of funding for research travel and conference participation.

• Research Support: Faculty mentorship and assistance applying for additional research fellowships and grants.

Who Should Apply?

The research team is seeking a student interested in independent research on energy justice and the social and environmental impacts of energy infrastructure.

Desired qualifications include:

• A master's degree in geography or a related field.

• Experience with social science research methods.

• Familiarity with energy-related research or energy geography.

• Experience conducting an independent research project.

• Interest in environmental and energy policy.

• Commitment to community-engaged research.

• Willingness to travel independently for fieldwork.

Students with interdisciplinary backgrounds in environmental studies, geography, sustainability, anthropology, public policy, and related fields may find this opportunity particularly relevant.

How to Apply

Application Deadline: December 15, 2026

Interested applicants should review the University of Tennessee Department of Geography and Sustainability's graduate application guidelines.

Applicants are also encouraged to contact Dr. Gabe Schwartzman, Assistant Professor of Geography and Sustainability, to express their interest in the research assistantship and ask questions about the position.

Contact: Gschwar3@utk.edu

This is an opportunity for students and alumni interested in combining environmental research, community engagement, and policy to address emerging energy and sustainability challenges.

Free Classes at The Morton Arboretum for Conservation Volunteers!

Interested in learning more about conservation, ecological restoration, native plants, or environmental stewardship? The Nature Conservancy's Volunteer Stewardship Network (VSN) is offering scholarships for free classes at The Morton Arboretum this fall!

This opportunity is open to natural area volunteers, adult learners, and early-career conservation professionals connected to volunteer stewardship efforts. Students involved in ecological restoration, community gardens, conservation projects, or other environmental volunteer activities are encouraged to explore this opportunity.

What Classes Are Available?

Participants can choose from a variety of educational programs at The Morton Arboretum, including:

• Conservation and natural area stewardship

• Gardening and horticulture

• Trees and nature

• Nature art

• Wellness in nature

Whether you're interested in developing practical restoration skills, learning more about local ecosystems, or exploring a new environmental interest, these classes offer opportunities to expand your knowledge beyond the classroom.

Scholarship Details

• Cost: Free with scholarship funding

• Number of Classes: Up to two classes per eligible participant

• Eligibility: Volunteer Stewardship Network members, their partners, and individuals connected to natural area stewardship and conservation volunteer activities

• Availability: Scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis while funding lasts.

How to Apply

1. Explore Classes: Browse The Morton Arboretum's adult learning programs to find classes that interest you.

2. Apply for a Scholarship: Complete the VSN Scholarship Application to receive a discount code.

3. Register for Classes: Return to The Morton Arboretum's website and register for your selected classes. Enter your discount code during checkout.

4. Act Quickly: Scholarship funding is limited. Receiving a discount code does not guarantee that funds will still be available when you register.

Each scholarship code may be used for a maximum of two classes and should not be shared.

Questions?

For questions about scholarship eligibility, contact The Nature Conservancy's Volunteer Stewardship Network at vsn@tnc.org.

For questions about classes or registration, contact The Morton Arboretum at education@mortonarb.org.

Don't miss this opportunity to gain new conservation skills, explore your environmental interests, and connect classroom learning with hands-on stewardship!