We are excited to announce the Watershed Scholars Program for students interested in pursuing a master’s degree in environmental sciences, biology, chemistry, civil engineering, or geography with an emphasis in watershed sciences topics broadly at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE). Students selected for the program will receive a tuition waiver and $10,000 scholarship for each of the two years they are in the program, as well as funding to attend conferences and to purchase equipment and tools needed to complete their research. In addition, students will participate in thesis and research workshops, career panels, scientific and technical seminars, and mentoring from a variety of people. Eligible students are required to have an income of $26,355 (single household)/ $35,770 for family of 2) or less while a student at program start date (Fall 2025). Income in the prior year is not considered. Scholars must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or admitted refugees. Interested individuals can read more about the program here.
SIUE is located near the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers and offers opportunities to study watersheds at multiple scales and from rural to urban environments. The SIUE campus is on 2,600 acres of beautiful rolling hills and woodlands, on the bluff above the Mississippi floodplain. Students applying to SIUE master’s programs in Geography & GIS, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, or Environmental Sciences are eligible to apply for the Watershed Scholars program. Students with an interest in sustainable watersheds and backgrounds in biology, chemistry, engineering, ecology, geography, geology, environmental sciences, fisheries sciences, wildlife management, natural resources, environmental archaeology, and geosciences, are encouraged to apply.
After being admitted to the SIUE graduate program, potential scholars must then apply to the Watershed Scholars Program (or they should apply to both the graduate program and scholarship program at the same time). Potential scholars will be asked to provide a written statement (250-500 words) describing their interest in watershed science research and, if applicable, any prior relevant research experience.
Students should apply before February 15, 2025, for priority consideration. Further information, including details on how to apply, can be found on the Watershed Scholars website. If students have any questions, please encourage them to contact the Watershed Scholars project lead, Dr. Adriana E. Martinez at adrmart@siue.edu. This program is funded by the National Science Foundation - DUE Award #2130471.
