Sustainability Solutions Native American Collaborative Research Assistantships
Maine's Sustainability Solutions Initiative (SSI), a partnership between the University of Maine and the University of Southern Maine offers opportunities for cutting-edge interdisciplinary learning experiences at the graduate level, including two research assistantships in Native American Collaborative Research at the University of Maine. SSI is a $20 million, 5-year program funded by the National Science Foundation’s EPSCoR program.
Research outreach and collaboration is a key principle of the SSI, in particular to the Sustainability Solutions Native American Collaborative Research Assistantships, which seek to build research collaborations with Maine’s Native American communities and help train the next generation of STEM researchers in collaborative research and outreach. Students with backgrounds in a wide range of disciplines are encouraged to apply: e.g., social sciences, biological, earth, and chemical sciences, natural resource management, communication, engineering, education, mathematics, social work, business administration and more. SSI’s mission is to create an integrative research program and strong stakeholder partnerships that generate improved solutions to intersecting ecological, social, and economic challenges in and beyond Maine.
SSI graduate students will be part of an integrated research program built on strong stakeholder partnerships and collaborative, interdisciplinary research teams focused on urbanization, forest ecosystem management, and climate change. These efforts address the dynamics of social-ecological systems with an emphasis on moving from knowledge to action.
Qualifications:
A degree in a field related to sustainability science (such as those listed above); excellent GPA; experience working with Native American communities preferred; experience or interest in developing collaborative research projects with Native American communities in Maine and elsewhere; experience or interest in mentoring students from diverse backgrounds to become leaders in collaborative research. Acceptance into a UMaine graduate program.
Preference for these assistantships is given to individuals who are committed to collaborative research with Maine’s Native communities. It is expected that each student with an assistantship will work on a research project in collaboration with, or has relevance to, Maine’s Native communities. They will also be expected to work with undergraduates and K-12 students in STEM fields to assist them in becoming the next generation of leaders in collaborative research. Assistantship recipients are required to register for nine hours of credit each semester. These positions may provide up to three years of support for students, and will include a stipend of $17,500/yr, a tuition waiver, subsidy for health insurance, and funds to support research.
Application Procedures:
Please submit the following information to Darren_Ranco@umit.maine.edu with the subject line “SSI Diversity Assistantship”:
- A letter detailing your interest in the Research Assistantship and the goals of collaborative research.
- A resume
- Photocopies of transcripts
- Names, phone numbers, and email addresses of three references familiar with your academic history.
Review of materials will begin in early March and will continue until the positions are filled.
