Weekly Update (01/12/2026)

ESPP News

Welcome to the Spring 2026 semester! I hope you all had a relaxing and restorative holiday break. As we begin this new term, I have several exciting updates to share.

Please join me in welcoming our newest Student Leadership Council (SLC) members, Leo Baldiga (Geography) and Jeremy Rapp (Earth and Environmental Science), who are beginning a two-year term. They join our returning members, Sarah Buelow (Packaging) and Tasha Siame (Forestry).

I would also like to extend my sincere gratitude to Yousef Khajavigodellou (Geography) and Nudrat Fatima (Earth and Environmental Science) for their dedicated service over the past two years. Their contributions were vital to the success of our student research symposiums, and we wish them the very best.

As a reminder, the SLC is a vital student-led committee responsible for organizing the annual ESPP Fall Student Research Symposium, the ESPP Distinguished Alumni Speaker Series, and various cohort-building activities throughout the year. Please reach out the our SLC members if you have any thoughts and suggestions on student activities at ESPP.

Looking forward, there are several important deadlines approaching for our program. For our current students:

• Competitive Research Grant applications are due January 15.
• Summer Research Fellowship applications are due February 1.
• Student travel support requests should be submitted before March 1.
• Outstanding Student Publication Award applications are due February 1.

Program applications for the Doctoral Dual Major, Masters Specialization, and Modeling Certificate are due February 1. Units that plan to nominate incoming student for the ESPP Recruitment fellowship should submit the nomination by February 1.

Course Announcements

ESPP offers the following courses this semester:

• ESP 800: Principles of Environmental Science and Policy
• ESP 802: Human Systems and the Environment
• ESP/FW/CSUS 836: Modeling Natural Resource Systems

A list of courses that are offered by ESPP affiliated faculty members is now available on ESPP website.

Scholarships, Fellowships, and Funding Opportunities

• 2026 Catalyst Leadership Circle Fellowship | Deadline: Jan 21, 2026

  This exciting opportunity, based in Ann Arbor and running from June 8 to August 14, 2026, is open to all graduate students passionate about sustainability, regardless of their field of study. Supported by the State of Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) Catalyst Communities program, the fellowship provides selected fellows with $8,000, including funds for housing and travel, as well as professional training.

• HARP Production Proposals | Deadline: Jan 22, 2026

  The Office of Research and Innovation invites applications to the 2025-2026 Humanities and Arts Research Program – Production (HARP-P). The HARP Production program provides funds, when research is complete, to help subsidize the costs of book publication, permissions to use copyrighted materials, CD recording and production, the creation and mounting of exhibits, and other expenses associated with producing the results of a completed creative or research project. A contract from the publisher will be required if funds are being requested to publish a book. Proposals requesting funds to complete textbooks will not be considered.

• CIGLR accepting proposals for 2026 Partner Programs | Deadline: Jan 31, 2026

  CIGLR is accepting proposals from Regional Consortium members for a suite of programs that aim to build collaborative partnerships through career development opportunities, visionary science, and impactful outreach. The opportunity includes Postdoctoral Fellowships, Graduate Research Fellowships, Summits and Working Groups support, ECO support, and Seed Funding. Please visit the full program announcements linked below for descriptions, eligibility, and application information. More information can also be found on the CIGLR website. Contact CIGLR Managing Director Mary Ogdahl with questions.

Seminars, Workshops, and Other Events

• Lunch with Graduate School Dean | Noon - 1 PM, Jan 15, 2026

  This unique opportunity allows Graduate Students the chance to connect with The Graduate School leadership and staff in a relaxed and informal lunch setting. Connect about career and school journeys, gain understanding of The Graduate School programs that empower graduate student success and engage in candid discussions about university and student life. You need register here