Weekly Update (10/13/2025)
ESPP News
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Upcoming application deadlines
October 15, 2025 is the deadline for the following applications: Dula Major Doctoral Degree, MA Specialization, and Modeling Certificate enrollment applications, and nominations for Community Engagement Award, and Student Mentorship and Leadership Award. ESPP students who seek the award should submit their application to ESPP before the deadline.
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ESPP 2025 Fall Student Research Symposium is coming up on October 24, 2025 at the Kellogg Center
This year’s theme is “Bridging Science and Society: Environmental Solutions for a Changing World”. Join us for an innovative symposium showcasing cutting-edge environmental research that transforms scientific insights into actionable solutions. This year’s program emphasizes collaborative approaches to addressing complex environmental challenges through integrated policy development and practical implementation strategies. We are glad to have two invited speakers: Dr. Rafael Auras from the School of Packaging, and Dr. Andrea Vander Woude from NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory, to join us at the symposium. Please mark your calendar and save the date!
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Making Better Decisions About Sustainability | 3:00 - 4:30 PM, November 5, 2025 | Kellogg Center Auditorium ) Stan & Toba Kaplowitz Distinguished Lecture Series presents Thomas Dietz, University Distinguished Emeritus Professor at Michigan State University and founding director of the Environmental Science and Policy Program, to talk about making better decisions about sustainability. Register at https://tinyurl.com/Kaplowitz25 for free tickets.
Course Announcements
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NSC 844 Tools for Women in STEM Spring 2026
This coming Spring (SS26) NatSci will be offering the graduate course “Tools for women in STEM” (NSC 844). This is a 2-credit course with practical tools that help graduate students advance their career goals and mitigate the challenges they may encounter. More information can be found in the course’s webpage. Spaces are limited. If you have questions, please email Prof. Nunes.
Scholarships, Fellowships, and Funding Opportunities
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Edward A. Bouchet Graduate Award | Deadline: October 14, 2025
This fellowship supports students in the natural sciences and mathematics in recognition of academic achievements, research goals, contributions to a diverse educational community, and a record of overcoming obstacles whose progress in their chosen scientific discipline enhances educational diversity at MSU as may be evidenced by personal history and experience, research goals, and/or promotion of understanding among persons of different backgrounds and ideas, or by having demonstrated significant academic achievement in spite of barriers such as economic, social, and/or educational disadvantage.
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Mary Louise Gephart Donnell Fellowship | Deadline: October 30, 2025
This fellowship is open to MSU graduate students in any discipline related to human environment and design. Funds may be used for degree progress, travel or research costs.
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Michigan Scholarships in Conservation Programs | Deadline: November 7, 2025
The Michigan Chapter of the Soil and Water Conservation Society is offering a $750 Scholarship through the Michigan Scholarships in Conservation Program to eligible applicants for the Fall 2025 - Spring 2026 Academic Year. If you might be interested in applying for this Scholarship, download and review the two page Michigan Scholarships in Conservation Program Description document below to see if you might be eligible. If you are eligible and interested, fill out and submit the application form. The deadline for your application to be received by us is Friday, November 5, 2025. Contact Dr. Zachary Curtis, Scholarship Committee Chair for any questions.
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NCAR ASP Graduate Visitor Program Fellowship | Deadline November 9, 2025
The NSF NCAR Advanced Study Program (ASP) Graduate Visitor Program (GVP) Fellowship offers an excellent opportunity for graduate students to spend time at NSF NCAR working on their thesis, dissertation, or final project equivalent, with guidance from NSF NCAR scientists and engineers. The GVP also provides a chance to develop research collaborations at NSF NCAR and to participate in professional development workshops and seminars. The fellowship covers travel expenses and provides a housing allowance for visits from 2 to 3 months. Visits longer than 3 months can be accommodated if the graduate student has additional co-sponsorship funds (either from their university or from their NSF NCAR collaborator). Additionally, the fellowship supports travel for the student’s advisor for a one-week visit during the student’s time at NSF NCAR. Visit the program page for more information and office hours.
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Zuckerman Postdocotral Scholars Program | Deadline February 15, 2026
The Zuckerman Postdoctoral Scholars Program attracts high-achieving postdoctoral scholars from premier universities in the United States and Canada to do research at one of eight Israeli universities. The Zuckerman Postdoctoral Scholars Program attracts high-achieving postdoctoral scholars from premier universities in the United States and Canada to do research at one of eight Israeli universities.
Seminars, Workshops, and Other Events
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GVSU 7th Annual Climate Change Education Solutions Summit – CCESS2025 – Global Climate Change Week event is happening October 14 on GVSU City Pew Campus (R.M. DeVos Center), October 15 at MCC thanks to GLISA NOAA grant in partnership with University of Michigan, and October 16 globally online. Full program is available at https://www.gvsu.edu/cces/ccess-2025-welcome-70.htm
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MSUE Center for Lakes and Streams Affiliate Breakfast | 7:45-9:45 AM, October 14, 2025 | MSU Union
The MSU Extension Center for Lakes and Streams invites faculty, Extension and academic staff, research associates/postdocs, and graduate students with an interest in public engagement and Extension to breakfast on Tuesday, October 14, from 7:45–9:45 AM at the MSU Union. This event is an opportunity to connect with faculty and Extension educators working on lake and stream issues and to explore collaboration opportunities with the new Center for Lakes and Streams. We are eager to engage with MSU colleagues whose work supports lake and stream conservation and stewardship—and we are actively seeking new affiliate members to join us at the Center! If you are interested in joining us to learn more and connect, please register at https://events.anr.msu.edu/CLSMeeting by October 3. If you are unable to join us in October but want to keep in touch sign up for our email list.
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Graduate Student Resource Showcase | 11 AM - 1 PM, October 15, 2025 | BPS Atrium
The College of Natural Science is presenting Graduate Student Resource Showcase for you to explore graduate student organizations and resources. Contact Dr. Laurisa Ankley for questions.
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All are welcome! Graduate Students, Postdocs and Faculty are invited to a Water Alliance Young Water Professionals Networking Event. We would like to connect our young professionals with faculty and specialists from across the university.
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The Fisheries and Wildlife department is excited to host Dr. Kurt Fausch (Professor Emeritus at Colorado State University) next week on Friday, October 17th at 11:30 am to give a seminar titled, ‘A Reverence for Rivers: Imagining an Ethic for Running Waters’. This seminar will take place in 100 Packaging Building followed by a reception in 183 Natural Resources Building (The Polar Bear Room). See the attached flyer for a detailed description of his seminar. If you or your lab would like to meet with Dr. Fausch during his visit on Thursday (October 16th) or Friday (October 17th), please email Justin Miller to schedule a time.
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CIRCLE Interdisciplinary Teaching Workshop | 10 AM - 1 PM, October 17, 2025 | Main Library W207
The Center for Interdisciplinary Research, Collaboration, Learning, and Engagement (CIRCLE) is excited to invite you to their first workshop of the year. In this interactive workshop, you’ll hear from a panel of MSU educators about their innovative co-teaching experiences, practice skills that contribute to strong interdisciplinary collaboration, and leave with a personalized plan for interdisciplinary teaching. To register: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/3SeBQFLJNU
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BIG10 Virtual Career Fairs | October 21-23, 2025 | Virtual
Curious about what your future could look like? The three upcoming BIG10 Virtual Career Fairs are your next step toward discovering and preparing for it. These are designed for graduate students and postdocs at all levels in all fields. Click now to join the hundreds of Big Ten colleagues already registered! Submit your materials by Sept 29 at noon ET to appear in recruiter review packets.
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Sustainability and Ethics Symposium | November 14, 2025 | Minskoff Pavilion
The Sustainability and Ethics Symposium is hosted by the MSU Ethics Institute, the Center for Bioethics and Social Justice, the Center for Ethical and Socially Responsible Leadership, the Kelley Institute of Ethics and the Legal Profession, and the Office of Sustainability. This year’s event will explore ethical sustainability issues from a global perspective, highlight current research topics, and showcase impactful practices happening on our campus.