EMPOWER is pleased to welcome the first cohort of graduate students for Syracuse University’s NSF Research Traineeship (NRT) Program. A total of 19 MS and PhD students interested in research at the water-energy nexus were accepted for participation in the program. Participating students are from a range of disciplines, including Earth Sciences, Chemistry, Civil and Environmental Engineering, and Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.

The new trainees participated in the Fall 2016 Kick-off Event in early September. At the event, they learned more about the program’s goals and requirements, participated in a networking workshop led by Dan Olson-Bang from SU’s Career Services, and interacted informally with participating and affiliated faculty. Incoming graduate students in the program were paired with current students to establish a peer mentor network. The mentor pairs will work together throughout the academic year.

EMPOWER is an interdisciplinary approach to STEM graduate education, focusing on research and professional training at the interface of the water and energy cycles. Funded through the National Science Foundation’s Research Traineeship Program, EMPOWER offers professional and technical training to prepare students for careers in energy, environmental consulting, government, nonprofits, and academia.

Drs. Laura Lautz (Earth Sciences), Tara Kahan (Chemistry), and Chris Johnson (Civil and Environmental Engineering) serve on EMPOWER’s Admissions and Recruiting Committee. Interested applicants may contact Deanna McCay, Program Manager, for more information about the program and the admissions process.