Are you interested in being part of a growing cohort of graduate students to the new NSF-funded National Research Traineeship Program at the University of Maine focused on interdisciplinary ecosystem science in the face of rapid ocean change? Apply today: http://shorturl.at/WLuLR
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Our National Research Traineeship Program
Leveraging the Gulf of Maine as an extraordinary living laboratory, our National Research Traineeship (NRT), Ecosystem science in the face of rapid ocean change: a convergence approach, aims to empower the next generation of scientists, managers, policymakers and changemakers in a new, convergent approach to marine and coastal ecosystem science.
Graduate students who participate in this training program will develop new ways of understanding and creating data, knowledge, and tools that can be leveraged to enable ecosystem-based approaches. We aim to (a) broaden participation in marine science by underrepresented groups; (b) train a workforce that recognizes the full array of knowledge and tools available for ecosystem-based management and climate resilience; (c) contribute science and tools that local, state, tribal and federal resource managers can use to enable ecosystem-based responses to rapid ocean change; (d) develop integrative data streams and tools that blend traditional and local ecological knowledge, existing fisheries and environmental science approaches, and new and emergent data streams; and (e) build capacity among scientists, environmental professionals and other coastal community members to engage in solutions-oriented science and stewardship.
How to Apply?
Step 1. Submit a formal application to the Graduate School
Prospective students should plan to apply to the University of Maine graduate school by January 1. Please follow the application instructions provided by The University of Maine Graduate School. During this process, you will be required to select a graduate program (e.g. School of Marine Sciences). Be sure to indicate NRT-Ecosystem Science in your personal statement as part of your UMaine graduate application.
Step 2. Apply to the NRT program
After submitting your application to the UMaine Graduate School, please complete this Google Form. The form includes several questions as well as a short statement (300-400 words) that explains why you are interested in participating in the UMaine Ecosystem Science NRT program. Discuss your educational background, work experience, and relevant public service/civic engagement as well as your motivation for applying to this program. In addition, we ask you to list which NRT faculty advisor(s) you think would be the best fit. This information will be used to help determine alignment with our program goals, and also to create cohorts of students to engage in interdisciplinary research.
After you apply
NRT faculty advisor selections and review
Once your application is complete, it will be reviewed by the NRT program selection committee. For applicants seeking to matriculate in Fall 2025, we anticipate making decisions by the end of January 2025. Acceptance into the NRT will be contingent on admission into a graduate program at the University of Maine.
Prospective students are warmly welcome to reach out to Tracy MacKeracher to learn more (tracy.mackeracher@maine.edu).