January 9, 2023

Circularity Impact Program: NSF Research Traineeship at UMN-Twin Cities

Funded by the National Science Foundation, the Circularity Impact Program trains graduate students
in the circular use of water, energy, and materials and integrates the studies of policy, engineering,
and science. This interdisciplinary program seeks to educate a new generation of circularity
professionals through a combination of internships, cutting-edge research, and community and
classroom interactions. An Artist in Residence leads and facilitates components of the program to
enhance the trainees’ positive societal impact through critical reflection, creative collaboration, and
social engagement. These training efforts will benefit society by leading to new technologies, policy
and economic instruments, methods, and implementation strategies for the circular use of resources.
Applications open January 1, 2023, and the deadline to apply for the Fall ‘23 Cohort is
March 1, 2023.

Eligibility:

  • Prospective or current, first-year Master’s or PhD students at UMN-Twin Cities
  • Students studying engineering, science, public policy, or urban planning
  • Research interests align with the theme of water, energy, and materials circularity
  • International students are not eligible for fellowship funding but are encouraged to apply

Students selected to be in the program will:

  1. Take two core classes on circularity and sustainable design, and the 0.5 credit ethics class CEGE 8581 (or an approved ethics alternative)
  2. Participate in an internship for three to six months in duration with a partner organization. Develop a chapter of their thesis describing the results of the internship experience.
  3. Participate in:
    • Annual Leadership Retreat
    • Regular meetings facilitated by the Artist-in-Residence with community members to better understand the complexity of working in community
    • Presenting at the Annual NRT Circularity Symposium
    • Workshops on communication, leadership, teamwork, and cultural competency
    • Professional development opportunities offered through the cohort-model program and with a professional mentor
  4. Competitive annual stipends are available to a limited number of NRT trainees. Master’s students can receive one year of funding and PhD students can receive two years of funding. Additionally, access to support for travel, conference attendance and/or costs associated with stakeholder discovery is available.

Questions? Contact the Program Coordinator at circularity@umn.edu. Visit circularity.umn.edu to learn more or to apply