top of page

APPLICATIONS

See program eligibility and full descriptions for Emerge and Instars programs below.

 

Have questions?

Visit our About and Activities pages

View our webinar recording

Check out our FAQ section 

 

EMERGE PROGRAM

Applications for the 2024-2025 year will open in fall 2023.

The 2024 SFS Annual Meeting will be held June 2-6, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.

Click here to preview the application questions.

INSTARS PROGRAM

Applications for the 2024-2025 year will open in fall 2023.

The 2024 SFS Annual Meeting will be held June 2-6, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.

Click here to preview the questions before you begin.

INSTARS MENTORS

Applications are closed.

Image by Michal Svec
Apply: Grants
Instars/Emerge Application Link

ELIGIBILITY

The Instars and Emerge programs aim to increase persistence in freshwater science of scholars from historically underrepresented backgrounds in freshwater science.

 Individuals from a wide range of groups and identities are historically underrepresented in freshwater science and the Society for Freshwater Science (SFS), based on several factors including dimensions of race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, and status as a first-generation student. ​

Instars and Emerge program alumni are eligible and encouraged to reapply.

Logos
Apply: Eligibility
Underrepresented Definitin
Image by Christer Gundersen

EMERGE YEAR-ROUND PROGRAM

Eligibility: Undergraduate students, graduate students, and early career professionals from historically underrepresented backgrounds interested in freshwater science.

Emerge fellows will engage with each other to build a scientific and support network, develop skills in science, and collaborate using data from NSF NEON sites. They will be able to take part in the extended network of freshwater scientists as facilitated by the SFS. Fellows will have the opportunity to participate in the SFS Annual Meeting (May/June), as well as in professional development workshops geared to advance skills in data management, dissemination of research, science communication, and skills working in freshwater environments (e.g., river safety through river float trips, excursions, etc.). In addition, fellows will expand on their general knowledge of freshwater ecosystems and associated careers in freshwater science through connections with members of the Steering Committee and collaborators who will increase their exposure to other freshwater science professionals, collaborators, and/or employers. They will also have access to an array of face-to-face and online collaborative opportunities. Fellows will also learn from the other fellows, which includes career stages from undergraduate, graduate student, to early career professionals.

The program includes:  --> click to learn more about funding restrictions for 2023

  • A three-day river float immediately before the SFS Annual Meeting (including costs of travel, equipment, food, camping gear, etc.)

  • All SFS Annual Meeting opportunities included in the Instars program

  • SFS membership, SFS Annual Meeting registration (including costs of travel, lodging, and some meals at the Annual Meeting)

  • Online collaborative projects and community events

  • A NEON + R / Data Analysis Workshop (including costs of travel, lodging, and meals)

  • A Visual Communication / Graphic Design Workshop (including costs of travel, lodging, and meals)

Learn more about these activities by visiting our About page and/or viewing our webinar recording.

Applicants must be able to participate in:

  • The SFS Annual Meeting (one full week, typically in May or June)

  • Online collaborative projects that require remote meetings at least monthly

  • Regular electronic communications, at least monthly and sometimes weekly

  • Undergraduate participants should also plan to participate in:

    • A three-day river float immediately before the SFS Annual Meeting

  • Graduate and Early Career participants should also plan to participate in:

Application Instructions and Materials Requested:

  • Fill out all required fields in the online application, attaching the following:​​

    • ​If applying as an Undergraduate Student

      • A statement of purpose indicating your interest in freshwater science and why you would be an ideal candidate for the program (500-word limit)

      • ​A copy of your SFS Annual Meeting presentation abstract (if submitted/planning to submit)

      • A copy of your unofficial academic transcript

      • CV or résumé (optional)

      • A recommendation (via an online form) from your academic advisor or current supervisor ​(please have a commitment from them before submitting your application)

    • If applying as a Graduate Student

      • personal statement indicating your interest in freshwater science, career goals, and what you expect to gain from the program (750-word limit)

      • A copy of your SFS Annual Meeting presentation abstract (if submitted/planning to submit)

      • A copy of your unofficial academic transcript

      • CV or résumé 

      • A recommendation (via an online form) from your academic advisor or current supervisor ​(please have a commitment from them before submitting your application)

    • If applying as an Early Career Professional

      • A personal statement indicating your interest and what you expect to gain from the program (750-word limit)

      • A statement addressing your philosophy for enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in freshwater science (750-word limit)

      • ​A copy of your SFS Annual Meeting presentation abstract (if submitted/planning to submit)

      • CV or résumé

      • A recommendation (via an online form) from your academic advisor or current supervisor ​(please have a commitment from them before submitting your application)

    • If applying as an Instars or Emerge Alum

      • In addition to the materials requested for your career stage above, please be prepared to answer a series of statements indicating a) how the program has already helped move you towards your goals, b) what goals you have for yourself during an additional year in the program, and c) how you plan to contribute to the the Instars/Emerge and freshwater science community.

  • ​Please let your references know that they will be receiving an email requesting their recommendation upon successful completion and submission of your online application (an email will trigger to them immediately after you hit the submit button).​ Recommendations are due by the application deadline. ​​

If you cannot commit to the participation requirements, please apply for the Instars at the Annual Meeting opportunity instead

 
 
 
 
Apply: Emege
Instars/Emerge Alumi
Image by Aurélien Grimpard

INSTARS AT THE SFS ANNUAL MEETING

Eligibility: Undergraduate participants from historically underrepresented backgrounds interested in freshwater science. Click to learn more about eligibility changes for 2023.

Instars is a continuing program within the SFS that seeks to increase diversity and inclusivity within the freshwater sciences. This program is open to undergraduate students from historically underrepresented backgrounds who plan on participating in the SFS Annual Meeting. Launched in 2011, Instars serves undergraduate students from historically underrepresented backgrounds at the SFS Annual Meeting by helping them develop science identity and a sense of shared values. We hope to inspire and excite students about our science by offering activities at the SFS Annual Meeting with other undergraduates, graduate student mentors, and professional SFS members. 

The program includes: --> click to learn more about special circumstances for 2023

  • SFS Membership and SFS Annual Meeting registration

  • Funding to offset the costs of SFS Annual Meeting travel and lodging

  • A half-day, pre-meeting orientation and professional development workshop

  • Exclusive networking activities and socials with Instars and Emerge peers and mentors during the meeting

  • Attendance at plenary sessions and a full range of special, technical, and poster sessions chosen by students

  • Opportunities for undergraduates to present their own research in general sessions with friendly review from SFS members

  • Post-meeting networking and linking to research and educational opportunities in freshwater science

Application Instructions and Materials Requested:

  • Fill out all required fields in the online application, attaching the following:​​

    • A statement of purpose indicating your interest in freshwater science and why you would be an ideal candidate for the program (500-word limit)​​​

    • A copy of your SFS Annual Meeting presentation abstract (if submitted/planning to submit)

    • A copy of your unofficial academic transcript

    • CV or résumé (optional)

    • A recommendation (via an online form) from your academic advisor or current supervisor ​(please have a commitment from them before submitting your application)

    • If applying as an Instars Alum

      • In addition to the materials requested for your career stage above, please be prepared to answer a series of statements indicating a) how the program has already helped move you towards your goals, b) what goals you have for yourself during an additional year in the program, and c) how you plan to contribute to the the Instars/Emerge and freshwater science community.

    • ​Please let your references know that they will be receiving an email requesting their recommendation upon successful completion and submission of your online application (an email will trigger to them immediately after you hit the submit button).​ Recommendations are due by the application deadline. ​​

 

*All candidates should apply using the application link. To maximize the number of participants we can serve, programs or institutions are also encouraged to sponsor undergraduates or graduates by funding registration fees, travel, and/or other costs associated with attendance and participation at the conference. Faculty sponsors are encouraged to contact us if students have extraordinary circumstances requiring financial assistance. Faculty who are interested in sponsoring an Instars fellow should let us know. Instars applicants who do not require funding from SFS should also let us know

 
Apply: Instars
Instars Program Bullets
Instar funding

FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS

Learn more about these activities by visiting our About page and/or viewing our webinar recording

We've received some great questions about the program and application - we are working on listing them here as they come in. Check back again soon for more answers, or email us.

Are international students/early career professionals eligible to apply for Emerge?

I am planning to graduate from undergraduate/graduate school sometime during the Emerge program year (May-April) or am currently in between degrees. Which career level should I indicate on the application?

Who qualifies for the Emerge early career category? 

Which specific expenses does the Emerge program cover and which are those that I may be responsible for on my own? 

FAQ
bottom of page