NASA EarthRISE Developers Academy Fall 2026 Paid Research Opportunities

 Good morning,

 

NASA EarthRISE Developers Academy is offering 10-week, paid research opportunities this fall that are open to current students and recent graduates, as well as transitioning/early career professionals. The Developers Academy builds the next generation of science and technology leaders through an immersive, experiential model applying NASA Earth observations to real-world challenges.

 

For the fall 2026 term, EarthRISE Developers Academy will provide in-person opportunities at Ames Research Center (Moffett Field, CA), Goddard Space Flight Center (Greenbelt, MD), Jet Propulsion Laboratory (Pasadena, CA), Langley Research Center (Hampton, VA), and Marshall Space Flight Center (Huntsville, AL). Additionally, a limited number of projects are available for virtual participation. Through collaborative projects, professional development, and state, local, tribal, territorial, and private partnerships, the Academy equips participants with the skills to accelerate innovation and bridge Earth science with the future of space exploration.

 

The Developers Academy is an interdisciplinary activity, where we accept participants with experience in a variety of fields, as well as from different phases of their career. Applicants with demonstrated skills in Earth and/or environmental sciences, remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS), and/or computer science are encouraged to apply. Participants will work together on teams, guided by NASA science advisors and in partnership with decision-makers, to expand their skills to use NASA science data to address environmental concerns related to disaster management, agriculture, ecological conservation, and water resources.

 

Applicants must have excellent verbal and written communication skills and be able to work in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment. EarthRISE Developers Academy offers hourly, paid positions with rates that are determined by education level and working location. During the term, selected participants should be able to commit to 25 – 29 hours per week, Monday – Thursday during normal business hours.

 

Please see details about this opportunity including eligibility, tentative project themes, and application instructions at https://science.nasa.gov/earth-science/earthrise-developers-academy/. The application window is open now through June 26th, 2026 for the 10-week, fall 2026 project term taking place from September 14th – November 20th, 2026. US citizenship or Legal Permanent Resident (LPR) status is required to apply.

Ground water seminar

Next fall, professor Sternberg plans to teach his seminar, Groundwater Extraction and Use in the Developing World, as ENCE 489C. This class can count towards the electives requirement. There are no prerequisites, and any student interested in water resources in developing countries would likely benefit from attending.

Paid Internships + Spring 2026 Do Good Institute Opportunities

The Do Good Institute (dogood.umd.edu) offers immersive programs, funding opportunities, and internship experiences that prepare Terps with the skills, experiences and resources to Do Good throughout their lives. There are several upcoming programs and opportunities you may be interested in for this spring:

Internship Opportunities

• Impact Interns: Impact Interns is a professional development and leadership program that connects passionate and talented students to paid social impact-based internship opportunities with Do Good partners and local organizations. The program is designed to provide emerging social sector leaders with meaningful opportunities to gain professional experience, develop skills, build a professional network and learn more about working in the nonprofit and social impact sphere.  Internships take place in Summer 2026. Internship positions are available for both undergraduate and graduate students. Work areas are diverse (communications, research, fundraising, program management) and across different fields (arts, civics, education, environment, health, justice and equity, and social services). Hybrid, remote, and in-person options are available. Students can apply now through February 16 at go.umd.edu/impactinterns. 

Experiential and Cohort Programs

• Changemaker Pathways: Want to Do Good but don’t know where to start? Explore ways that you can Do Good in your personal, professional and educational life through this 6-week experiential program for first-year, second-year and transfer students. Register now through February 16 at go.umd.edu/changemakerpathways.

• Impact Bootcamp: Take your passion and turn it into progress. Have an idea for impact but unsure where to start? Need help improving your existing efforts? Start or strengthen your social impact alongside fellow changemakers through this 6-week interactive program for students or teams with new ideas or existing initiatives. Register now through February 16 at go.umd.edu/impactbootcamp.

• Accelerator Fellows: Spend the semester scaling and developing your social impact project or venture and receive a $2,000 stipend. Accelerator Fellows is a great fit for students or teams with developed initiatives that are currently in the implementation stage of their work. Students in the early stage of their initiatives, or still at the idea stage, should consider Impact Bootcamp. Apply now through February 16 at go.umd.edu/acceleratorfellows.

Competitions

• Do Good Challenge: This annual, campus-wide social impact competition has doubled its prize awards this year! Students and teams can compete to win a share of $40,000 by pitching the impact they’ve made in front of a panel of expert judges and an audience of hundreds. Apply now through February 16 at go.umd.edu/dogoodchallenge.

To stay up to date on program announcements and deadlines, follow the Institute on Instagram (@DoGoodatUMD) or sign up for the student newsletter, Do Good Now (go.umd.edu/dgnnews). #dogoodumd

Please share: Study abroad with ENSP this summer! GVPT 308A/ENSP 399A: Global Wildlife Conservation in Africa

 More Information about the Kenya Program

1. Dates: (Summer I Term) June 1-June 14th , 2026.
2. Application deadline February 23rd.  
3. Applications and program details can be found on the Education Abroad website here.
4. Contact Dr. Kazungu at ckazungu@umd.edu or Dr. Spivy at aspivy@umd.edu for any additional information, questions or concerns.
5. Aerial view of the Masai Mara National Reserve.
6. Students will receive 3 credits:  GVPT 308A/ENSP 399A: Global Wildlife Conservation in Africa

About the Program

Kenya is a part of the larger African conservation story dealing with many environmental issues. From climate change to endangered species, human-wildlife conflict, the complexities surrounding conservation practices, and regional policies.

This program focuses on Kenya due to its richness in wildlife and biodiversity and the increasing role of conservation on the world stage. In particular, the Maasai Mara is a vital ecosystem across Africa; its richness in biodiversity, wildlife, and waterways draws in scientists, scholars, and students from all over the world, aiming to understand how to improve policies to protect this region. 

In many parts of the world, the critical role of indigenous groups in conservation practices needs to be studied more. In Kilifi, the sacred kaya forests (a UNESCO-recognized heritage site) have existed since the 14th century. Conservation of these forests by local elders through knowledge passed down from generation to generation is an interesting case study on how implementing policies with the current generation can help future generations continue to protect these forests. Further, the Sacred Kaya Forests comply with UN-Sustainable goals: #3- Good Health and well-being, #11-Sustainable Cities and Communities, and #12 Responsible Consumption and Production.

Kenya is highly diverse—with 42 different tribes and dialects and an impressive ethnic, racial, and cultural diversity, which makes it the perfect case study to analyze conservation issues. The country’s beautiful landscapes and scenery make it attractive to those students seeking an immersive study abroad experience while enjoying the beauty of the continent of Africa.

 

Eligibility

You must be in good academic and judicial standing and you must not have any registration blocks to participate in this program. 

UMD and non-UMD sophomores, juniors, seniors and graduate students are eligible to apply.

If you are interested in this program but do not meet the eligibility requirements, reach out to the program director (listed below) to discuss your interest in the program.

Outreach: Education Abroad Sustainability Tech Elective, Spring Break 2026 Italy

 

Hello Terps, 

Hope you have a great start of the semester.

 

Following the high demand for these exciting and successful study abroad programs on Sustainability for satisfying one of your Upper Tech Elective, here is the opportunity to participate during the Spring Break 2026  in Italy. 

Don't miss this unique opportunity to earn 3 credits while traveling and studying abroad and the possibility to apply for scholarships early covering a good part of the program fee. The EA scholarships have ranged from $1500 - $3,500. Further details are provided below.

Attached are the page flyer and syllabus for the program and you can find more details  in the program website/link listed below as well.

With your application for this program Education Abroad provides scholarships covering a good part of the program fee to make study abroad possible. 

Here are some details: 

https://globalmaryland.umd.edu/offices/education-abroad/scholarships   

1. EA has $850,000 in scholarships, and past program awardees have received from $1500 - $3,500.

2. The college of engineering Global Leadership program provides scholarships based on need/merit between $750- $1,400. 

3. Pell Grant Recipient? Don’t Miss This!

If you receive a Pell Grant, you’re strongly encouraged to apply for the Gilman International Scholarship—this program qualifies!

• Award: Up to $5,000 for study abroad + $$ for critical languages/STEM
• Deadline: Friday, Oct 3, 2025 at 11:59 PM PT

4. Guaranteed $500 from Education Abroad…

If you apply for the Gilman and work with NSO, we’ll guarantee you at least $500—no matter the outcome. More information about the Gilman Guarantee here. 

If you...	You'll receive...
Don't get Gilman	$2,500 total ($500 from EA + $2,000 bonus)
Do get Gilman	Keep the $500 from EA, plus your Gilman award

 

 - ITALY - Spring Break 2026 study abroad program on Sustainability, Thermal Comfort & safety ENCE405 (ENCE489I) - 3 credits

https://myea.umd.edu/index.cfm?FuseAction=Programs.ViewProgramAngular&id=11717

SCAN ME: Program Details

 

In regards to program funding you can cover good part of the expenses from the Education Abroad, EA,  and College of Engineering study abroad scholarships (apply within the program application).

- Applications Deadline: September 30th 

- Study Abroad Scholarships deadline:  September 30th

https://globalmaryland.umd.edu/offices/education-abroad/scholarships       

The academics pertinent to the program as as follows:

 

3-credit Tech Elective for Sustainability Minor

double counts for Tech Elective in your major

triple count for “Internship-and-Practicum” elective 

Course counts for full time 12 credit Spring enrollment registration (saving on tuition when registering more than 12 credits in Spring 2026).

Applications are already on the way and expect these programs to be full as it was the case for the 2025 program.

I will be happy to answer any followup questions.

Have a wonderful Semester

To see the entire course description click here!!!

Montgomery College Environmental Science Courses Now Being Offered

Grant Opportunity for current undergraduate and graduate students to attend either Northeast or Southeastern Section 2025 TWS Field Courses

The Maryland-Delaware Chapter of The Wildlife Society is offering $500 - $750 grants (depending on volume) to undergraduate and graduate students to attend either the Northeast or Southeastern Section 2025 TWS Field Courses. These field courses provide invaluable skills and networking opportunities for wildlifers starting their careers.

The Northeast Section Field Course will be held at Paul Smith's College, NY, May 18-31, 2025. Cost: $1,200 for 3 credits from Paul Smith’s College. More information can be found at https://wildlife.org/ne-section/about/student-field-course/
Application deadline for the Northeast Field Course is 4/18/25.

The Southeastern Section Wildlife & Forestry Field Techniques Course will be held at the Jones Center, GA, June 6-20, 2025. Cost: $1,500 for 3 credits from Vermont State University. More information can be found following the application link.
Application deadline for the Southeastern Field Course is 5/6/25.

See link for more details and to apply: Field Course Scholarship Application

For your Honors students and H--option courses

Please note upcoming deadlines for College/Dept Honors students and deadlines for adding the H-option to courses:

1. Your students’ Honors Options proposals should be submitted by Friday, September 13.

2. The Honors College Research Grant is available if your department/college honors students would like to apply for a research grant. Applications are due Tuesday, October 1. Do note that the Grant application is now a google form. This is not a link to a pdf form.

3. The Winston Family Paper Awards. Your departmental honors students may submit their Thesis (or a very advanced draft). Updated information will be on the Honors College website soon. The application will open on November 4 and the due date is March 28 (right after spring break).

New Course: ENST499I - Fall 2024

 

Rachel Carson Council (RCC) Fellowship Program - Environmental Education and Advocacy

The RCC Fellowship Program is designed to identify students with a passion for environmental education, organizing and advocacy and provide them with training in Washington, DC, mentorship from RCC environmental staff, and financial support to do the valuable work they care about and become life-long advocates for the environment.

Applicants must be planning to be enrolled at a U.S. college or university ( for undergraduate or masters education) for the Fall 2024-Spring 2025 school year.

RCC Fellows become leaders and active participants in the RCC’s national campus program with over 5,000 active faculty, students, staff and administrators at 56 campuses. As part of the RCC team, Fellows also help build RCC’s network of active students and faculty and have the opportunity to publish and speak on behalf of a respected national organization.

The RCC Fellowship program is a paid opportunity. RCC Fellows will receive a $2,000 stipend for their work over the course of the year. Furthermore, Fellows will attend a training in Washington, DC this summer, hosted by RCC staff to sharpen their organizing skills. Lastly, Fellows will develop critical contacts and experience as they look forward to careers in the environmental movement. Deadline to apply is March 15th, 2024.

Click here to learn more and start your application!

Applicants should contact the UMD National Scholarships Office for advice and essay reviews/feedback by writing to scholarships@umd.edu

Successful RCC Fellowship applicants will demonstrate:

• Passion for environmental education, organizing or advocacy and that they have identified an issue they wish to work on.
• Strong academic performance with an emphasis on the environment in various disciplines or majors.
• Outstanding writing and research with the ability to meet deadlines and follow specific content and formatting instructions.
• Participation and leadership in campus environmental or related justice activities.
• Initiative and the capacity to perform creative problem solving and deal with uncertainty.
• Appreciation for the mission, goals, and issues of the Rachel Carson Council and Rachel Carson’s legacy.

Benefits of the RCC Fellowship:

• A $2,000 stipend over the fellowship term (paid in monthly installments)
• National recognition as an RCC National Environmental Leadership Fellow
• Experience in professional writing and opportunities to publish
• Training and mentorship from environmental professionals on the RCC staff
• Professional experience organizing and working for a national environmental non-profit
• Training in advocacy, organizing, and writing as well as mentorship under RCC staff
• Tuition, room, board and participation at the RCC American Environmental Leadership Institute (July 21-25, 2024)
• Access to the RCC National Advisory Council and RCC Alumni Network

Spring 2024 course available

 

Summer 2023 GEOG Courses (Online)

Are you missing any GEOG major or GIS/RS minor course requirements? Are you missing any Gen Eds? Do you want to get ahead this summer? See our summer course offerings below. 

All courses will be offered completely online in both synchronous and asynchronous formats. Feel free to contact our office at geog-advise@umd.edu if you have any questions!  

Attached are fliers for the following courses: GEOG110, GEOG130, GEOG202, GEOG172, GEOG272, GEOG330, GEOG373.

Learn about ENST with this 1-credit course

ENST499K - Environmental Science and Technology 101: Ecological Discovery and Natural Solutions

ENST499K is a 1-credit seminar-style class geared towards undergraduates either in ENST or considering majoring in ENST. The course will provide a thorough overview of some of the solutions the researchers in our ENST Department are pursuing to some of today's most critical environmental challenges. The course will also likely include a career center session, an alumni panel, and a graduate student panel.

Short Summer Course on Climate Resilient Development in Vietnam

Climate-Resilient Development: Vietnam's Mekong Delta Region

Short Summer Course, June 11 to July 1, 2023

Experience how climate change is impacting communities in a rapidly-growing developing country. Students will travel throughout Vietnam's Mekong Delta region to see how one of the world's most productive agricultural regions is adapting to climate change and aiming to reduce its own environmental footprint. Perspectives will be provided by farmers, fishers, scientists, economists, community leaders, and representatives of government officials, NGOs and international development agencies. The faculty for this course will be Steven Jaffee (UMD, AREC) and several leading specialists at Can Tho University.  

The basic course description and itinerary is attached.

Contact Dr. Jaffee for more information at sjaffee@umd.edu

 Applications to the course are due by March 1 and are done through the UMD Education Abroad website. Several scholarships are available that you can apply for. 

Summer 2023 study abroad program in GREECE on Sustainability & Infrastructure

Summer  2023 study abroad program in GREECE on Sustainability & Infrastructure.

Further details and course syllabus are available in the EA program web site, as well as scholarship details:  https://globalmaryland.umd.edu/offices/education-abroad/program/11532

Graduate Seminar Course featuring Expert Speakers on Invasive Species - Spring 2023

ENST689U Special Topics; Invasive Species: Invasive plants and animals reduce property values and agricultural productivity. They harm native animal and plant populations and affect the overall health of ecosystems. They also impact public utility operations and affect tourism and outdoor recreation. All told, invasive species can cost the United States as much as $120 billion EACH YEAR. This special topics seminar covers the wide variety of programs USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service uses to address harmful invasive species. Issues may include nutria, mute swans, feral swine, brown tree snakes, and insects that are tree and forest pests.

UMD Soil Judging - Fall 2022

Questions/Comments? 

Reach out to: Jocelyn Wardrup: wardrup@umd.edu or Dr. Brian Needelman: bneed@umd.edu

Electives and Depth Courses

Here are just a few cool courses that you may not have heard of before which could count towards ENST electives or depths (depending on your concentration): ​Geog 471​: This is a quasi capstone style course where students can dip a toe into the world of research.​ ​While​ there is a technical pre-req of Geog 371, ​the instructor (Dr. Duncanson) can waive that for any student with any core coding experience (preferably python, but a course in R would be sufficient as well)​ by emailing ​​lduncans@umd.edu ENST456: Also a quasi capstone style course where students can dip their toe into the world of research but they will learn during this course how to sample ecosystems and how to analyze data across space before creating their own mini capstone presentation. A biometry course like GEOG306 and an intro GIS course like GEOG373 are recommended but not required. There are no pre-requisites and this can count as an elective or depth class (depending on your concentration). ​ENST499U: Special Topics in ENST: Environmental Sample Preparation & Analysis. Students will learn theories and methods involved in analyzing environmnetal contaminants u​sing Gas Chromatography, Mass Spectrometry, Electronic Capture Detection, UV-Visible & Ion Chromatography, Solid Phase Extraction, Thin Layer Chromatography, and so much more. Read full details (and more classes) at Testudo's Schedule of Classes by going to testudo.umd.edu

OSHA's Hazardous Waste and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) Training Course

The Texas A&M Superfund Research Center will be offering an in-person annual training in OSHA's Hazardous Waste and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) in May 2022. This 5-day course is designed to ensure that individuals who may need to be working in hazardous environments are trained to perform their anticipated job duties without endangering themselves or others. We are pleased to offer HAZWOPER Training Course to other Superfund colleagues who are interested in training for disaster response and research. This is an in-person, hands-on course, with 14 interactive workshops throughout the week. It was developed for Texas A&M Superfund Center trainees (has been offered since 2019 annually) and is compliant with 29 CFR 1910.120 (e) requirements. A certificate will be issued upon completion. To learn more and register: https://tx.ag/HAZWOPER2022 Date: May 23-27, 2022 Location: Texas A&M University campus, College Station, TX

Consider taking UNIV362: Designing Your Life After College!

Students with at least 60 credits are eligible to enroll in UNIV362: Designing Your Life After College. This innovative course helps students plan their transition out of college and into early adulthood. Faculty and experts from around campus and the country come together to provide a hands-on learning experience. Students gain a grasp on important financial concepts such as budgeting, understanding the stock market, and managing a retirement account. The course faculty also coach students through career development, the steps to secure an apartment or mortgage, understanding benefit packages, and negotiating job offers.

 

Students are coached through developing a life plan that will help those who have no clear path after graduation and students who have a set vision for what they want to accomplish. We encourage any student interested in preparing for life after college to enroll in UNIV362.