About the Fellowship
Two fellows will be selected per year.They will be mentored and supervised in their EMS-GFSAD/WAFS work by the associate dean for educational equity with input from the EMS director of student engagement.
The selected fellows will:
- Work to advance the activities of We Are For Science(WAFS) mission concerning science policy, science communication and outreach, and diversity and inclusion in science
- Serve on the EMS diversity council and the EMS ALLWE implementation committe
- Cultivate collaborations across the college and University in support of science advocacy and diversity
- Assist with enhancing broader impact activities
- Serve as a point of contact with college and surrounding community activities
- Work with the associate deans in goal setting, planning, and implementation of EMS institutional initiatives
Throughout their time of service, selected students must be enrolled graduate students registered for appropriate credit hours and receiving a base assistantship or fellowship of at least grade 12 half-time, and commensurate with that of other students in the program at their level. It will also require excellent time-management skills in order to fulfil the fellowship requirements, as well as the primary research or assistantship duties, while continuing to make adequate progress to degree.
How to Apply
Application materials should include the following:
- Statement of interest from the nominee
Statement should indicate:- Interest and vision for science outreach, policy, diversity, and inclusion
- Evidence of participation in activities in support of science outreach, policy, and inclusion
- How the nominee plans to balance their research, academics, and service as an EMS-GFSAD
- Adviser Concurrence Form
Form needs to be completed and submitted by graduate research adviser. - Two letters of recommendationThese may be from WAFS leadership, faculty members, or peers who can effectively speak to the nominee’s interest and ability to fulfil the fellowship. Graduate adviser may also provide a letter of recommendation, which would be in addition to the signed statement of concurrence form.
Note: committee may review additional materials to select fellows, including the annual performance review of the applicant.
Submitapplication materials
- Application Form
- Adviser Concurrence Form
- Letter of Recommendation Submission
Selection Process
Nominations will be reviewed by a selection committee, which will include the associate dean for educational equity, the director of student engagement,and other representatives as appropriate.
Fellows
2024-2025
Nicholas Princeis a PhD student in the Department of Meteorology and Atmospheric Science in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences. As a We AreForScience Fellow, Nicholas advocates for scientific research and education equity. He is particularly interested in supporting first-generation students andbelieves in developing a strong sense of community within education. In his free time, he enjoys reading, walking, and spending time with his Chihuahua, Socrates.
Alexander Massais a Ph.D. student in the Department of Meteorology and Atmospheric Science studying Arctic Atmospheric River events. In a changing world, there is a need for more diverse voices. To help bridge the gaps in diversity between science and the greater global community, Alexander is invested in creating spaces that foster the inclusion and belonging of all individuals from a multitude of different backgrounds. Specifically, Alexander is interested in supporting members of historically marginalized communities to overcome barriers that might prevent them from pursuing a degree in STEM. A personal mantra: only when our field reflects the community we serve, will we achieve peak science.
Jasmine Walker, PhD student, Geosciences - “I view the We AreForScience Fellowship as an opportunity to impact structural change in the university for students from underrepresented groups and as a way to integrate the views of scientists into policy by interfacing with leadership.”
Carl Aquino-Carl's background in finance, earth and atmospheric sciences, and risk management has given him a deep respect for the institutions that have brought us so much success but also a strong desire to help shape a society that leads with equity and sustainability. As an EMS scientist and a WAFS fellow, he seeks to develop the breadth of knowledge to connect across systems and the depth of expertise to help accomplish his mission. Above all, Carl's impact on the world boils down to his favorite piece of advice:"Honesty and integrity are all-or-nothing. If who you are matches what you say, your life will speak forcefully."
Jasmine Walker,PhD student, Geosciences - “I view the We Are For Science Fellowship as an opportunity to impact structural change in the university for students from underrepresented groups and as a way to integrate the views of scientists into policy by interfacing with leadership.”
Jasmine Walker,PhD student, Geosciences - “I view the We Are For Science Fellowship as an opportunity to impact structural change in the university for students from underrepresented groups and as a way to integrate the views of scientists into policy by interfacing with leadership.”
Samantha Staskiewicz,Masters student, Meteorology and Atmospheric Sciences - “From the moment I committed to Penn State, I knew that I wanted my experience as a graduate student to be about more than just taking classes and conducting research. I feel that expanding myself as a scientist should also be about being an ally to all identities of people, advocating for scientific representation in different areas of academia and industry, fostering a sense of inclusive community, and learning more about science policy and how decisions are made both within and outside the university.”
Sofia Johnson,PhD student, Geosciences. - “Growing up with such a global experience instilled a deep passion for understanding the complexities of creating an inclusive and diverse environment.”
Jasmine Walker, Masters student, Geosciences
Rachel Gutierrez, PhD student, Meteorology and Atmospheric Sciences
