Purdue University

Opportunities for Students

IFS is committed to training and supporting the next generation of researchers in sustainability.  To this end, we provide a number of support opportunities, several of these resources are outlined below. Additional opportunities may be shared via our newsletter, listservs, and on social media. Sign up for our mailing lists by completing this questionnaire and be sure to check out our events page for upcoming seminars and other professional development opportunities. 

Interested in more?  Check out our list of graduate level courses examining facets of sustainability research taught by ISF faculty affiliates.   

ISF Graduate Student & Post-Doc Travel or Research Grants

Travel and research grants provide financial support to graduate students and post-doctoral researchers mentored by ISF faculty affiliates, to defray costs for graduate student/post-doctoral researchers to conduct small research projects or to travel and present their research. Conference travel or research project costs undertaken between July 1, 2023 and December 31, 2023 are eligible for Fall 2023 awards. The application window is open.  Additional information, including eligibility requirements and application process can be found here.  A direct link to the online application is available hereQuestions can be directed to ISF Operations Manager Karan Hustedt-Warren.

ISF-DUIRI Undergraduate Research Internships

Purdue’s Institute for a Sustainable Future (ISF) works in collaboration with the Discovery Undergraduate Research Internship (DUIRI) program to support undergraduate research in areas related to global sustainability.  These interdisciplinary projects are overseen by at least two ISF faculty affiliates. By partnering with ISF, mentors and students receive additional support and resources.  At the beginning of the semester, ISF hosts a breakfast or luncheon for all students and mentors to facilitate connections among and across teams doing research in sustainability.  ISF also supports ISF-DUIRI students by hosting additional professional development activities and facilitate peer networking opportunities.  Students share by biweekly updates to ISF and their mentors regarding their progress throughout the semester. Other areas of support can include resources and training for poster development and writing research articles and abstracts.

The application window is closed. The application process for Summer 2024 internships is anticipated to begin in March of 2024  Additional information can be found here, https://www.purdue.edu/discoverypark/duri/.

ISF Graduate Student Fellowships

Miriam Stevens (EEE) and Wagner Tamagno Sr. (Toxicology) were selected as the recipients of the (inaugural) 2023-2024 ISF Graduate Fellowships. Miriam Stevens is a 4th year PhD student in Environmental Ecological Engineering whose research focuses on circular economy development and supply chain analysis of critical materials.  Wagner Tamagno is a 1st year PhD student in toxicology researching neurotoxicity. Read about their research, and these fellowships in our featured news. ISF is committed to training of the next generation of researchers in sustainability. We anticipate offering ISF Graduate Fellowships in future years as well.  Announcement of our 2024-2025 fellowships is planned for November 2023. For reference, additional information including eligibility and submission requirements, for the 2023 fellowships can be found on our website. Questions can be directed to ISF Operations Manager ISF Annual Research Expo

ISF’s second annual research expo and reception was held October 25, 2023 from 1-5p in the Purdue Memorial Union South Ballroom.  The poster session was held from 1:00-3:00p, followed by a reception. To cullmiate the event, the water challenges research community led a toast to the new water year.  

For a list of Fall 2023 registered posters, click here.

For the Fall 2023 ISF research expo abstract booklet, click here.   

The ISF research expo is held annually in the fall semester. Faculty, post-docs, grads and undergraduate students are all welcome to present posters in any area of sustainability research, which broadly speaking, align with one or more of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Those that have received funding through ISF during the prior year are expected to present research posters at the annual expo. The expo provides a great opportunity for networking and to showcase research in sustainability happening across Purdue's campus.

Presentation Resources

Preparing a poster? Presenting at a conference?  ISF branded templates and other resources are available on our research presentation resources page.