Applications are now open for the Haskell Environmental Research Studies (HERS) Institute’s summer internship program. The HERS program is aimed at preparing American Indian/Alaska Native/Native Hawaiian undergraduate students for graduate study by assisting them to create a research project related to climate and environmental change in Indigenous communities. Native students eligible to enroll in tribal colleges are encouraged to apply. All application materials are due March 2, 2022. Students can apply and learn more about the HERS 2022 summer internship program by visiting the HERS website. 

Attached are the 2022 HERS FAQ and program brochure. We encourage interested applicants to view the HERS Recruitment Presentation Video (20min 36sec) or the HERS Summer Internship Video (5min). 

About HERS

The HERS summer internship program is a paid eight-week internship funded by the National Science Foundation and provides students with the skills and experience needed to succeed in post-secondary education and graduate school. The HERS program is held primarily on the University of Kansas (KU) campus from June 6 – July 29, 2022.

Why HERS

HERS interns are supported financially and academically during the program, including: 

·         $4,000 stipend

·         Housing accommodations & meals

·         Paid travel 

·         Use of a laptop computer and software

·         Support for graduate school entrance exams 

·         Academic support from Haskell and KU professors, graduate student mentors & libraries

The HERS Experience 

During the HERS program, interns receive instruction and exposure to: GIS training, graduate-level writing curriculum, introductory environmental assessment, introduction to Indigenous methodologies, professional development training, and preparation for applying to graduate school. Interns research a self-selected topic related to climate and environmental change and its effects on Indigenous communities. Interns create a research poster and proposal, which they present professionally. Currently, the HERS 2022 program will be in-person with social distancing at the University of Kansas. Travel will be provided to and from Lawrence, KS, the Konza Prairie Biological Station in Manhattan, KS, and to Green Bay, WI to work with the Oneida Tribe during week seven of the program. Travel during the program is contingent on COVID-19 travel policies and protocols, updates will be provided on the HERS website as they are available.