Gund Institute for Environment
Gund Graduate Student Fellows are doctoral and master's students at UVM with strong interests in interdisciplinary research and the Gund Institute’s mission.

By becoming a Gund Graduate Fellow, UVM students join the Institute’s global professional network, gaining exposure to a wide range of expertise, perspectives, and techniques through course offerings, weekly discussions, seminars, and research mentoring. Many pursue the Ecological Economics Graduate Certificate.

Graduate Fellows’ formal appointments at UVM will be in the home units of their advisors. Students supported by Gund PhD Research Assistantships are automatically appointed as Graduate Fellows.

Becoming a Graduate Fellow

Nomination Process

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Once admitted to your home department at UVM, becoming a Graduate Fellow is simple:

  • The nomination process consists of: a short email from a nominator familiar with the Gund Institute or the nominee to the Gund Institute Director of Operations and Programs (julianna.m.white@uvm.edu) and a CV and a letter of interest submitted via InfoReady (Julianna will send the InfoReady link to nominees).
  • The letter of interest should indicate how their research interests align with the Gund mission and priorities.
  • The Director of Operations and Programs will request a short recommendation from the nominee’s advisor.
  • Nominations are accepted throughout the year and reviewed at the end of the fall and spring semesters. Decisions will be announced at the beginning of each semester.
  • The Director of Operations and Programs makes recommendations to the Director, who makes final appointment decisions.
  • Students must have at least two full semesters of graduate study remaining when joining the Gund community.

Benefits

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  • Participate in collaborative research efforts among Gund Community members. 

  • Access to Gund workshops and seminars. 

  • Professional development opportunities. 

  • Participate in Gund’s Peer Mentors Program. 

  • Help guide Institute through feedback and suggestions 

  • Access to communications support. 

  • Access to policy and partnership support.  

  • Access to enrichment funds to support research costs, travel, publication, etc. 

  • Access to facilities and resources of Farrell Hall. 

Responsibilities

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  • Participate regularly in Gund seminars and events. 

  • Participate in semestrial Student/Postdoc Fellows meetings 

  • Serve on occasional Gund committees (e.g., Community Committee, Culture Club) 

  • Attend Gund Leadership Academy (two per academic year). 

  • Communicate Gund affiliation in websites, emails, publications, and social media 

  • Acknowledge Gund financial support when appropriate.