SAUNNA NRT Traineeships University of Maine

NSF NRT Graduate Training Program in

Systems Approaches to Understanding & Navigating the New Arctic (SAUNNA)

University of Maine

Ph.D., Master’s, & J.D. assistantships available starting Fall 2022

The University of Maine is seeking outstanding applicants for a new graduate training program focused on fostering systems perspectives to address the challenges of complex socio-environmental changes in the Arctic. This program is designed to provide the next generation of Arctic system scientists with new competencies and skills to advance understanding of the new Arctic and support improved outcomes in the Arctic and beyond.

This program will include Ph.D., Master’s, and J.D. students in anthropology, earth sciences, freshwater ecology, economics, law, and marine sciences.

We aim to prepare the next generation of Arctic systems scientists to: 1) advance understanding of Arctic/sub-Arctic changes and their local & global effects; 2) conduct solutions-driven research focused on socio-environmental systems and their dynamics; 3) apply models, theories, and visualization tools to integrate across systems and provide transparent access to data and interpretations; 4) develop cross-cultural, indigenous science & cross-disciplinary perspectives on emerging environmental, economic, and cultural issues; 5) develop and conduct interdisciplinary, collaborative research with stakeholders to foster resilience of Arctic/sub-Arctic systems; 6) inform future Arctic policy; 7) effectively & rapidly communicate results geared to different audiences.

The larger system of southwest Greenland, the Arctic-North Atlantic, & Maine is the focus of research and training activities in this NRT; all students will have the opportunity to travel to the Arctic for program activities.

Students in this program will receive an annual stipend plus tuition, fees, and health insurance coverage. Students must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents to receive NRT support.

To apply:

• Review the SAUNNA NRT website to determine if the theme of the program matches your interests and goals.
• Contact one of the SAUNNA NRT faculty (see website), discuss your interests with them, and make a decision together on whether to apply.
• Submit the following to the SAUNNA NRT program office (misa.saros@maine.edu) with the subject line “SAUNNA-NRT [last name] application”:
  • NRT application form (see website)
  • CV/resume
  • A 1-2 page letter from you in which you describe: 1) your interest in participating in this NRT program, 2) your interest and/or experience in interdisciplinary work, 3) your experience and training in your discipline that is relevant to the NRT theme; 4) your interest in or experience engaging with traditional or indigenous knowledge.
  • You should arrange to have a letter sent from the prospective NRT advisor supporting your application and describing the proposed research project.
  • You should also arrange to have 3 letters of recommendation sent.

For full consideration, submit all documents no later than January 15, 2022 for the following academic year. Any questions about this program should be sent to the SAUNNA NRT Project Director, Dr. Jasmine Saros, jasmine.saros@maine.edu