The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Dept. of Earth Science & Environmental Change is accepting applications for numerous, fully-funded Ph.D. and M.S. fellowships, teaching assistantships, and research assistantships to work on an array of cutting-edge Earth science projects. The full department’s diverse research portfolio is listed below. Faculty members who are actively seeking students are indicated and their email addresses are provide. Application deadline: midnight EST on January 3, 2024

Geobiology and GeoBioMed - Prof. Bruce Fouke (fouke@illinois.edu) is seeking students interested in working at the nexus of geology, biology and medicine on groundbreaking investigations that further advance our understanding of calcification in human organs such as the kidneys and heart.

Hydrogeology & Hydrology - Prof. Cristian Proistosescu (cristi@illinois.edu) is seeking students interested in using statistical methods and climate models to model non-stationarity in stream flow and drought indices. Additional expertise includes, Prof. Jenny Druhan’s group which investigates the chemical and microbial processes that control water quality using a combination of field and laboratory experiments and numerical modeling. Prof. Tom Johnson’s group uses stable isotopes to track chemical and microbial reactions in hydro systems. 

Landscape Evolution and Geomorphology - Prof. Alison Anders’s group investigates how landscapes evolve in response to spatial and temporal changes in climate and human influences using numerical models, GIS analysis, and field measurements. 

Cryosphere - Prof. Ellen Buckley (buckley0@illinois.edu) is seeking graduate students with an interest in studying Arctic sea ice using satellite and airborne instruments. Research will include synthesizing multimodal remote sensing observations, developing algorithms for processing data, and applying innovative machine learning methods to handle large datasets.

Paleoclimate - Prof. Cristi Proistosescu (cristi@illinois.edu) is seeking graduate students interested in using a blend of paleoclimate proxies, global climate models, statistics and machine learning techniques to investigate how the geological record of climate change can help inform future climate change. Prof. Jessica Conroy's group is studying tropical climate dynamics utilizing field data collected in the equatorial pacific and stable isotope geochemistry. Prof. Hưng Nguyễn works on using tree rings to reconstruct past changes in the water cycle, and apply this knowledge to water management. 

Sedimentology - Prof. Jim Best (jimbest@illinois.edu) seeks graduate students fascinated by Earth surface processes and their sedimentary products. He has ongoing transdisciplinary research investigating the dynamics of multiphase turbulent flows, bedform dynamics, anthropogenic stresses on the world's big rivers, and the sedimentology of large alluvial channels. 

Seismology - Prof. Ross Maguire (rossrm@illinois.edu) is seeking graduate students enthusiastic about using seismic imaging techniques to probe the interior structure and dynamics of the Earth, as well as other planets and moons in the Solar System. Potential research topics include imaging crustal magmatic systems using full waveform seismic tomography and studying the interior of Mars using data from NASA’s InSight Mission. 

Tectonics and Thermochronogy - Prof. Willy Guenthner (wrg@illinois.edu) has several ongoing research projects that utilize thermochronology to reconstruct the tectonic uplift and denudation of mountain belts.

Volcanology, Petrology, and Geochemistry - Prof. Trish Gregg (pgregg@illinois.edu) has multiple research projects for students interested in developing cutting edge numerical models to investigate the evolution and eruption potential of volcanic systems. Prof. Ross Maguire (rossrm@illinois.edu) is seeking graduate students interested in using seismic techniques to investigate the evolution of volcanic systems. Prof. Craig Lundstrom’s group works in both experimental petrology and isotope geochemistry areas to investigate the formation of intrusive and volcanic rocks and related ore deposit processes, or understand the role of magmatic processes on carbon cycling.

Interested applicants should contact faculty member(s) listed above corresponding to their direction of interest. Completed applications are due by midnight EST on January 3, 2024. The GRE exam is not required to apply.

Support for M.S. and Ph.D. students includes a yearly stipend of $32,600 and full tuition remission. 

The Department of Earth Science & Environmental Change is committed to creating an inclusive culture for all students, faculty, and staff and providing an environment that fosters success. At the University of Illinois, we support each other by embracing individuality and community. Through equal access and opportunity, the University of Illinois is empowering pioneering researchers, scholars, and leaders to thrive. Join us in creating a bold, diverse and excellent future.