CHI Research Fellows Application Information
The Summer 2024 CHI Research Fellows Application is now open!
Please see application information below:
The GW Climate and Health Institute (CHI) is now accepting applications for the Summer 2024 CHI Research Fellows program. For the Summer 2024 semester, one selected CHI Research Fellow will be supporting work on the free, local, immediate, and persuasive co-benefits that accompany climate mitigation actions.
More information on anticipated project support, application information, fellow eligibility and requirements, can be found in the sections below.
The impacts of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions on global climate are a continued and pressing threat. Actions targeted at mitigating climate change, through the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, often produce long-term and diffuse global health benefits associated with reduced climate impacts. Additionally, changes in systems that burn less fossil fuels offer local and immediate benefits that arise due to changes in exposure. Some of these local and immediate environmental, health, and equity benefits include cleaner air, expanded green space, improved physical activity, and reduced noise, among other societal improvements such as economic savings.
Co-benefits have emerged as a tool used by various organizations as opportunities to pair GHG mitigation with other positive, more proximal outcomes in order to catalyze public support for aggressive GHG mitigation efforts. Effectively communicating the co-benefits of climate action could prove useful for decision-makers to decidedly take swift action to reduce the impacts of climate change.
The selected fellow will help develop case studies showcasing climate actions that have been undertaken in focus areas such as, energy, transportation, freight, food/nutrition, agriculture, etc and local benefits that have resulted from these actions (any scale; national, urban, etc; US or global). The Fellow will:
- Identify 5-10 co-benefit stories and conduct necessary research, interviews, and outreach to gather information;
- Synthesize information to understand and assess how climate action can lead to improved health through co-benefits, such as expanded access to green space, cleaner air, reductions in noise, and improved physical activity; and
- Use both a quantitative and journalistic approach to develop deliverable products that effectively communicate the health co-benefits of climate action.
The CHI Research Fellows Program is a paid opportunity open to all current GW students. Students must be currently pursuing a degree from GW, from any school or department (both undergraduate and graduate level students are eligible).
Undergraduate students may use research opportunities to receive credit for a research course (list of for-credit research courses by school linked here), or for a zero credit option (UNIV 1995) that allows for research experience to be highlighted on official transcripts. Graduate students may use research opportunities as part of a practicum requirement, independent study, or equivalent.
Application Overview
Applicants will be asked to submit the following:
- Resume or CV
- A 1 page personal statement describing your interest in this project and what you hope to gain from this experience
- 1 writing sample of the applicants choosing
Applications will be reviewed and assessed based on the candidate’s academic experience and record of achievement, personal statement, and quality of written communication (assessed from writing sample). Of submitted applications, three applicants will be selected as semi-finalists to participate in a round of interviews. Of these three semi-finalists, one fellow will be selected for the Summer term.
Expectations
- Fellows will be compensated for the term of work with a $2,000 stipend to be paid out at the end of the fellowship
- While there is no formal time commitment required, it is anticipated that CHI Fellows will spend an average of 10-15 hours per week on their respective projects
- In addition to a project deliverable, selected fellowship students will present their work at a CHI Student Research Showcase at the end of the term
Application Timeline
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April 10, 2024: Application Opens
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May 8, 2024: Application Closes
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May 20-31, 2024: Interview period for applicant semi-finalists
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June 7, 2024: Selected Fellows notified
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June 10, 2024: Summer Fellowship start date
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August 19, 2024: Summer Fellowship end date