University of Michigan .

 

About The Program:

The Doris Duke Conservation Scholars Program is a two-year experiential learning program for undergraduate students. Each scholar spends two summers at the University of Michigan doing research and internships in the environmental field. 

Year One: Research

Year one provides scholars with an introduction to qualitative and/or quantitative research methods. For 7 weeks, students will assist  faculty, staff and graduate students from the School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) as well as other University departments on their ongoing research projects. EAS faculty engage in interdisciplinary research that directly contributes to the protection of the Earth’s resources and to the development of sustainable communities. At the end of the summer, scholars present their research to the public at the annual DDCSP Research Symposium. 

Past research projects have focused on topics such as: 

  • Agriculture: Evaluating the ecosystem-services provided by cover crops for farmers in Michigan

  • Great Lakes Ecology: Investigating the effects phosphorus has on water quality and fish production in Lake Erie

  • Urban Sustainability: Assessing the re-purposing of vacant lots in Detroit as habitat for pollinators

  • Social Justice: Examining the impact of climate change on Tribal communities in the Great Lakes

Year Two: Internships

In their second summer at DDCSP, students will complete a 7-week internship at a conservation/environmental non-governmental organization or governmental agency in the Ann Arbor-Detroit Metropolitan area. This experience gives scholars the chance to work directly with conservation and environmental professionals and develop a professional network. 

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