School of Environmental, Coastal, and Ocean Sustainability

WLW-ECOS HBOI Semester by the Sea Scholarships

The Semester by the Sea is a one-semester program for undergraduate students offered by the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute and Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University. The WLW-ECOS Semester by the Sea scholarships from FAU's School for Environmental Coastal and Ocean Sustainability (ECOS) provide undergraduate students an opportunity to broaden their educational experience with a semester-long immersion in marine science, with emphasis on marine biology. Students can enjoy an immersive residential marine science experience that positions them for advanced degrees, further engagement in research, and solutions-based, environmentally-focused careers. 

Award Amount: up to $7,000 

Eligibility

• Junior or senior status 
• Minimum GPA: 3.0
• Demonstrated financial need via completed FAFSA 

Required documents

• Personal statement describing: (1) your qualifications and interest in the environmental sciences, including your relevant coursework and any applicable research/volunteer/work experience, (2) an obstacle and how you overcame it, and (3) the impact you would like to make in your career.
• Two faculty letters of recommendation
• Resume
• FAU transcript
• Completed FAFSA 

Recipients will be chosen by the Schmidt College of Science ECOS Scholarship Committee.

Questions?

Contact ecosug@fau.edu for ECOS undergraduate scholarship questions.

WLW ECOS Travel Grants

This program has ended and is no longer accepting applications.

Goals

To support and enhance environmental research at FAU, the school of Environmental, Coastal and Ocean Sustainability (ECOS) is pleased to announce this RFP for travel grants. Grants of up to $2,000 per person will be awarded to help offset expenses associated with travel to present research at scientific conferences or to attend workshops for specialized training.  Preferences will be given to proposal applications demonstrating financial need, and those requesting partial funding.

Eligibility

• Applications must be from ECOS affiliated faculty or member of their lab (post-doc or graduate / undergraduate student).
• Faculty are only eligible for funding if presenting and attending with a presenting student.
• Each recipient must present separate oral or poster presentations at the conference.
  • (i.e. Faculty member and Graduate students must each give different presentations)
• Have not received an ECOS travel award in the past year.

Allowable Expenses

• Presenters can request up to $2000 with documentation.
  • National or International Conference – up to $ 2000/award/person
  • State/Regional Conference – up to $1500/award/person
    • Example: ECOS Faculty + Graduate Student + Undergraduate / three presentations at National Meeting = up to $6000 can be requested as a single application.
    • Example: Undergraduate student working with ECOS Faculty member / one presentation at meeting in Florida = up to $1500 can be requested.
• Please refer to the FAU Travel Policy for specific information regarding proper procedure for travel. The allowable travel expenses covered by this grant include, but are not limited to:
  • Mileage for personal vehicle use
  • Airfare
  • Per diem (daily allowance for meals for overnight travel ONLY)
  • Hotel accommodations
  • Conference registration fees
  • Workshop registration fees
  • Presenter fees
  • Other costs directly related to the approved travel

Requirements

• Documentation of attendance and presentation being made (registration/conference program).
• Support from ECOS is acknowledged in the presentation or poster.
• Applicant grants ECOS permission to promote the presentation via social media, websites, and/or press releases.

Follow University Travel Guidelines and Processes

Expense/travel Policies and Procedures

Please note that all travelers must submit a spend authorization in Workday and receive approval prior to making travel arrangements per Florida Atlantic University Expense/Travel Policies and Procedures. This is regardless of who is funding the travel and whether the travel is domestic or international.

International Travel Guidelines and Safety

Faculty planning to travel internationally should consult Florida Atlantic’s International Travel Guidelines and FAU's Policy on Global Travel Safety and Security before submitting an application.

Proposal Guidelines

• Statement of importance/impact of the research to be presented.
• Type of presentation (invited, oral, poster, etc.)
• Name, date and location of conference.
• Conference scope (International, National, Regional, State, Virtual).
• Abstract(s)
• Statement of impact of attendance for professional development
  • Benefits to ECOS
  • Benefits to presenter(s)
• Statement declaring lack of department, college, or grant support for conference attendance.
  • Signed by PI and Department Chair
• Total budget for conference attendance
• Total requested.
  • Budget justification - how funds will be used (e.g. registration, airfare, lodging, etc.).

Decision Criteria

• Ranked based on presentation type- Preference will be given in order of 1. Invited symposium talk, 2. Oral presentation, 3. Poster presentation, 4. Short (< 8 mins) lightning talks.
• Ranked based on conference type – Preference will be given in order of 1. National/International, Regional, state/system, other
• Likely impact of the presentation
• Previous ECOS funding/support
• Availability of funds vs. requests

WLW-ECOS Postdoctoral Fellowships

The School of Environmental, Coastal, and Ocean Sustainability (ECOS) at Florida Atlantic University is pleased to announce the launch of the WLW-ECOS Postdoctoral Program. 

Five two-year postdoctoral fellowships are available to support early-career scientists conducting solution-oriented research addressing South Florida's most pressing environmental challenges. 

Program Highlights

The WLW-ECOS Postdoctoral Fellowship Program provides a unique opportunity to: 

• Join a collaborative, interdisciplinary community of hundreds of ECOS members across six colleges at Florida Atlantic University
• Work with two ECOS-affiliated faculty advisors to develop innovative environmental research
• Access world-class facilities at Florida Atlantic University's Schmidt College of Science and Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
• Conduct research in South Florida's living laboratory—from coral reefs to the Everglades to urban coastal communities
• Build new collaborations and launch independent research

Fellowship Award

Each fellowship includes:

• Competitive salary with benefits
• Research budget: $5,000 per year
• Two-year duration 

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Have received (or will receive) a Ph.D. in an environment-related science within one year of the postdoc start date
• Identify two ECOS-affiliated faculty advisors, with the primary advisor from the Department of Biological Sciences or the Department of Geosciences
• Hold a graduate degree from outside Florida Atlantic University

Browse ECOS-affiliated faculty and their research areas.

Fellowship Expectations

Postdoctoral fellows are expected to: 

• Publish one research paper per year in peer-reviewed journals
• Co-author one external grant proposal during the fellowship
• Participate in ECOS academic and research community activities

Application Requirements

Submit the following materials as a single PDF document: 

• Cover letter (1-2 pages) describing your research interests, career goals, and fit with ECOS mission
• Curriculum vitae including publication record
• Research proposal (3-5 pages) outlining your solution-oriented environmental research plan
• Names and contact information and letters of support for two proposed ECOS faculty advisors (primary advisor must be from the FAU Schmidt College of Science's Department of Biological Sciences or Department of Geosciences)
• Contact information for three professional references

Selection Process

Applicant selection criteria include: 

• Academic record and research potential 
• Strength and originality of solution-oriented research proposal 
• Alignment with ECOS faculty advisors' expertise 
• Overall fit with ECOS mission 

Finalists may be invited for interviews. 

Important Dates

Application Deadline: Monday, February 2, 2026.

Position Start Date: May–August 2026 (negotiable).

Fellowship Duration: Two years (assuming satisfactory progress toward research goals in year one). 

How to Apply

Submit applications to: ecos@fau.edu with the email subject "WLW-ECOS Postdoctoral Fellowship Application Attached."

Contact Us

Contact ecos@fau.edu with any questions or comments.

Training tomorrow's environmental changemakers through real-world experience.

WLW-ECOS Emergency Student Support

The WLW-ECOS Emergency Student Support fund provides critical financial assistance to College of Science students experiencing unexpected financial hardship or emergency situations.  

Award Amount: Up to $1,500 per occurrence 

Availability: Year-round on an as-needed basis 

Eligibility 

• Full-time degree-seeking COS student 
• Initiated by advisor or faculty referral 
• Must have exhausted available funding from Florida Atlantic Cares and FAU's Emergency Aid Program 
• Non-COS students are ineligible 

Eligible Expenses 

Emergency support may be used for unexpected financial hardship or emergency such as: 

• Housing crisis situations, homelessness, temporary displacement, or shelter stays 
• Loss of employment or sudden income reduction 
• Home disaster or property damage expenses 
• Emergency medical expenses not covered by insurance 
• Replacement of essential personal items due to theft, fire, or natural disaster 
• Emergency childcare costs due to crisis situations 

Ineligible Expenses 

• Tuition 
• Non-emergency travel 
• Non-essential expenses 
• Food 

How to Access Emergency Support 

Students experiencing a financial emergency should contact their academic advisor or a faculty member who can initiate a referral to the Dean's office for consideration.

WLW-ECOS Interdisciplinary Research Awards  

The WLW-ECOS Interdisciplinary Research Awards support new faculty research collaborations focused on solution-oriented environmental research. Five interdisciplinary teams will receive $80,000 each (research-related expenses only; cannot be used to pay faculty, postdoc, or graduate student salaries) to conduct collaborative research, mentor two undergraduate trainees, and develop competitive extramural grant proposals. This program fosters innovative environmental research while providing research experiences for undergraduate students in Biological Sciences, Geosciences, or Chemistry. 

Award Amount: $80,000 

Research Related Expenses: $65,000 per team (excluding faculty, postdoc, and graduate student salaries) 

Undergraduate Trainee Stipend: $7,500 each (two trainees per 18-month award) 

Duration: 18 months 

Eligibility – Faculty Teams

• New (previously unfunded) research collaboration among at least two ECOS-affiliated faculty 
• Faculty may participate in only one proposal per award cycle 
• At least one COS faculty from Biological Sciences, Geosciences, or Chemistry and Biochemistry 
• Solution-oriented environment-related research 
• Must identify at least four proposed extramural grant proposal options with application dates 
• Must include a 12-month mentoring plan for two undergraduate research trainees 

Eligibility – Undergraduate Trainees  

• Full-time degree-seeking College of Science students 
• Minimum GPA: 3.0 
• Majoring in Biological Sciences, Geosciences, or Chemistry 
• Trainees must be new to the faculty team (no prior research experience with team members) 
• Each team must include one freshman or sophomore AND one junior or senior 
• Selected by faculty research team 

Important Dates 

• Application Deadline: May 15, 2026 
• Decision: June 2026 
• Award Period: July 2026 through December 2027 

Application Requirements 

How to Apply

See details below for requirements.

Documents Required 

• Written proposal including a detailed budget and budget justification (10-page limit excluding citations)
• 12-month mentoring plan for undergraduate trainees
• Four proposed extramural grant options with approximate application dates

Selection Criteria 

• Intellectual merit 
• Originality of proposed research 
• Expected impact of research 
• Quality of mentoring plan 
• Potential for external funding 
• Qualifications of faculty team 
• Two internal faculty expert reviews 

Award Reporting Requirements - Faculty Teams 

• Submit 6-month report detailing research progress and mentoring activities 
• Submit 12-month comprehensive report detailing research findings, mentoring activities, and external grant application progress 
• Submit 18-month report describing two extramural grant applications 
• Submit two extramural grant applications during award period 

Award Reporting Requirements - Undergraduate Trainees 

• Submit final research report describing experience and accomplishments (1,000-word limit) 
• Present research at ECOS Expo OR to two COS classes (with instructor permission) 
• Provide photographic or video content to COS communications team for ECOS social media posts 

Questions?  

Contact us at ecos@fau.edu. 

WLW-ECOS Undergraduate Research Fellowships

The WLW-ECOS Research Fellowship provides College of Science undergraduate students with hands-on research experience working directly with ECOS-affiliated faculty on solution-oriented environmental research projects. This paid fellowship program includes both salary support and a research budget, enabling students to develop essential research skills while contributing to meaningful environmental science. Fellowships are renewable for a second semester with faculty research mentor recommendation.

Compensation: $22 per hour (maximum $7,500 per semester, $15,000 total per student)

Research Budget: $2,000 per fellowship to the faculty member

Renewable: Yes, for a second semester with faculty research mentor recommendation

Eligibility

• Full-time degree-seeking College of Science students
• Must be solution-oriented environmental research
• Minimum GPA: 3.0
• Faculty letter of recommendation required
• Proposed fellowships must be approved by department chair

Important Dates

Summer Dates: Application period – March 27 – April 12; Starting dates May 9

Fall Dates: Application period – July 13 – 26; Starting date August 22

Application Requirements

Personal statement consisting of three essays (500-word limit each) describing:

1. Your completed environmental science coursework and relevant volunteer, research, and work experience,
2. The impact you would like to make in your career, and
3. An obstacle and how you overcame it

Documents That Are Required

• Three personal essays
• Resume with relevant experience
• FAU transcript
• Faculty letter of recommendation
• (unofficial) next to FAU transcript

Fellowship Requirements

• Submit final research report describing your experience and accomplishments (1,000-word limit)
• Attend an ECOS Expo
• Present research experience at ECOS Expo OR to two COS classes
• Provide photographic or video content for ECOS social media

Prospective students – please send an email to ecos@fau.edu to inquire about undergraduate research opportunities

WLW-ECOS Summer Externships

The WLW-ECOS Summer Externship provides College of Science undergraduate students with immersive summer research experiences at prestigious marine and environmental research institutions across the United States. This fully-funded externship program covers stipend, travel, room and board, enabling students to work alongside leading researchers and gain exposure to cutting-edge environmental science.

Award Amount: Up to $25,000 per externship

Includes: Variable stipend based on location (maximum $880 per week), travel expenses to and from location, and room and board

Approved Partner Institutions: 

• Marine Biological Laboratory (Woods Hole, MA) 
• W.K. Kellogg Biological Station (Michigan) 
• University of Washington Friday Harbor Laboratories (San Juan Islands, WA) 

Eligibility

• Full-time degree-seeking College of Science students
• Junior status
• Major in Biology, Geosciences, Chemistry, or Biochemistry
• Research must be solution-oriented environmental research
• Minimum GPA: 3.0
• Two faculty letters of recommendation required

Important Dates

Application Period: February 17-24 - Application review will begin February 24 and will remain open until filled.

* Must be logged into Microsoft with your FAU email address to access the form. 

Program dates are site specific:

• Marine Biological Laboratory (Woods Hole, MA) - June 7 - August 15     
• W.K. Kellogg Biological Station (Michigan) - May 17 – July 25   
• University of Washington Friday Harbor Laboratories (San Juan Islands, WA) -  June 14 – August 8 

Application Requirements

Personal statement consisting of three essays (500-word limit each) describing:

1. Your completed environmental science coursework and relevant volunteer, research, and work experience,
2. The impact you would like to make in your career, and
3. An obstacle and how you overcame it

Documents that are required:

• Three personal essays (Download the Word Document template)
• Resume with relevant experience
• Unofficial FAU Transcript (Print landscape)
• Two faculty letters of recommendation
• Apply here - Must be logged into Microsoft with your FAU email address to access the form.

Externship Requirements

• Submit final externship report describing your experience and accomplishments (1,000-word limit)
• Present research at ECOS Expo OR to two COS classes
• Provide photographic or video content for ECOS social media

Prospective students – please send an email to ecos@fau.edu to inquire about undergraduate research opportunities.

WLW-ECOS Student Success Scholarship

The WLW-ECOS Student Success Scholarship provides need-based financial support to Schmidt College of Science undergraduate students pursuing careers in solution-oriented environmental research. This scholarship is designed to help cover the cost of attendance not covered by other scholarships or grants, enabling students to focus on their academic success and environmental research interests. WLW-ECOS scholarships, internships and research fellowships are provided by generous donor support of solution-oriented environmental research.

Award Amount: up to $7,500 per semester (maximum $15,000 per academic year)

Renewable: Up to four semesters with reapplication.

Students are strongly encouraged to reapply each fall and spring. If you have any questions with respect to how this scholarship will be allocated please contact Tuition and Billing.

Eligibility

• Full-time degree-seeking Schmidt College of Science student
• Junior or senior status
• Minimum GPA: 3.0
• No more than four years of enrollment in any undergraduate institution
• Must demonstrate financial need via completed FAFSA
• Interest in solution-oriented environmental research

Application Requirements

Personal statement consisting of three essays (500-word limit each) describing:

1. Your completed environmental science coursework and relevant volunteer, research, and work experience.
2. The impact you would like to make in your career.
3. An obstacle and how you overcame it.

Documents that are required:

• Three personal essays
• Resume with relevant experience
• FAU transcript
• Completed FAFSA

Recipients will be chosen by the Schmidt College of Science ECOS Scholarship Committee

Fall 2026 Deadline will be posted in the Summer. Please check back for updates.

Students must apply on FAU’s Scholarship Universe. Previous awardees are strongly encouraged to reapply.

Questions?

Contact ecosug@fau.edu for ECOS undergraduate scholarship questions.

WLW-ECOS Professor in Residence Program

The WLW-ECOS Professor in Residence program brings distinguished scholars with national or international reputations to Florida Atlantic University for an academic residency. This prestigious program enables visiting professors to collaborate with FAU faculty on cutting-edge environmental research, mentor students, and contribute to the growth and visibility of ECOS. Professors in residence deliver public presentations, organize symposia or workshops, and build partnerships that advance solution-oriented environmental science.

Positions Available for the 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 Academic Years

Compensation: Negotiated package may include housing stipend, travel stipend, research stipend, and seminar/workshop expenses

Location: Boca Raton campus

Eligibility

• Tenured professor with national or international reputation
• Two letters of support from ECOS-affiliated faculty sponsors
• At least one faculty sponsor must be from the Departments of Biology, Geosciences, or Chemistry and Biochemistry

Application Requirements

• Research proposal
• CV/Academic record
• Two letters of support from ECOS-affiliated faculty sponsors

Selection Criteria

• Academic and career record
• Strength of solution-oriented environment-related research proposal
• Synergies with two ECOS faculty sponsors

Responsibilities

• Deliver public research presentation outlining the goals of residency
• Organize symposium or workshop for faculty and/or graduate students on innovative environmental research, cutting-edge methods, or science translation for real-world applications
• Lead and collaborate with FAU faculty on groundbreaking research project, publication(s) in high-impact journal(s), or grant proposal
• Mentor FAU faculty and students in their development as future researchers and leaders in environmental science
• Build partnerships with local and global organizations to address environmental issues and raise visibility of ECOS

HOW TO APPLY

Submit applications to: ecos@fau.edu with the email subject WLW-ECOS Professor in Residence Application Attached

Questions? Email: ecos@fau.edu

Learn more: ECOS Website: www.fau.edu/ecos

Browse ECOS Faculty: www.fau.edu/ecos/affiliate-members

WLW-ECOS M.S. and Ph.D. Fellowships

NOW ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS FOR A FALL 2026 START!

WLW-ECOS Graduate Fellowships support NEW graduate students conducting solution-oriented environmental research with ECOS-affiliated faculty. Our M.S. fellowship program provides two years of full support for M.S. students who will provide direct mentoring to our undergraduates. Our Ph.D. fellowship program provides a one-time $10,000 recruiting stipend to attract talented new Ph.D. students. Both programs allow fellows to work on cutting-edge environmental research with ECOS faculty while helping us train the next generation of environmental scientists and change makers.

Graduate program directors and department chairs nominate fellowship applicants during the application review process.

WLW-ECOS Masters Fellowships

The WLW-ECOS Masters Fellowships program provides incoming M.S. students with two-years of stipend support to conduct their solution-oriented environmental research with an ECOS-affiliated faculty advisor in the College of Science while providing direct mentoring to our undergraduates to help them achieve their academic goals and prepare them to be environmental change makers.

Award Amount: Two years of competitive stipend and tuition support

Eligible Programs

• Environmental Science M.S.
• Marine Science and Oceanography M.S.
• Geosciences M.S.
• Biological Sciences M.S.
• Chemistry M.S.
• Biochemistry M.S.
• Physics M.S.

Eligibility

• NEW Schmidt College of Science M.S. students [FALL 2026 START].
• COMPLETED graduate program application [APPLY HERE].
• NOMINATION by graduate program directors and department chairs.
• MUST be advised by ECOS-affiliated faculty in the Schmidt College of Science.
• Focus on solution-oriented environment-related research.
• Current FAU undergraduates and FAU undergraduate degree holders are ineligible.

Fellowship Application Requirements

Nominated applicants will submit:

Personal statement consisting of two essays (500-word limit each) describing:

1. The impact you would like to make in your career, and
2. An obstacle and how you overcame it.

Research statement describing your environment-related research and work experience (1,000-word limit).

WLW-ECOS Ph.D. Fellowships

The application period for Fall 2026 applicants has closed.  

The WLW-ECOS Ph.D. Fellowships program provides a one-time stipend to recruit NEW Ph.D. fellows to work with ECOS-affiliated faculty advisors on their solution-oriented environmental research.

Award Amount $10,000

Eligible Programs

• Integrative Biology Ph.D.
• Geosciences Ph.D.
• Chemistry Ph.D.

Eligibility

• NEW Schmidt College of Science Ph.D. students [FALL 2026 START].
• COMPLETED graduate program application.
• NOMINATION by graduate program directors and department chairs.
• MUST be advised by ECOS-affiliated faculty.
• Focus on solution-oriented environment-related research.
• Current FAU graduate students and FAU graduate degree holders are ineligible.

Fellowship Application Requirements

Nominated applicants will submit:

Personal statement consisting of two essays (500-word limit each) describing:

1. The impact you would like to make in your career, and
2. An obstacle and how you overcame it.

Research statement describing your environment-related research and work experience (1,000-word limit).

Candidates are invited to apply after being nominated by their graduate program director and department chairs.

WLW-ECOS Undergraduate Opportunities

WLW-ECOS undergraduate opportunities are available for College of Science undergraduate students who are enrolled full-time (12 credits) and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0.  Opportunities include: 

• WLW-ECOS Student Success Scholarships – Learn more about these need-based scholarships for students pursuing careers in solution-oriented environmental research. 
• WLW-ECOS Internship Opportunities – Obtain real-world experience working at approved non-profit and governmental environmental organizations. 
• WLW-ECOS Research Fellowships –  Get hands-on research experience working directly with ECOS-affiliated faculty on solution-oriented environmental research projects. 
• WLW-ECOS Summer Externships – Immerse yourself in a summer research experience at one of three prestigious marine and environmental research institutions across the United States. 
• WLW-ECOS HBOI Semester by the Sea Scholarships – Spend a semester immersed in marine science at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute in Fort Pierce. 
• WLW-ECOS HBOI Field Trips – Sign up for one of these field trips to Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute (includes lunch and transportation) 
• WLW-ECOS Emergency Student Support – Learn more about these funds for critical financial assistance to College of Science students experiencing unexpected financial hardship or emergency situations.