The Duke Climate Scholars Program has selected nine undergraduate students for its new cohort. Established in 2023, the cross-disciplinary program enables students to conduct faculty-mentored research on topics related to the climate crisis, in accordance with the . With the new cohort, the program has 21 current scholars.
鈥淔or this round of Climate Scholars, we have students interested in exploring a wide-range of topics related to their majors, from earth and climate sciences to civil and environmental engineering, public policy and biology. Their work will undoubtedly lead to some top-notch, interdisciplinary research projects,鈥 said program director Brian McAdoo, the Truman and Nellie Semans/Alex Brown & Sons Professor of Geosciences Bass Chair at the Nicholas School of the Environment.
Climate Scholars represent an array of majors, but all scholars take introductory and higher-level climate science courses at the Nicholas School. Through these classes, students build foundational knowledge important to understanding how climate disturbances can affect natural systems, human health, and global economies and politics.
Scholars also participate in a faculty mentor鈥檚 lab group, attend seminars and networking events, and engage with the broader Duke or Durham community to address climate-related issues.
鈥淥ne of the best things that emerged from last year鈥檚 cohort was the co-learning that happened within the group,鈥 said McAdoo, who is also director of undergraduate studies for the Division of Earth and Climate Sciences at the Nicholas School. 鈥淪haring code, supporting each other with information regarding grant opportunities and conferences, and helping each other prepare for presentations 鈥 these collaboration skills will undoubtedly serve them well in their future endeavors.鈥
Additionally, Climate Scholars have the opportunity to mentor other students interested in getting involved in climate science-related activities, whether through coursework, student organizations or on-campus jobs. The student mentorship component is the brainchild of , T鈥25, an inaugural Climate Scholar now pursuing a Ph.D. at Arizona State University.
Scholars receive up to $2,500 in research funding, up to $1,500 to attend a professional scientific conference, and up to $1,500 to participate in a Duke travel course or professional development.
During their senior fall semester, scholars write an honors thesis on their research for Graduation with Distinction. Some students may also submit their work for publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.
The new scholars are:
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