On Campus Opportunities
Student Organizations
The Society of Earth Sciences Students (SESS) is an active student-led organization that provides special field trips, welcomes speakers from other universities and colleges, and hosts social events throughout the academic year.
Community-Engaged Fellows
The Sustainability Community-Engaged Summer Fellowship Program is open to students enrolled in undergraduate programs in the School of Arts and Sciences and the Hajim School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.
2025 Sustainability Community-Engaged Summer Fellowship Program
Sodus Bay Watch seeks four outstanding University of Rochester undergraduate fellows for the 2025 summer program.
Fellows will work with the following entities to mentor high school students in the study of and promotion of community awareness about plastic pollution in Sodus Bay:
- Warner School of Education
- University of Rochester Department of Biomedical Engineering
- University of Rochester art departments
- Marion High School and Sodus School students
- Save Our Sodus non-profit organization
During the last week of July, fellows will also play a supportive role in an EcoBoot Camp for Sodus Middle School students—focusing on invasive species, plastics pollution, and water quality as they relate to climate change.
Fellowship Details
The eight-week program pays a stipend of $5000 for 40 hours per week and runs from June 4 through August 5, with the week of July 1-4 off.
Most work will happen between Monday and Friday, with the exception of three Saturdays: June 14, 21, and July 12.
Fellows will work as a small cohort with their primary workspace being on campus. Trips to the towns of Marion and Sodus, NY will be required, and carpools will be encouraged (travel expenses will be reimbursed). Fieldwork and working outside will be conducted and appropriate attire and readiness will be a must.
Housing is not included.
Qualifications
We seek to build a multidisciplinary team committed to environmental sustainability, passionate about science learning, and enthusiastic about diverse scientific and artistic communication to promote environmental literacy and change. A team with a diverse background and skill set will ensure program success.
Experience with art (using plastics collected during beach clean-up), videography, conducting scientific investigations (applying scientific methods, collecting and analyzing data)), science communication, and/or working with youth are welcome.
This fellowship will require you to collaborate with other fellows, cross-disciplinary University faculty and staff, middle and high school youth, science teachers, and community members. Though you will have strong support from University of Rochester faculty and staff, this fellowship will challenge you to be self-directed and creative.
How to Apply
Apply by completing the online form no later than March 24, 2025. Finalist interviews will be held on Friday, March 28 with notification to recipients by March 31.
If you have any questions, feel free to email Dr. Sami Romanick at sromanic@ur.rochester.edu.