INNOVATION at the NEXUS OF Food, energy, and water systems –
Graduate Traineeship in Integrated Urban Solutions

The National Science Foundation Research Traineeship – Innovations at the Nexus of Food, Energy, and Water Systems (NRT-INFEWS) program at UCLA prepares a new generation of graduate students for a unique interdisciplinary experience which combines research, education, and communication training to educate future leaders towards delivering comprehensive solutions to food, energy, and water systems (FEWS) challenges in urban systems under the pressures of global climate change.

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Our Goals

This NRT-INFEWS: Integrated Urban Solutions for Food, Energy, and Water Management program will pilot a series of cross-cutting experiments in doctoral training and mentorship at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). It combines research, education, and communication training to educate future leaders who can deliver innovative solutions to food, energy, and water systems (FEWS) challenges in urban systems.

The goals of our program are: (1) scientific knowledge and skills; (2) workforce development; (3) professional skills; and (4) institutional capacity.

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Our Program

The INFEWS traineeship program is for PhD or MS students pursuing a degree in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) at UCLA. Participating campus entities include: the Division of Life Sciences, the Division of Physical Sciences, the Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science, and the Institute of the Environment and Sustainability. In addition to the normal requirements of their degree program, INFEWS trainees will participate in additional training elements such as Brown Bag seminars and community outreach opportunities. These elements are designed to enrich the graduate experience without extending time to degree.

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Our Research

INFEWS has developed interdisciplinary and collaborative projects building and expanding upon ongoing FEWS-related research at UCLA:

  • Innovations in FEWS Waste Reduction and Up-Cycling in Urban Systems
  • Innovation in FEWS Sustainability in Urban Systems
  • Integrated Solutions in FEWS Management in Los Angeles

In each project, NRT trainees and faculty advisors will carry out policy, economic, and life-cycle analyses to inform market adoption of the new sensors, materials, and systems developed.

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Get Involved

At INFEWS, we are all about collaborations! If you are interested in becoming a graduate trainee, check out our application page. Corporations, government, or non-governmental organizations are also invited to participate in this program by offering internship opportunities to our trainees. We welcome donors wishing to support our program, provide a student scholarship, or sponsor an event.

Apply for the Program

Applications will be accepted from prospective and current graduate students pursuing a degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) at UCLA.

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Internship Opportunities

Interested in providing internship opportunities for our graduate trainees? Seeking 10-week paid and unpaid internship projects focusing on STEM in Sustainability.

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Support Our Program

We seek the support of friends who share our vision and are willing to help forward it. Your donation will help us to enrich and improve INFEWS programs and trainee opportunities.

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