The Rose Graduate Fellowship Fund in Water Research Graduate Student Award

The Rose Graduate Fellowship in Water Research will benefit students enrolled in any graduate program at MSU to help to address the looming global water crisis and support the next generation of scientists who will help us solve water problems here in Michigan, the Great Lakes, nationally, and globally. One award will be issued each year provided a suitable applicant can be identified. Recipients must acknowledge funding support through the Rose Graduate Fellowship Fund at Michigan State University when appropriate (e.g., research presentations, publications).

This fund provides monies to be used to enhance the educational experience of graduate students at MSU whose research focuses on water. Awards shall be made to graduate students pursuing advanced degrees. Funds may be used to support research or for travel.

About the Rose Fellowship: Dr. Joan and Tom Rose, who live in Williamston, have strong ties to Michigan State University. Joan’s position as professor and the Homer Nowlin Chair in Water Research in Fisheries and Wildlife coupled with her passion for water, motivated the couple to establish a fellowship fund to support graduate students on campus who are doing research in water: fresh or salt. A part of the Roses’ gift came from the Athalie Richardson Irvine Clarke Water Prize, presented to Dr. Rose in 2001 for significant contributions to Water Science and Technology, from the National Water Research Institute.

Please contact Dr. Erin Dreelin (dreelin@msu.edu) if you have any questions about the fellowship. Awards will be announced in late March. Funds will be awarded the following fall. Students must be enrolled for the fall semester.

Each fellowship recipient is required to express acceptance and appreciation of the award in writing within two weeks of notification of the award. 

Previous Rose Graduate Fellows:

  • 2023-24 Maria Alejandra Garcia, Community Sustainability
  • 2022-23 Phyllis Feldpausch, Civil and Environmental Engineering
  • 2019-20 Demetris Coleman, Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • 2018-19 Ryan Julien, Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering
  • 2017-18 Nathan Brugnone, Community Sustainability
  • 2016-17 Joel Betts, Fisheries and Wildlife
  • 2015-16 Toni Walkowiak, Geo, Environ, and Spatial Sciences
  • 2014-15 Kateri Salk, Integrative Biology
Eligibility: 
  • The student must be enrolled in Michigan State University pursuing a graduate level degree program.
  • The student must demonstrate sound academic achievement and leadership skills.
  • Preference will be given to:
    • Students pursuing advanced degrees in areas of related to water science and water quality.
    • Students who demonstrate financial need.

Complete this application form to apply

Due Date: 
02/23/2024
Funding Amount: 
$2,000
Semester Due: 
Spring Semester