The Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth is starting a new program aimed at providing undergraduates with an in-depth understanding of the research process through research assistant positions with UChicago faculty. In supporting faculty, students will learn from them the various stages of the research process and techniques to carry out the work—valuable skills that they can bring to future careers. They will also gain a deep understanding of critical climate, energy and environmental topics being explored by a multidisciplinary set of university faculty.

“Time and again, students have come to us asking how they can be engaged in real research,” said Campus Engagement Manager Sativa Volbrecht. “We’re thrilled to be offering them this opportunity to gain such valuable awareness into the research process and deep insight into the diverse topics UChicago faculty are exploring across campus. We can’t wait to hear all that they learn and discover.”

Starting this summer, the inaugural cohort of undergraduate research assistants will work with faculty mentors on 11 projects that span the fields of energy and climate policy, geophysical and environmental sciences, climate engineering, and more. From mapping the history of energy use and growth of energy infrastructure to analyzing methane emissions from factory farms to exploring electrochemical techniques for the degradation and mineralization of PFAS chemicals, students will come away with a greater understanding of the complex topics underlying climate, energy and the environment.

They’ll also assist faculty with varied backgrounds, including scientists and engineers, but also historians, economists, urban studies experts, and more. The program offers remote, hybrid and in-person positions, with the opportunity to work in laboratories, museums, archives and libraries around Chicago.

The research assistantships will last ten weeks and include a stipend. First through third-year students can apply now on Handshake by February 9.