Educational Opportunities
The Trienens Institute is dedicated to the support of student research and initiatives across the Northwestern community in the areas of sustainability and energy.
Sustainability Fellowships
Approximately 16 paid Northwestern University Sustainability Fellowships are offered annually for students to gain real-world experience in energy management and sustainability, furthering the University’s mission to support hands-on experiential learning and enabling students to engage with the physical environment and grow as leaders in sustainability.
Two project teams of four students are selected for ten-week fellowships during the Summer and Winter academic quarters. Each fellowship cycle will have one energy-focused and one sustainability-focused project. The Trienens Institute and sustainNU oversee the fellowship program that is supported by Ameresco as a part of a five-year contract with the University.
Student Project Funding
Northwestern undergraduate and graduate students may apply for financial support (up to $5,000 for project/prototype assistance; up to $25,000 for scale-up assistance) for their projects that address significant local and global challenges in sustainability and energy. Through this funding, the Paula M. Trienens Institute for Sustainability and Energy is bridging the gap between research and solution ideation, proof-of-concept work, and testing methods for implementation-at-scale.
Students may apply as individuals or in teams. Projects must address local and/or global projects. Applications are evaluated on a rolling basis.
Student Travel and Conference Support
The Paula M. Trienens Institute for Sustainability and Energy invites applications for travel-related financial support, including conference attendance, registration, and other learning and research opportunities. Northwestern undergraduate and graduate students are eligible for funding as well as those in postdoctoral positions. Travel must be related to activities in the energy and sustainability fields.
Support (reimbursable) is available for up to $500 per individual. Applications are evaluated on a rolling basis.