STUDENTS / DIANA WALL SUSTAINABILITY LEADERSHIP FELLOWS / PH.D. AND POSTDOCS
For Ph.D. students and postdocs
A year-long fellowship for advanced graduate students and postdoctoral scholars conducting research relevant to sustainability science.
The program builds skills in science communication, leadership, and professional development. Twenty fellows are selected each year from across CSU.
About the program
The Diana Wall Sustainability Leadership Fellows program for Ph.D. students and postdocs gives advanced graduate students and early-career postdoctoral fellows the chance to develop the communication, leadership, and professional skills they need to translate their research and lead in sustainability.
The competitive program accepts 20 fellows each year from across CSU. Each cohort begins the year with a two-day intensive science communication workshop. During the academic year, fellows take part in six formal training sessions led by university and external experts on a range of career development and leadership topics.
By the end of the year, fellows can deconstruct, define, and communicate their research within the framework of broader global sustainability challenges, drawing on cross-disciplinary and integrative thinking.
Program structure
Science Communication Workshop
A two-day intensive workshop at the start of the year, led by the Alda Center. The workshop covers effective science communication with media and the public, and develops skills for addressing global sustainability challenges in a landscape of increasing digitization and information accessibility. Renowned journalist trainers contribute to the workshop.
Training sessions
Six trainings with experts on topics that change year to year based on the cohort. Topics can include time management, storytelling, science and policy, online media, interviewing techniques, proposal and grant writing, talking science with skeptical audiences, data visualization, working on interdisciplinary teams, and running effective meetings.
Networking and professional development
Fellows take part in networking events with visiting scholars, past fellows, and special guests throughout the year. The program also includes a communication drill with the CSU Provost.
Who can apply
Applicants should be advanced Ph.D. students or early-career postdoctoral fellows at CSU conducting research relevant to sustainability. Strong motivation to develop communication and leadership skills is important.
| The application opens in February with a March deadline for the following academic year.
2026-2027 Diana Wall Sustainability Leadership Fellows
For more information
Contact Laura Shaver, Communications and Events Manager, [email protected]
