Application Process

We accept applications from any current or prospective students to a PhD program at Ohio State University.

Any student with an interest in sustainable energy pursing a PhD in a STEM field at Ohio State may apply.  Prospective PhD students must apply and be admitted by a PhD program to participate in EmPOWERment. The program is designed to supplement a student's PhD studies and is not a standalone PhD program.  EmPOWERment trainees will participate in additional training elements beyond the normal requirements of their degree program. These elements are designed to enrich the graduate experience without extending time to graduation.

EmPOWERment is accepting applications for the 2024-2025 academic year beginning September 10, 2023.

EmPOWERment encourages and supports the participation of underrepresented minorities and women. 

Please note: Participation in and completion of the EmPOWERment bootcamp is required for students in their first year of the program. If a student cannot participate they must defer their program participation and any fellowship award by one year. The EmPOWERment Bootcamp will be held in-person on The Ohio State campus August 5 - 16, 2024. 

Fellowship Information

PhD students who are accepted into EmPOWERment will also be considered for a highly prestigious and competitive one-year fellowship opportunity funded by National Science Foundation that provides full funding to support the trainee's PhD studies and participation in the program.  Fellowship recipients will receive the award during their second year of participation in the program. A limited number of fellowships are offered to trainees per year. Admitted trainees who are not awarded a fellowship but demonstrate exceptional qualities and active participation in EmPOWERment may reapply to be considered for a fellowship in subsequent years.

Fellowship nominations are made by the graduate studies chair or a potential faculty advisor within the applicants current or proposed PhD program of study. 

For prospective students: If you wish to be considered for a fellowship please indicate this on your EmPOWERment application and provide a current/potential faculty advisor(s), if one has been identified. EmPOWERment will coordinate fellowship nominations directly with the program of study identified on the student's application.

For current students: If you wish to be considered for a fellowship, please provide a letter of recommendation from your faculty advisor when completing your EmPOWERment application that demonstrates your academic merits and their support of your involvement in the program.

^{*STEM is defined broadly by NSF and includes, but is not limited to the disciplines outlined in this list which is provided by Big-Ten Academic Alliance. Colleges that are participating in EmPOWERment include: College of Arts and Sciences, College of Engineering, College of Food, Agriculture, and Environmental Sciences, Fisher College of Business, Glenn College of Public Affairs, Moritz College of Law, and College of Education and Human Ecology. Thus, students from a broad range of fields are eligible for EmPOWERment. Contact the Program Coordinator with questions about eligibility.}