NSF Research Traineeship Program Overview

The EmPOWERment NRT offers PhD students at Ohio State the opportunity to pursue interdisciplinary training in energy-system modeling, data science, energy policy, business, legal, social-behavioral issues, and energy technologies to address the challenges facing a sustainable energy future.

 
As an EmPOWERment trainee, you will be immersed in coursework, research, experiential-learning opportunities, and a student community of like-minded individuals; opportunities designed to introduce you to the unique challenges facing the advancement toward a sustainable energy future. You’ll gain an in-depth knowledge of every facet of the sustainable energy landscape through a unique interdisciplinary experience which combines research, education, and communication training. Working together with faculty, industry mentors, and fellow trainees, EmPOWERment students prepare to become the next generation of innovative leaders in sustainable energy. Students completing a PhD program at Ohio State in any energy-related field can apply to supplement their studies with an EmPOWERment NSF Research Traineeship.
student studying

Competitive Fellowships

Several one-year fellowships that provide full funding for the trainees second year in the program are awarded each year to outstanding EmPOWERment trainees to support their PhD studies and participation in the program.

Apply Now
students in classroom

Coursework

Students will be immersed in coursework that provides a crosscutting, interdisciplinary approach to sustainable energy systems. Students will receive formal recognition on their transcripts after the completion of the curriculum.

View Curriculum
three students sitting at a table working on creating a poster together. They are placing different cut out words and shapes on the poster.

Bootcamp

Upon entering the program, trainees will participate in a two-week intensive bootcamp that will introduce them to a sustainable energy challenge and allow them an opportunity to work in small teams to explore the problem.

Learn More
student presenting research at a poster session

Annual Research Expo

A day-long research exposition held each year in the spring semester that offers trainees an opportunity to present their research during a poster session and competition.

View Opportunity
group of diverse students sitting at SCOPE in Page Hall listening to a speaker

Energy SCOPE

Trainees are expected to participate in bi-monthly gatherings of the Sustainable Energy Student Community of Practice and Engagement (SCOPE).

Join the Community
two men conversing at a table

Mentoring & Advising

Trainees receive comprehensive support and active mentoring throughout their graduate studies. Students also have access to one-on-one advising throughout their participation in the program.

Learn More

EmPOWERment trainees develop graduate-level interdisciplinary-research skills and learn to undertake transformative projects that solve sustainable energy challenges by leveraging the proliferation of ubiquitous sensing and control technologies to advance energy-technology innovation. The program is designed for students to have distinctive experiences and to prepare them to thrive in a variety of career pathways through experiential learning, coaching, and communication-oriented collaborative activities.

Expected Learning Outcomes

EmPOWERment Application

Ready to take the next step in your journey?

Apply Now

EmPOWERment Program Student Info. Session

Interested in learning more? View the full recording of the student info. session to learn more about the program!

View Recording

Additional Opportunities

Benefits to Students

  • Augments graduate education through interdisciplinary training
  • Helps students build their professional network prior to graduation
  • Develops important professional and communication skills 
  • Provides broad interdisciplinary training for future energy careers
  • Program was developed to meet future employer needs
  • Prepares students for both academic and non-academic careers