Pathbreaker Program

Berkeley Lab - CSU East Bay Master Student Research Program

AWARD, ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS, AND APPLICATION PROCESS


Award:

  • Students qualifying for this program will receive scholarships during the academic year and summer. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in a research project half-time during the academic year and full-time during the summer.

  • Conference travel will also be supported up to a maximum of $3,000 per student.

  • Financial support for the Student's Faculty Advisor to be used for faculty release time and/or additional compensation

Berkeley Lab Provides:

  • The funding to support this program.

  • A unique experience to work at one of the world's leading scientific laboratories;

  • Opportunity to work as a team member on a cutting-edge Earth and Environmental Sciences project and meet peers who have a similar passion for science;

  • Laboratory scientist who will work with CSUEB faculty advisor to provide joint oversight of the project;

  • Access to appropriate research facilities, data sets, or other resources required to complete the proposed research;

  • Professional development and enrichment opportunities and career networking;

  • Unique experience to learn about the Berkeley Lab’s research mission and facilities, participate in seminars, lectures, and other research training activities.

Rocky Fernandez, District Director for Senator Bob Wieckowski (Fremont), and Deborah Cox, Field Representative for Assemblymember Bill Quirk (Hayward) and Vice Mayor, San Leandro, joined interns (middle) from Cal State University East Bay for a celebration of the 2018 launch of an internship pilot program that is also designed to initiate collaborations between CSEUB and LBNL faculty, particularly on topics important for the State of California. Photos by Marilyn Chung/Berkeley Lab

Requirements:

  • At the time of the application, applicants must be a full-time CSUEB graduate student or an undergraduate senior with plans to start a Masters in the College of Science in Fall 2021.

  • Students must be in good academic standing, and intend to register for special registration units (research, thesis or independent study).

  • The applicant's topic must be focused on Earth and Environmental Sciences; however all science and engineering majors are welcome to apply so long as their research topic aligns with earth and environmental sciences.

  • The Applicant’s faculty advisor must commit to provide collaborative supervision to the applicant together with the Berkeley Lab mentor.

  • Underrepresented minorities are especially encouraged to apply.

  • Students will have the opportunity to present a seminar and to provide a brief summary report about their work at the end of the program.

Procedures for Application - Deadline extended Friday May 14, 2021!

Applicants are encouraged to first work with their selected faculty advisor to identify and initiate discussion with the proposed national lab mentor prior to preparing and submitting their application. A list of first steps to take in the application process is provided here.

The applicant must submit a completed application package which contains the following components:

  1. A description of the research plans and activities to be conducted during the 1-year program. The proposal will be reviewed for compliance with program requirements, eligibility, appropriateness of the research project for the National Labs, and concurrence of proposed Berkeley Lab mentor and CSUEB faculty about potential for success. No feedback or comments will be provided on the submitted proposal. The Plan must:

      • describe the objective and methods, as well as the expertise, facilities, data or other Berkeley Lab resources that will be used to complete the project;

      • demonstrate the feasibility of completing project objectives within the specified timeframe;

      • not exceed 3 pages (minimum 12 pt font with 1" margins), including figures or tables as needed.

  2. It is necessary that the applicant, applicant’s academic advisor, and proposed national lab mentor discuss the proposed research prior to submission of this application. The applicant's academic advisor and proposed Berkeley Lab mentor will be contacted to provide concurrence and approval of the proposed research.

  3. The following documents:

      • A 1-page reference letter from your selected faculty advisor. The letter should include an assessment of the applicant and comment on the significance of the applicant's research;

      • Brief commitment statement from the identified Berkeley Lab mentor;

      • Applicant's academic transcript from CSUEB (unofficial transcripts are acceptable); and

      • Applicant's curriculum vitae (max. 3 pages)

Evaluation and awards:

A committee of Berkeley Lab scientists chaired by Dr. Susan Hubbard, Associate Laboratory Director for the Earth and Environmental Sciences Area, will select a total of three finalists based on stated criteria.

TIMELINE:

  • Fri May 14, 2021 (deadline extended) - Applications Due

  • Tue Jun 1, 2021 (notification date extended) - Awards Announced

  • Aug 1, 2021 - Program begins

  • July/August 2022 - Students present a seminar and submit summary reports

Questions?