Category: Students

Great Lakes Undergraduate Internship for Summer 2026 in Coastal Resource Management

collage of headshots of IISG's 2023 interns

The Great Lakes Undergraduate Internship program for 2026 offers undergraduate students the opportunity to help address issues affecting coastal communities through social and environmental conservation sciences. Through this program, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant’s (IISG) interns will gain knowledge and skills to support Lake Michigan coastal communities in making more informed decisions about resource management and everyday activities. These paid internships may include research, communication, or outreach activities. Applicants may also have an opportunity to participate in activities (for example, attend a professional conference) in addition to their specific internship duties.

As part of this program, IISG includes required professional development training that takes place, on average, for one hour per week, or approximately eight hours altogether. (One or more of these opportunities may take more than one hour, so in some weeks, no activities will be offered.)

Intern Positions

For 2026, up to eight intern positions are available in six topic areas: aquaculture, aquatic invasive species, green stormwater infrastructure, water resource economics, sustainable communities, and youth education.

Application materials are due by January 12, 2026. Successful applications will be notified of their acceptance by February 27, 2026, 5:00 p.m. ET.

All interns in the IISG program will be paid $17–18 per hour and work 37.5 hours per week for a minimum of eight weeks (June 1–July 24, 2026). Additional weeks may be available at the discretion of each intern’s mentor and are noted in the position description. Occasional work during evenings or weekends may be required. Each intern will be a student employee of Purdue University or the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Eligibility
Undergraduates currently enrolled in any 2- or 4-year accredited U.S. community college, college, or university are eligible.

  • Graduate students are not eligible.
  • Applicants should be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or have an active F-1 visa.
  • Previous IISG interns who have participated in the Summer Student Internship or Community Engaged Internship programs are not eligible.

Expectations

  • Work 37.5 hours for eight weeks.
  • Attend four professional development trainings.
  • Submit a summary of your work and project at the end of employment.
  • Participate in social media takeovers on Instagram.
  • Attend a potential gathering of the intern cohort (encouraged).
  • Attend weekly coffee breaks (encouraged).
  • Attend career panel (encouraged).
  • If working remotely, perform job duties during regular working hours unless otherwise arranged with the supervisor.

All interns are responsible for the cost of housing, plus transportation to and from their workplace.

Application

Applicants should submit their materials via esg.iiseagrant.org to the “2026 Great Lakes Undergraduate Internship” opportunity. Any questions should be
directed to Angela Archer, amcbride@purdue.edu. The following components should be included with your application.

  • Cover letter. Please tell us about yourself, why you’re interested in the overall IISG internship and specifically the projects you’re applying for, how your experiences will benefit this internship, and how this opportunity will help you with your career goals. (1–2 pages)
  • Curriculum vitae or resume detailing your education and work experiences. (2 pages maximum)
  • Copy of unofficial transcript(s).
  • One letter of recommendation on your behalf that can be sent directly to amcbride@purdue.edu or included in your application. Letters from family, friends, or IISG staff members will not be accepted.* (1 page maximum)
  • Ranked preference of the available internship positions. If applying for the aquaculture intern position, please indicate which location is your top preference.
  • Where or how you heard about the Great Lakes Undergraduate Internship program. (This information is used to improve future communications about IISG opportunities to interested students.)

APPLICATION SUBMISSION

SUST Alumni Share Career Experiences & Advice @RU for Campus Sustainability Month 2025

In celebration of Campus Sustainability Month here at Roosevelt and at colleges and universities around the world, the Sustainability Studies Program @RooseveltU and RU Green student environmental organization hosted two Sustainability Career Alumni Panel sessions on Tuesday, Oct. 28th (5-6:15pm), and Thursday, Oct. 30th 12:30-1:45pm) on campus and via Zoom. Each panel discussion featured four SUST alumni sharing info about their current jobs, career pathways since graduation, the impact of their RU education on their job searches and work experiences, and advice for current students and recent grads.

SUST alumni who participated in the 2025 Oct Career Panels at RU

Among the many valuable words of wisdom provided by our alumni panelists, one thing everyone agreed on is the importance of using networking resources liked LinkedIn to make connections, search for career opportunities, post job openings at your company or organization, and build relationships with fellow RU alumni, students, and faculty. If you’re a SUST and/or RU alum, be sure to join the SUST Alumni group as well as that for RU Alumni. Let’s keep those connections going and growing!

Tu 10/28, 5-6:15pm, WB 317 & Zoom — Alumni Panelists

Click here for the Zoom recording of this session

Th 10/30, 12:30-1:45pm, WB 317 & Zoom — Alumni Panelists

Click here for the Zoom recording of this session

  • Margaret Allen, ’19 SUST, Biology minor — Air Quality Specialist, Bay Area Air Quality Management District (San Francisco area CA)
  • Wilmarie Medina-Cortes, ’19 SUST – Associate Director of the Humanities Action Lab, Hunter College (NYC)
  • Tiffany Mucci-Heitman, ’16 SUST, Biology minor — Licensed Massage Therapist & Assistant Manager at The Center for Wellness & Bodywork, and Creative Writer (Joliet/Plainfield IL)
  • MeLissa Tate, ’18 SUST — Executive at Abbott; LEED Green Associate, Sustainability Leader & Manager, & ESG Expert (Chicago)

For more career-related sustainability info, see the Green Jobs and Sustainability Internships pages on Prof. Mike Bryson’s website.

Exploring Careers in Sustainability: Alumni Discussion Panels on Oct 28 & 30 @RooseveltU

The Sustainability Studies Program @RooseveltU and RU Green student environmental organization will host two Sustainability Career Alumni Panel sessions on Tuesday, Oct. 28th (5-6:15pm), and Thursday, Oct. 30th 12:30-1:45pm) on campus in WB 317 and via Zoom. Each panel discussion features SUST alumni sharing info about their current jobs, career pathways since graduation, and the impact of their RU education on their job searches and work experiences. These Campus Sustainability Month events are open to all Roosevelt students, faculty, and staff — SUST majors and other alumni are particularly encouraged to attend.

Each session will feature light refreshments in WB 317 courtesy of RU Green and include informal socializing and networking. Our panelists will each speak briefly about their career tracks and current jobs, after which the audience can ask questions and engage panelists in discussion. Off-campus attendees can listen in and submit questions for the panel via Zoom video-conference (login info below).

Tu 10/28, 5-6:15pm, WB 317 & Zoom — Alumni Panelists

  • Katherine Gage, ’17 Paralegal Studies — Legal & HR Manager, AMS Renewable Energy (White Plains NY)
  • Courtney Hackler, ’16 SUST — Water Hygiene Consultant II, Earthwise: Full Water Solutions (Chgo area)
  • Rachel Kistinger, ’19 SUST, Biology minor – Collections Technician, Field Museum (Chgo) & MS student at DePaul
  • Abby Ramirez, ’21 SUST & Political Science — Data Analytics Manager, Illinois Power Agency (Chgo)
  • Moses Viveros, ’17 SUST, Psychology minor — Exec. Director of Food Access Programs, YMCA of Greater Seattle

Th 10/30, 12:30-1:45pm, WB 317 & Zoom — Alumni Panelists

  • Margaret Allen, ’19 SUST, Biology minor — Air Quality Specialist, Bay Area Air Quality Management District (San Francisco area CA)
  • Wilmarie Medina-Cortes, ’19 SUST – Associate Director of the Humanities Action Lab, Hunter College (NYC)
  • Tiffany Mucci-Heitman, ’16 SUST, Biology minor — Licensed Massage Therapist & Assistant Manager at The Center for Wellness & Bodywork, and Creative Writer (Joliet/Plainfield IL)
  • MeLissa Tate, ’18 SUST — LEED Green Associate, Sustainability Leader & Manager, & ESG Expert (Chicago)

Zoom Info for Exploring Careers in Sustainability Alumni Panel Sessions

RSVP and questions may be sent to Prof. Mike Bryson (mbryson@roosevelt.edu). For more career-related info, see Green Jobs and Sustainability Internships.

Today is McNair Advocacy Day @RooseveltU: Please Lend Your Support!

Flier for McNair Advocacy Day 2025-09-16 @RosoeveltU

To RU students, faculty, and staff: please visit the STEM center on AUD 8th floor today 9/16 from 12:30 to 2:30pm in support of our McNair Scholars Program. Share your experiences in the program — whether as a McNair Scholar, a faculty mentor, or anyone who supports providing research opportunities and mentorship for underrepresented students @RU. As noted by the Council for Opportunity in Education:

On September 16th we are asking McNair staff, students, faculty mentors, alumni, and supporters to contact their U.S. Representative and both U.S. Senators to demand that the Department of Education protect McNair grants and release grant award notifications for 2025–2026 before September 30. McNair provides life-changing research opportunities, mentoring, and graduate-school preparation for students who are first-generation, low-income, or from underrepresented backgrounds. When McNair is weakened or cancelled, students lose access to the supports that lead to doctoral study, academic careers, and the intergenerational mobility our nation needs.

Protect the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program

First, identify your Members of Congress at the online directory linked below. Then use your phone and email to reach out to their district and DC offices — aim for the education aide, legislative director, and district directors. If you can, do this during a break in your day: even a short call and quick follow-up email makes a difference. Your voice is the difference between silence and protection. On September 16, stand with McNair scholars: call, email, recruit five friends, and report your results. Together, we will make clear that McNair’s mission to prepare students for doctoral study and academic careers must be preserved.

 

 

Attend Roosevelt’s Fall 2025 Research & Inquiry Orientation (RIO)

2025 Research & Inquiry Orientation (RIO)

* September 12, 2025 *
9 am – 4 pm

Murray-Green Library
10th Floor, Auditorium Building, Chicago Campus

What is research? How can research help me? What does research look like in my major? How would I get started with research? Who should I contact to get involved in research? I’ve completed one project; what’s next? I’ve just transferred in, but I don’t know where to get started at Roosevelt! What are my peers’ experiences conducting research? Who else can I speak with about my process?

Information for students

Research & Inquiry Orientation day (RIO) welcomes all students across Roosevelt University colleges and departments who have conducted or are interested in research, inquiry, internship and similarly types of projects. Activities are geared for students at all levels–if you’re just learning about research, have just transferred to Roosevelt and/or students who are continuing to learn and build research experience.

  • Learn about research processes and opportunities in workshops led by departments and programs;
  • Connect with students interested in research through peer-to-peer sessions;
  • Share your experience and research work!

Register to attend RIO 2025

Information for faculty & staff
 

This one-day fall event on the Chicago campus aims to foster student interest in research and contribute to the creation of an inclusive research culture at Roosevelt.  We will convene colleges, departments and offices to facilitate 30-60 minute sessions that offer students greater insight into research & inquiry practices across the disciplines.  We hope the sessions will help familiarize students with research topics, resources, early skill-building, and information about opportunities to get involved whether department/discipline-specific or university-wide.  In addition, we will facilitate peer- to peer networking sessions to build conversations among students about research activities.

  • Currently accepting session proposals from faculty & staff. If you or your department would like to participate in this event by hosting a session, moderating a discussion and/or referring students you think may be interested, please fill out our RIO ‘25 session submission form at this link (scroll down the page).

Research & Inquiry Orientation Day is organized by the Office of Student Research, the STEM Center and the McNair Scholars Program. 

Laker Book Bundle Info for Fall 2025

Dear RU Students,

Welcome to a new semester! Here is some important info for you about purchasing textbooks for your Fall 2025 classes.

Laker Book Bundle: the Basics

Last year Roosevelt initiated a program meant to potentially save you money on your textbooks for your classes. The program is called “Laker Book Bundle” and all of you are automatically enrolled.

The way this works is that you will be charged $22.50 per credit hour you are enrolled this semester. For instance, 12 credit hours will cost you $270.00 for the semester.

  • You will receive rental books for all of your enrolled classes through the bookstore and then these must be returned by the last day of finals (which is Sat., December 13, 2025, but I’d go with Friday the 12th just to be safe).
  • If you want to stay in the program, you don’t need to do anything and your account will automatically be charged the designated amount on September 10, 2025.

Do the math for your book costs!

The purpose of this program is to streamline the book renting process and to save you money. For many of you, the Laker Book Bundle will be a good deal and will save you money as intended — some textbooks can be very expensive! However, depending on your class schedule and your textbook requirements, there is a chance that the Laker Book Bundle price could be more than the outright total for your books for the semester.

Two things to consider about cost:

  1. Rent or Buy: Do you want to buy some of your books to keep, or do you want to rent all of your textbooks? Laker Book Bundle is only for rentals, though you have the option of buying your book(s) for an additional charge.
  2. Total Cost: Add up the cost of your required books for the semester and compare against the Laker Book Bundle price. You can find the required textbooks for all of your courses through the University Bookstore website.

Opting out:

If you decide to opt out of the Laker Book Bundle program, you can do so at roosevelt.edu/lakerbookbundle and follow the prompts. Make sure you keep these important deadlines in mind!

  • The deadline to opt out is September 9, 2025
  • If you don’t opt out your account will be charged automatically on September 10, 2025

If you have any questions about this, let me know and I’ll try to track down answers for you! Your best bet, though, is to contact the RU bookstore first.

Today 4/24: RU’s Very First “Trashion Pageant” Sustainable Fashion Show!

Warning! This is NOT your run-of-the-mill recycling event!

Today Th 4.24 from 5-7pm in WB 418 — RU’s First-ever Drag Trash Competition and Show, the “Trashion Pageant”

This will be a historic first at Roosevelt, and if we may say so, long overdue! See the possibilities of “trash” in this one-night Project Runway-style competition. Free food! What’s not to like!? Hosted by the students of RU Green (WB 418). RSVP here on Laker Connect!

Do Environmental Justice Research this Summer in Chicago (and Earn Credit @RooseveltU)

Now until Friday, April 18, 2025 — Applications are open for RU’s new Summer 2025 Community-based Research & Environmental Justice course. RU’s Office of Student Research and Department of Law, Society, & Sustainability will support 8-10 undergrad students in a field-based 3-credit EXL research course with full tuition funding plus a small stipend for travel. That’s a pretty awesome deal for Roosevelt students seeking a gen ed, EXL, or elective class!

This hybrid course, cross-listed as POS / SOC / SUST 262, will meet on selected Fridays (9:30am-1pm) and online from June 6 – Aug 1.  And if students want to take an additional course this summer to accelerate their degree completion, they can do a “two-fer” and earn 6 credits for the cost of 3.

Our community partner this summer is the Southeast Environmental Task Force (SETF), a grassroots organization on Chicago’s Southeast Side that has advocated since the 1980s for both people and nature. SETF’s current sustainability initiatives and environmental activism focus on climate and environmental justice, pollution reduction, clean energy policy, sustainable land use, public health protection, and more.

  • Deadline: Application review begins April 11; final deadline is April 18.
  • Eligibility: Current RU undergraduates in any major; at least 15 credit hours completed at the time of application, including earning a C or better in ENG 102; minimum GPA of 2.0 overall (2.5 preferred).
  • Course Info: 3 credit hours of either POS, SOC, or SUST 262 Environmental Justice; counts as social science and EXL credit for CORE general education requirements as well as a major elective for POS, SOC, & SUST majors.
  • How to Apply: Just go to the OSR website for more info; use this direct link to the application; or scan the QR code to the right.

For more info: email Prof. Mike Bryson (mbryson@roosevelt.edu), Chair of the Dept. of Law, Society, & Sustainability; or Dr. Laura Nussbaum-Barberena (osr@roosevelt.edu), Director of the Office of Student Research