Prospective students

Students are at the forefront of our earth and environmental science research in both field and lab.

INSTAAR grad students on a retreat
photo by Ethan Welty

Grads and undergrads, see more info:

Grad application assistance program (GAAP) >
INSTAAR grad student scholarships >
Undergrad opportunities >
INSTAAR logo

The Institute of Arctic and Alpine ResearchÌýis an interdisciplinary scientific research institute dedicated to understanding change in earth systems.

Researchers from many departments and programs come together in one unit to study the challenging environmental issues that confront our world and to share their expertise in biogeochemistry, climate, ecology, environmental microbiology, geochemistry, geochronology, geology, geophysics, hydrology, oceanography, paleoenvironment, and surface processes. INSTAAR has an international reputation for leadership in far-reaching projects, environmental monitoring, precision data sets, integrative modeling, and long-term relationships with place and people; all of which deeply involve students.

Our researchÌýÌýÌýMore about INSTAARÌý

Students are the heart of INSTAAR

Students lead and participate in research projects and are an integral part of the institute. For students with interests in earth and environmental science, INSTAAR provides a unique opportunity for integrative training, mentorship, research experience in the field and lab, and access to a wide variety of analytical and computational facilities beyond those of their home academic departments.

INSTAAR faculty involve both graduate and undergraduate students in their research. Graduate students are often employed as research assistants on grant-funded projects and conduct their own degree research. Undergrads conduct thesis research, work as lab assistants, and participate in other ways in the research community.

How to apply

Explore your options

Survey the INSTAAR lab and research groups for topics and approaches that fit your interests.

Get in touch with us

Prospective students are encouraged to contact:

  • INSTAAR faculty working in their areas of interest. If you are aÌýprospective grad student, they can tell you before you apply to CU if they are accepting new students, and help answer your questions about departments as well as INSTAAR. If you are an undergrad, they can let you know about their research opportunities and possible employment.
  • Graduate students already working with those faculty members can be helpful too.

Email general INSTAAR-related student questions to instaar@colorado.edu.

Choose a partner department

Students conduct their research at INSTAAR, but INSTAAR is not a degree-granting department. Grad students should register for a degree program in one of the ¾«Æ·SMÔÚÏßӰƬ departments associated with INSTAAR: , , , , , Geological Sciences, or . Some students choose to participate in interdepartmental programs like Hydrological Sciences or the as well.

Many INSTAAR faculty members also have a full-time appointment in a department. It is not required that a student be in the same department as the INSTAAR faculty member supervising their research, but it does make parts of the process, like choosing an advisor and assembling a thesis committee, more straightforward.

INSTAAR Graduate Application Assistance Program (GAAP)

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Would you like a hand figuring out the grad school application process and getting insight into INSTAAR and the various departments?

GAAP is a free program, created and run by current INSTAAR grad students. We're here to help prospective grad students move through the graduate application process. The GAAP web pages have all kinds of application resources, including a sign-up link for our mentorship and application support program (sign-ups are open from September to early November). All are welcome; and we especially encourage applicants from under-represented and non-traditional academic backgrounds to use these resources.

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INSTAAR grad student scholarships

INSTAAR provides special funding opportunities that help support INSTAAR graduate students either annually or during summer research. Those from backgrounds underrepresented in their fields of study are especially encouraged to apply.

Sarah Crump Summer Grad Fellowship

Provides a ~50% GRA salary for the three summer months to a ¾«Æ·SMÔÚÏßӰƬÌýgrad student working in the Arctic, Antarctic, or alpine. The application deadline is typically in February.

Martha & John Andrews Grad Scholarship

Provides TBA support to an INSTAAR grad student doing climate-related research. The application deadline is TBA, but will likely open for the first time in January 2026.

INSTAAR Summer Grad Scholarship

Provides a ~50% GRA stipend for the three summer months for severalÌýINSTAAR grad students. The application deadline is typically in March.

George Aiken Grad Fellowship

Provides up to $3,000 of support for a year to ¾«Æ·SMÔÚÏßӰƬ grad students doing collaborative water-related research. The application deadline is typically in December.

Undergrad opportunities

Do you want to assist with funded research projects and/or conduct your own thesis research and independent study?

For undergrad students with interests in earth and environmental science, INSTAAR provides a unique opportunity for interdisciplinary training, research experience in the field and lab, and access to a wide variety of analytical and computational facilities beyond those of their home academic departments.

Find opportunities

Questions?

Email general INSTAAR-related student questions to instaar@colorado.edu.