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Program Description


The Wilkes Dissertation Fellowship supports the dissertation writing phase for Ph.D. candidates whose dissertation projects focus around the broad themes of climate science and climate policy. 

Applicants can apply for 1 or 2 semesters of support to complete a research-based dissertation-required Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree. Funds are intended to support the final semesters of writing and defense of the dissertation. This award is non-renewable. 

Wilkes Dissertation Fellowships are open to applicants from any Ph.D. program as long as the focus of the dissertation project is in the area of  climate science or climate policy. 

A limited number of dissertation fellowships will be awarded for the 2025-2026 academic year and will include these benefits:

  • a $15,000 stipend for each regular academic semester in which they are awarded the fellowship (maximum of $30,000)
  • Wilkes fellows are eligible to participate in the Graduate Student Subsidized Health Insurance Program,
  • and have tuition paid through the Graduate Tuition Benefit Program (TBP).
  • The opportunity to present a research poster and participate in the Wilkes Summit, May 2026 (required) 
  • The opportunity to attend at least 1 Wilkes speaker series event in each semester they receive fellowship funding (required)

Eligibility 

To receive the fellowship, applicants must:

  • Be enrolled in a doctoral degree program at the University of Utah with a research project in the broad areas of climate science and/or climate policy. 
  • Complete all candidacy requirements (including proposal defense of the dissertation) by the first day of classes in the semester they receive the fellowship funds. Students who do not complete their candidacy requirements in time will forfeit their fellowship.
  • Provide a clear and specific plan for completing the dissertation.
  • Demonstrate an intent to pursue a career in the broad field of climate science and/or climate policy;
  • Both domestic and international graduate students are eligible to apply.

Key Dates

  • Application deadline for Fall 2025: February 7, 2025 at 5:00 PM Mountain Standard Time (MST) 
  • Reference Letter deadline: February 21, 2025 at 5:00 PM MST

Applications will not be accepted after the deadlines stated above. Out of fairness to all applicants, we regret that we cannot consider requests for extensions for any applicants or letter writers who are unable to successfully submit their materials by the stated deadlines.

  • Notification of 2025 awards: March 30, 2025

Application Materials

Applicants must fill out the application form via the link below. After submitting the form, students should email all other required materials in PDF format via email to WilkesCenter@utah.edu in order to be considered for the fellowship. Applicants are required to use their University email account. All communication from the Wilkes Center to the applicant will be through the student’s official email. 

The application should be submitted as a single PDF document and attached to the email. Please do not send a link to download your documentation. Please label each PDF with your last name and a description of the document (e.g., Garcia_Application_Packet)

Application Process


Requirements

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Please reach out with any questions to Kyla Welch, at Kyla.Welch@utah.edu.

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