Conduct Research in Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is a “Crown Jewel” of the National Park System with a reputation for innovation in research and interpretive programs. Each year the Rocky Mountain Conservancy and Rocky Mountain National Park co-sponsor a research fellowship opportunity for one graduate level student to spend three to four months conducting research in Rocky Mountain National Park.
The Rocky Mountain Research Fellowship is an endowed program of the Rocky Mountain Conservancy that is funded by the Leslie Fidel Bailey Charitable Trust. It is designed to encourage highly qualified graduate students to apply their talents to conducting research in the national parks.
Application deadline: February 1, annually
About the Fellowship
The RMNP Research Fellowship is an endowed program of the Rocky Mountain Conservancy that is funded by the Leslie Fidel Bailey Charitable Trust. It is designed to encourage highly qualified graduate students to apply their talents to conducting research in the national parks. It is also intended to convey the importance of communicating park research to the public. One fellowship is awarded annually.
This fellowship opportunity invites a broad range of research proposals to be reviewed and conducted in Rocky Mountain National Park, including wildlife management, vegetation and riparian studies, fire ecology, cultural sciences, archeology and historic structures preservation, as well as other topics in botany, zoology, geology, history, ecology and ornithology.
The graduate student awarded the Research Fellowship will work with Rocky Mountain National Park staff for a period of three to four months. Applicants must submit a preliminary research proposal and the chosen fellow will be expected to convey research finding to the general public as well as to professional audiences.
Qualifications for Fellows
- Education. . Participant must be currently enrolled in, or in the process of graduating from, a graduate level program at an accredited college or university.
- Research. Participant must show proven excellence in scholarship and research, or training in the fields of natural and/or cultural resources.
- Future plans. The applicant’s goals should include an interest in a career with national or state parks in interpretation, natural or cultural resources, resource management, or environmental education.
- Communication. Participant should exhibit the ability to communicate effectively to both general and public audiences.
- Attitude. Participant should exhibit a willingness to contribute to the purposes of the Rocky Mountain Research Fellowship Program and assist the National Park Service by sharing knowledge, skill, and enthusiasm.
Housing and Living Expense Stipend
Housing is provided in addition to a living expense reimbursement stipend of $12,000. Participants can additionally qualify for up to $3,000 for expenses related to fulfilling research and program requirements.