Summer Institute
The National Water Center Innovators Program Summer Institute is a seven-week experiential learning program that brings graduate students together with academic researchers, other professionals, and National Water Center staff. Since the first Summer Institute in 2015, more than 180 students have participated in the program, which continues to play an important role in advancing the National Water Model and water prediction in the United States.
About the Summer Institute
The Summer Institute is a partnership between CUAHSI and NOAA that aims to engage the academic community in research to advance the mission of the National Water Center. Summer Institute participants work on projects related to water prediction and flood forecasting. Students work in small teams and are mentored by university faculty and other professionals. Student applications are accepted in the fall of each year.
Although there may be some overlap between a Summer Institute project and an individual student's academic research, Summer Institute projects generally are self-contained. The Summer Institute culminates in a capstone presentation and a final project report. Most project teams have published their work in a scientific journal after the completion of the program.
The 2023 Summer Institute explored projects related to the following themes:
- Hydro-Data Science for NextGen
- Urban Flooding Under Climate Change
- Real-Time Urban Flooding Awareness
- Flood Inundation Modeling
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Learn More
- Watch the Next-Gen Framework and Summer Institute Program Overview with the National Water Center.
- Watch the 2021 NWC Innovators Program Summer Institute Informational Webinar.
- Learn more about the National Water model from Trey Flowers, Director of the Analysis and Prediction Division, NOAA/NWC/OWP.
- View the Technical Reports highlighting student projects from the previous Summer Institutes:
Program Timeline
- Application period: November-January;
- Fellows notified of acceptance: March;
- Informational webinars: April-May;
- Program dates: June to July.
Eligibility
- M.S. and Ph.D. students enrolled in U.S. universities are eligible to apply to the Summer Institute.
- All participants must be fully vaccinated (as defined by the CDC) against COVID-19 and will be asked to show proof of vaccination at the start of the program.
- Students selected to participate are expected to stay onsite in Tuscaloosa Alabama for the program. All students will be provided dorm-style lodging at the University of Alabama with individual bedrooms and a shared living suite. We may be able to accommodate special housing requests as appropriate. Reach out to email hidden; JavaScript is required.
- Students should also expect to provide their own laptop computer, or work with organizers to accept a loaner if necessary.
Award
Those selected to participate in the Summer Institute will receive:
- Reimbursement of travel expenses to and from Tuscaloosa. Travel advances may be provided as needed.
- A meal stipend while attending the program.
- Accommodations to reside in University of Alabama housing for the entirety of the program. (See above for more information)
- A $2,500 Honoraria.
CUAHSI will support travel expenses for student's advisors from their home institution to attend the Capstone event at the end of the Summer Institute.
How to Apply
Application Requirements:
- Application Form
- Statement of Interest
- Transcript
- Letter of Endorsement from the applicant's academic Advisor
- CV
Student applications will be evaluated based on student background, knowledge, training, and experience, including work in a collaborative environment. The ideal participant will be committed to advancing water prediction in the U.S., collaborative, curious, and a rapid learner.
Student applications for the 2023 Summer Institute have closed.
