About the Program

This partnership between Monash University in Melbourne, Australia and Penn State University in Pennsylvania will provide an opportunity for US students to conduct state-of-the-art field and laboratory research and data analysis and learn about Australian approaches to managing water pollution in a watershed with different hydro-climatic conditions. This effort is supported by the US National Science Foundation ‘International Research Experiences for Students’ program. We aim to recruit approximately 4-5 total undergraduate and graduate students each year from Penn State’s various campuses.

The program will start with a few brief introduction and planning sessions, which will occur in spring semester (and may occur via Zoom if participants are located at different Penn State campuses). It is anticipated that these meetings would be roughly an hour, planned at times that work for participants. These meetings will allow students to meet the mentors, discuss basic concerns and travel preparation, and provide some background on the research plans. There will also be asynchronous training via Canvas during the latter part of the spring semester related to international travel safety, logistics, and Australian culture.

We also anticipate there being at least one day of training in person just prior to travel to Australia. This training will likely occur at Penn State University Park or Penn State Greater Allegheny campus, depending on our final airport departure plans. The core of the program will be an approximately month-long trip to Australia to conduct research and learn about water quality science and management. Dates are still being finalized but we anticipate the main program occurring between late May and late June. After the main part of our program in early summer, students may consider what option is preferred for them- potentially taking a summer session short course, working another job of interest, or there may be opportunities to continue working on research on campus. After the trip to Australia, there will be several post-trip Zoom sessions in late summer and fall semester to conclude the experience. We hope that there will also be opportunities to continue research projects during the fall semester via independent study credits.

Each cohort of students will be trained in general hydrology and water quality field and lab methods as part of this experience, as well as exposed to watershed management practices, and Australian culture. Students will each participate in research. While Monash faculty and staff will lead the research experience in Australia, each student will be co-mentored by faculty at Penn State and Monash. Possible research project foci include nutrient cycling, emerging contaminants, contaminant source tracking, water quality sensor application, and watershed management practices. Students may work on projects dealing with agricultural and/or urban water challenges. For each student participant, travel and housing costs will be covered, and an additional stipend will be provided to cover some costs such as food. Some of the stipend will be disbursed at the start of the program, while the remainder will be allocated towards the completion of the program. Funds will also be available to purchase materials/supplies to support the students’ research projects.

For undergraduates, it is preferred that you will be a rising junior or senior; however we are willing to consider strong candidates from other years. Students should have some background in sciences and/or engineering, with interest in water-related issues and scientific research. Students coming from diverse backgrounds and first generation college students are encouraged to apply. Students must be willing to participate in some field/outdoors-based experiences, and be open to intercultural experiences. Note that we will provide training for these aspects, and more.

Program faculty will direct students in how to obtain any necessary travel approval and documentation. More details are noted in the application.