CEFS Graduate Fellows Program at N.C. A&T

<– Return to Main Graduate Fellows page

Program Summary

The Center for Environmental Farming Systems N.C. A&T Graduate Fellows Program was developed to provide financial support and recognition for the future leaders, researchers and contributors in sustainable agriculture and local food systems while they pursue academic research to further the field of study.

CEFS is one of the nation’s most important centers for research, extension, and education in sustainable agriculture and community-based food systems. It is recognized as a national and international leader in the local foods movement, and is celebrated for its work in building consensus around policies, programs and actions that facilitate a vibrant local food economy.

Research Assistantship

  • A Master’s Student will be eligible for $18 per hour, 20 hours per week, during regular semester and summer period.
  • A Doctoral student will be eligible for $25 per hour, 20 hours per week, during regular semester and summer period.

Fellowship Requirements

If selected as a CEFS N.C. A&T Graduate Fellow, you will be expected to complete the following activities:

  • Present your work/poster at one regularly scheduled meeting of the CEFS Board of Advisors. (The CEFS Board of Advisors generally meets 3 times a year). Students are also encouraged to present their posters at the N.C. A&T Student Research Symposium.
  • Present your research poster at one regularly scheduled All-CEFS Meeting.  These meetings are generally held in February and September each year and are a convening of all of the CEFS-affiliated faculty/staff performing the work  (academic, research, extension) of CEFS.
  • Coordinate/participate in one education or extension experience.
  • Participate in one educational program or event with CEFS Interns and/or Apprentices.
  • *Participate in one trip, coordinated by CEFS, to Washington D.C. (Typically held in odd years). The intent is to expose and immerse the fellows to Sustainable Agriculture at the policy/federal level (such as: tour of NIFA, Meet with FFAR, SARE, Union of Concerned Scientists, attend lobbying event, etc.).
  • Complete a research thesis (MS) or dissertation (PhD) during the study period.

Evaluation & Selection

All applications will be evaluated based on N.C. A&T graduate college guidelines, academic achievement, skills, faculty recommendation, and previous experience.

As part of our commitment to inclusivity and diversity at the Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) we strive to design educational experiences and events that are accessible to all applicants and participants. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, CEFS will honor requests for reasonable accommodations made by individuals with disabilities. If you experience or anticipate experiencing any barriers to learning or participating in any of our programs please contact Dr. Angel Cruz at aecruz@ncsu.edu to confidentially discuss accommodations.