FAST@SDSTATE
Future Agriculture and Science Workforce
Research and Extension Experiences for Undergraduates
The National Institute of Food and Agriculture-funded Future Agriculture and Science Workforce-Research and Extension Experiences for Undergraduates fellowship program will provide both Native American and economically challenged students with research and educational experiences for two summers. During the first summer, students will receive research experiences at ֱapp to develop a strategy for increasing competitiveness for graduate school or careers in food, agriculture, natural resources and human sciences industries or teaching agriculture or science in schools. Over the subsequent second summer, they will participate in a career-oriented internship at a place of their choices. This project aligns with ֱapp’s Wokini (“New Beginnings”) Initiative through opportunities to enhance research and outreach collaborations with tribes and tribal colleges. Project outcomes will address critical needs of the future STEM workforce challenges in food, agriculture, natural resources and human sciences areas with the emphasis on gaining 21st century skills.
Program Applications: Closed.
- U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals or permanent residents
- American Indian students or students from an economically challenged background
- Current college student pursuing an undergraduate degree in any life science majors or one of the food, agriculture, natural resources and human sciences areas
- Each student will receive $6,000 traineeship stipend for the first summer.
- Housing will be made available at South Dakota State University.
- Additional $6,000 will be provided in the second summer in lieu of industry (or academic) internship.
Faculty Collaborators/Mentors
- Madhav Nepal (program director)
- Rebecca Bott-Knutson (co-program director)
- Srinivas Janaswamy (co-program director)
- Febina Mathew (co-program director)
- Troy White (co-program director)
This project is funded by U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Education Literacy Initiative (Award No. 2018-67032-27712).
