The Advanced Studies Institute is a 13-day intensive field course in India offering 10 Native American graduate students multidisciplinary research and learning opportunities in natural resource conservation sciences through a cultural exchange. Travel is planned for December 28, 2022 - January 12, 2023. The program is fully funded, including all expenses for travel, lodging, food, and a $1,000 stipend. Passport fees are not covered.  

Courses address complex challenges in biodiversity conservation, with a focus on how history, politics, and culture shape conservation practices, as well as how Indigenous and community knowledge is and is not integrated into land management practice. Research themes are grounded in social-ecological systems thinking, with dual emphasis on social and biophysical sciences, and include Indigenous and community land rights, traditional Indigenous livelihood practices, participatory resource management, and colonial legacies in conservation practice and land management.    

Students will explore these themes through field experiences in northern India. In addition to field-based learning, a core element of the program is cultural exchange with 10 graduate student peers from India. Each student will be expected to prepare a talk to share in the first couple of program days on a theme of expertise or interest, designed to establish a foundation of mutual understanding before exploring complex themes.  

The ASI offers a multicultural, dynamic learning experience designed to train students to conduct multidisciplinary research in an international context, build a network of young professionals who will be at the forefront of natural resource conservation, and generate synergies for potential future projects or research. Mandatory bimonthly pre-departure meetings will be held beginning in October to prepare for the experience. 

This program is sponsored by the National Science Foundation’s International Research Experiences for Students program and is implemented through a collaboration between the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation, the College of Humanities and Sciences, the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Center, and the Global Engagement Office. 

Eligibility criteria:

• Graduate-level student in related field of study (natural, physical or social sciences) 
• Identifies as Native American  
• Resident of Montana or another EPSCoR state