Engineering Treks
Given the global nature of the supply chain, it is essential that students work effectively with international collaborators and have a grounding in the environmental and social effects of minerals mining. SuReMin emphasizes educational activities that broaden participation in decarbonization technology development, mining sustainability research, and environmental and social data science.
September 2023 Trek
In September 2023, the Center for Engineering Sustainability and Resilience completed its inaugural Global Engineering Trek in Energy Storage & Critical Minerals, sending nine undergraduate students to Chile. As one of the world’s largest lithium and copper producers, Chile is at the heart of global efforts to build green energy generation and storage systems.
The group visited partners at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile and Sustainable Minerals Institute. In addition, they took a trip to the Atacama Desert to visit the SQM Lithium extraction facility, went to El Teniente, a copper mine that is the largest underground mine in the world, and were able to meet with the chief of staff of Chile’s Ministry of Mining to hear presentations on the government policies in mining copper and lithium.
See more photos and read about the 2023 undergraduate trek in the students' own words.
September 2024 Trek
SuReMin will support an additional engineering trek to Chile in September 2024.
International Exchange and Research Support Programs
Northwestern students wishing to pursue longer-term research projects with partner institutions may wish to explore the following support opportunities:
Quad Fellowships
Open to graduate students in the United States and Australia
The Quad Fellowship sponsors exceptional master's and doctoral students to study science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in the United States. The fellowship supports students from the four Quad countries – Australia, India, Japan, and the United States and expands this year to include sponsorship of students from Southeast Asian countries. The fellowship develops a network of science and technology experts committed to advancing innovation and collaboration in the private, public, and academic sectors, in their own nations and among Quad countries. The program builds foundational understanding among Quad Fellows of one another's societies and cultures through programming and networking opportunities with each country's top scientists, technologists, and politicians.
Learn more about the Quad Fellowships Program
Fulbright Chile Science Initiative Award
Open to US students
Graduate students conducting thesis or dissertation research are preferred. However, graduating seniors and recent graduates will be considered with projects proposing audited coursework and a research project. The proposal for which courses to audit must be negotiated with your potential host in Chile, and should generally address methodologies that will be used in your work. Please note that grantees cannot enroll in, nor do they receive credits for any classes audited.
Applications from candidates in science and technology fields are especially welcome. Topics concerning astronomy, earth sciences, engineering, mathematics, biology, geology, food science, forestry, mining, oceanography, aquaculture, energy, biotechnology, physics, environmental sciences, ecology and chemistry are of particular interest.
Learn more about the Fulbright Chile Science Initiative Award
Fulbright Canada Graduate Studies Award
Open to US Students
Fulbright Canada awards offer a unique opportunity for American students to enroll in graduate level programs that explore a wide range of scholarly issues, including important contemporary issues that are relevant to Canada, the United States, and to the relationship between our two countries.
Learn more about the Fulbright Canada Graduate Studies Award
Fulbright/Postgraduate Open Study/Research Scholarship Program, Australia
Open to US Students
The Australian-American Fulbright Commission offers up to five Postgraduate Scholarships to U.S. graduate or PhD students to conduct a period of research in Australia. These awards are available in any field/discipline. Please note that applications proposing enrollment in an Australian postgraduate program (i.e. a Master’s program) are not eligible for this award.
Learn more about the Fulbright/Postgraduate Open Study/Research Scholarship Program in Australia
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