Professor Chloe Ahmann (Department of Anthropology, Milstein Faculty Fellow 2025-27) is seeking an undergraduate researcher to help develop a spring class called “Environmental Justice Studio.” Environmental Justice Studio is an engaged learning course that enrolls students in the work of producing multimedia resources for environmental justice organizers. Each iteration of the course supports a different struggle: last year, students collaborated with Baltimore-based advocates to shed light on the histories behind the city’s discriminatory siting of waste infrastructure and its uneven health impacts; next year, students will serve groups in Central New York working to resist the siting of data centers in their communities.
Taught in collaboration with Dr. Amiel Bize (Department of Anthropology), the Spring 2027 course seeks to link together different organizations engaged in anti-data center work, with the goal of helping to disseminate their experiences and lessons learned, share strategies, and develop early warning tools. Students enrolled in this course will gain experience with documentary and ethnographic research methods, learn how to conduct time-sensitive research responsive to community needs, and produce digital humanities resources of immediate use in the fight for environmental justice.
The recipient of the Summer Stipend—a $7,000 award disbursed in two $3,500 lump sums for summer 2026—will work closely with Drs. Ahmann and Bize to conduct preparatory research around key project themes, coordinate with organizers to identify and digitize relevant materials, research platforms and potential media support for the Spring 2027 term, and help prepare the infrastructure for a successful course. The ideal candidate will be based in Ithaca.
Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to chloeahmann@cornell.edu and abm252@cornell.edu. Please note any relevant course work, paid work, volunteer, or organizing experience on one or the other.
Note: this stipend is available to current sophomores and juniors.
Stipend amount: $7,000
Stipend timeframe: Eight weeks between June 1–August 21, 2026 at 40 hours/week; exact dates negotiable.
Deadline: March 16
FAQs
What if I have an internship (a separate opportunity from this proposed project)? If you have an internship, you are ineligible. The Environmental Justice Studio Research Stipend implies full time research work for the timeframe of the stipend (June 1-July 31).
How is the funding disbursed? If you receive a stipend, you will receive an award letter with more details. Students will be set up in the College's vendor system, PaymentWorks, and will receive the stipend in two lump sums (one at the beginning and one at the midpoint) via direct deposit.
Is the summer stipend taxable income? Cornell does not withhold taxes on fellowship support for U.S. citizens or resident aliens, even though this fellowship support constitutes taxable income to the recipient. The recipient is responsible to claim the monies. Cornell is required to withhold 14% of grant, scholarship, or fellowship aid in excess of qualified tuition and fees for international students, researchers, or grantees who are temporarily present in the United States with an “F,” “J,” “M,” or “Q” visa unless eligible for an exemption or lower tax rate under a current tax treaty. If you have specific questions about taxes, please contact the Cornell University Tax office.