University of Delaware - Offshore Wind Policy Graduate Student
Center for Carbon-free Power Integration
College of Marine and Earth Studies
University of Delaware
A research assistantship is available at the University of
Delaware’s College of Marine and Earth Studies (CMES) for
a qualified student-applicant interested in policy-focused
research related to offshore wind power. The project is
directed by two CMES faculty members: Jeremy Firestone &
Willett Kempton. The DE-NOAA Sea Grant funded research
project will examine the extent to which (and if so, why)
public opinion regarding offshore wind power has changed
over time in Delaware and Cape Cod, Massachusetts (see www.ocean.udel.edu/windpower).
Motivated individuals with experience; education in policy, science and/or economic disciplines;
and a strong interest in interdisciplinary research are encouraged to apply for admission to
CMES’s Marine Policy program (http://www.ocean.udel.edu/prospective/admissions.shtml). A
background in energy as well as statistics and/or survey research is desirable. Fellowship funds
include a tuition waiver and stipend for a minimum of one year. Twelve-month stipends are
approximately $23,000 for Ph.D. students and slightly less for master’s students. A Ph.D. student
is preferred but strong master’s applicants will be considered. Depending on individual need and
circumstances, project status, and summer internship opportunities with the wind industry and
wind regulators, a nine-month stipend may be negotiated.
The student will join our multi-college, interdisciplinary research program (the
Center for Carbon-free Power Integration (www.carbonfree.udel.edu)) that considers
utility-scale, carbon-free geophysical resources such as wind and ocean currents;
evaluates technical methods to convert, transmit and store that power; and conducts
analyses to integrate those sources into policy and planning processes.
The CMES Marine Policy Program prepares students for successful careers in
government, nongovernmental organizations, and the private sector. Ongoing
research in the Marine Policy Program addresses various aspects of marine affairs,
including: international marine law and policy; maritime transportation;
environmental and natural resource economics, management of the U.S. exclusive
economic zone (including the development of offshore wind power) and coastal zone
management. Students who work with us typically take courses in international environmental
policy, climate change policy, conservation and renewable energy policy, ocean and coastal law,
and in the science, engineering and policy aspects of offshore wind power, among others.
We are presently considering prospective Ph.D. and master’s students for admission to the Spring
2009 (February) and Fall 2009 terms. Fall 2009 applications must be received NO LATER
THAN March 1, 2009 to be considered for this funding, but early application submittal is
recommended. For more information about the Marine Policy Program, see our website at
http://www.ocean.udel.edu/academics/departments/policy/index.shtml or contact Professor
Jeremy Firestone, College of Marine and Earth Studies, Robinson Hall, University of Delaware,
Newark, DE 19716, tel: (302) 831-0228, email: jf@udel.edu.
