Center for Native Peoples and the Environment
Frequently Asked Questions

Citizenship and Residency Requirements
Applications will be reviewed for all U.S. citizens and permanent residents admitted to a residential master's or PhD program at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (a SIGP graduate university). Individuals recognized under the Jay Treaty of 1794 are also eligible.

Academic Program Eligibility
The following sections describe eligible degree programs and fields of study. Students must be pursuing an M.S. or Ph.D. in an eligible program to qualify for SIGP scholarships.

Core STEM Fields:
Programs leading to an M.S. or Ph.D. in the following broad field categories are eligible: Agricultural sciences; Computer and information sciences; Economics, including Agricultural Economics; Engineering; Life sciences; Mathematics and statistics; Natural resources and environmental sciences; Physical sciences; Technology

Non-Traditional STEM Programs Focused on Traditional Ecological Knowledge:
We recognize that rigorous programs focused on traditional ecological knowledge are often housed in departments not traditionally classified as STEM—such as geography, Indigenous studies, or environmental studies—not because they lack scientific content, but because of how universities have historically organized themselves. A student in an Indigenous studies program doing community-based research on traditional fire management practices on tribal lands, for example, may receive training more relevant to Indigenous community priorities than a conventional program in a STEM department.

To better serve the interests of both students and the Indigenous communities whose concerns shape this work, students in programs not traditionally classified as STEM may be eligible if their program has an established focus on traditional ecological knowledge and includes:

• Coursework in relevant STEM fields (such as ecology, biology, environmental science, or natural resources)
• STEM faculty participation on the student's thesis or dissertation committee
• Research methods that include ecological, biological, or environmental science components

Interdisciplinary Research Approaches:
Research serving Indigenous communities often requires crossing conventional disciplinary boundaries. Programs combining STEM fields (such as the physical sciences, biology, ecology, environmental science, or natural resources) with social science methods (such as interviews with knowledge holders, community-based participatory research, or ethnographic approaches) are eligible when STEM components remain central to the student's training and research. 

STEM Education Research:
Students in STEM departments or colleges who study STEM education as a research focus (e.g., Engineering Education programs housed in engineering colleges) are eligible.

Categorically Ineligible Fields:
The following fields are ineligible regardless of degree type or research focus: Architecture; Business; Counseling; Dentistry; Law; Medicine; Psychology/psychological sciences; Social work; Programs housed in colleges or schools of education

Please reach out to us at cnpeinfo@esf.edu with additional questions. 

The Sloan Indigenous Graduate Partnership (SIGP) is a consortium of higher education institutions that seek to transform graduate STEM education in ways that: 1) support the inclusion of Indigenous perspectives, knowledge, values, and experiences in scientific research, teaching, and community engagement; 2) allow scholars to address issues relevant to Indigenous communities; 3) encourage and prepare talented students who have such interests and expertise to pursue STEM graduate education and careers; and 4) foster strong community engagement on and across individual SIGP campuses.

The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation provides scholarships that supplement the assistantships or fellowships received by Sloan Scholars from their respective programs. In addition, students become part of a community of SIGP scholars and mentors at their home institution, as well as the national SIGP program and the broader Sloan Scholars Network. Through these offerings, scholars have access to mentorship beyond their research programs, opportunities for professional development, paid conference travel, an invitation to a bi-annual SIGP symposium, and a robust alum network upon graduation.

Please reach out to us at cnpeinfo@esf.edu with additional questions. 

SIGP scholars must be enrolled in an approved STEM field program. All STEM-focused MS, MPS, MF and PhD degrees at SUNY ESF meet this requirement. Additionally, SIGP scholars must submit spending and academic reports, demonstrating adequate academic progress towards a timely degree completion. At SUNY ESF, SIGP scholars are expected to attend a weekly seminar offering academic and professional development as well as an annual retreat. 

To become an SIGP scholar, first reach out to us at to cnpeinfo@esf.edu so we can also discuss your eligibility and specific areas of interest. We will then help connect you to graduate advisors who may be a good match for you.

Once you have found 1-2 graduate advisors who you would like to work with and who have agreed to work with you, you can apply to the SUNY ESF Graduate School. On the SUNY ESF grad school application, please indicate your interest in the SIGP program. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Your application fee and GRE requirement will be waived.

If you are accepted into the SUNY ESF graduate program, you will then be asked to (1) meet with Neil Patterson, CNPE Executive Director, to discuss your eligibility for this program and (2) write a personal statement on how this fellowship will support your professional development.

SUNY ESF accepts applications for both fall and spring semester matriculation. The official SUNY ESF deadline for fall semester applications is January 15, and November 1 for spring semester applicants. The deadline for the SIGP is more flexible. However, given the limited number of seats available each year, we encourage potential applicants to reach out to the CNPE in advance of submitting their completed applications, and at their earliest convenience.

Pursue faculty webpages whose research interests align with yours. Check out the full faculty directory or search faculty within each department. You can also check out the faculty associated with each graduate program and study area.

Once you have found 2-3 faculty you are interested in, write a brief introductory email! Remember to use a formal style (addressing the professor as "Dr. X."). In this email, include your academic background, the name of the program you're interested in, any prior research or relevant professional experience, and a sentence or two about why you think Dr. X would be a good fit as your advisor. Then, ask if Dr. X is accepting new advisees and mention your interest in the Sloan Indigenous Graduate Partnership.

If you don't receive a response within 1-2 weeks, it is appropriate to send a follow-up email expressing your interest once again. If you don't receive a response to this 2nd email, consider reaching out to other prospective MPs.

Once you have received a positive response from a potential MP, you can set up a time to talk on the phone or Zoom.

Choosing an advisor who you work well with and has similar research interests to you is key to success in graduate school. When meeting with a potential advisor, be sure ask about their advising style, expectations of graduate students, and available research projects.

Also, it is important to ask to speak with your potential advisor’s current and/or former students. Ask the students about their experience working with the faculty member—the good and the bad!

From these conversations, reflect on if you could work well with this faculty member and if your research interests align. While it is possible to change advisors later on, this process can be time-consuming and stressful. It's definitely better to invest time and energy upfront to find someone you will work well with.

Once you have decided on a potential MP who seems like the best fit, you should communicate that preference explicitly and ask if it’s ok that you list this person as your first choice MP in your graduate application.