KWI Water Fellows
Graduate Water Fellows
Beginning in July 2026, the Kansas Water Institute will provide up to $10,000 in matching support to a department hosting a graduate student whose work aligns with KWI priorities. For students who already have a faculty PI/advisor, they are welcome to submit a request to KWI for that support.
For more information, please contact KWI.
Undergraduate Water Fellows
The KWI Undergraduate Research Fellows Program is a two-semester program that supports K-State Students who are conducting a water-related research project with a K-State faculty member during Fall 2025 and Spring 2026.
The KWI Water Fellows Program is designed to students with their undergraduate research experiences. Participating students qualify for a $1,000 per semester Duane and Terry Townley Family Scholarship.
Program Overview
The K-State Kansas Water Institute (KWI) Undergraduate Research Fellows Program (KWI Water Fellows Program) is a two-semester program that supports K-State students who are conducting a water-related research project with a K-State faculty member during Fall 2026 and Spring 2027.
The KWI Water Fellows Program is designed to support students who are early on in their undergraduate research experiences. Participating students qualify for a $1,000 per semester scholarship (Duane and Terry Townley Family Scholarship). Applications for the KWI Water Fellows Program will be accepted in Spring 2025.
- A minimum 2.5 GPA from K-State
- Must have a current water-related research project with a K-State faculty
- Junior or Senior with an expected graduation date of Spring 2027 or later
- No citizenship requirement – International students are welcome to apply
Note: Students who receive a research stipend from a laboratory or group or those who will receive scholarship support during Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 may be ineligible for the additional $1,000 of scholarship money offered by the KWI Water Fellows Program. Students are encouraged to verify the conditions of their employment and/or financial aid when applying for this program.
Maintain full-time student status (enrolled in 12 credit hours minimum) during Fall 2026 and Spring 2027. KWI Water Fellows will conduct their proposed research projects with faculty mentors during these semesters.
Participate in one undergraduate research fellow engagement activity each semester. These engagement experiences are hosted by KWI and offer opportunities to network with other students and faculty, expand research skills, explore internship and other professional development opportunities, and develop communication portfolios around your research.
Present your research to the scientific community
Students can choose from the following:
1) Present your research at an approved KWI event or at the Governor’s Conference on the Future of Water in Kansas (November 2026).
2) Submit a comprehensive research paper at the end of Spring 2027.
Additional requirements
Submit a thank you letter to the donor(s) who supported your scholarship.
Complete the KWI Water Fellows program exit survey in Spring 2027.
All students qualify for academic scholarships up to $1,000 per semester (Duane and Terry Townley Family Scholarship). Scholarships are disbursed through K-State Student Financial Services, once at the beginning of each semester.
*Important Financial Aid Implications: If you are receiving financial aid, your package may be adjusted so you do not exceed your financial need or cost of attendance. It is the student’s responsibility to verify with K-State Financial Student Services to ensure you can accept this scholarship. Applicants do not need to qualify for or be receiving financial aid to be eligible for the K-State KWI scholarship.
CONTACT
Susan Metzger
Director, Kansas Water Institute
smetzger@ksu.edu