UMD Global STEWARDS Undergraduate Program

Accessible undergraduate education that catalyzes FEW innovation

Project Lead: Dr. Leena Malayil

The Global STEWARDS undergraduate program is a transformative initiative designed to make a lasting impact on undergraduate education in the global community. Our mission is to enhance the current educational model by providing undergraduates with hands-on experiences, instigating innovation, and fostering problem-solving within the food-water-energy (FEW) nexus.

Participation in the multifaceted elements of our program (described below) will equip students with practical skills and encourage collaboration and networking on a global scale. Our program's vision is to prepare the next generation of FEW nexus researchers primed for successful careers in sustainability, environmental science, and related fields.

Our program's commitment extends beyond the immediate impact, as we aspire to establish a sustainable and cost-effective learning system that ensures global accessibility. Through active engagement with local communities, we seek to raise awareness about the FEW nexus, advocating community involvement and responsible stewardship of resources.

In the long term, our dedication to accessible education will serve as a catalyst for innovative thinking and effective problem-solving within the FEW nexus domain, benefiting not only participating students but also society at large. Together, we are shaping a future where education plays a pivotal role in addressing global challenges.

Program Objectives: 

1. Increase undergraduate participation in FEW nexus research at UMD and internationally, with students from Kathmandu University (KU) in Nepal, Mbeya University of Science and Technology (MUST) in Tanzania, and Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HUJI) in Israel
2. Impart skills in interdisciplinary team science and systems thinking
3. Integrate existing FEW nexus digital platforms into undergraduate education, and extend educational technology to include AI-enhanced research and VR experiences 
4. Advance the representation of BIPOC, women, and persons with disabilities in STEM fields relevant to the FEW nexus 
5. Equip undergraduate students with the ethics, communication, and other professional skills necessary to complete graduate programs, and succeed in the workforce 
6. Disseminate transformative STEM training and research advances relevant to the FEW nexus and pursue research-to-action priorities that enhance the impact of scientific work 
7. Scale and sustain the UMD Global STEWARDS Undergraduate Program beyond the initial funding period 
8. Address 11 of 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

Program Elements:

• 1: Experiential Education (Students choose one of two courses)
  • MIEH333/ENSP360- An online 3-credit global classroom involving undergraduates from UMD and Global FEWture Alliance partner universities. Instructor: Dr. Leena Malayil
  • ENGL398V- A 3-credit in-person technical writing course tailored for individuals pursuing careers in environmental science and policy. Instructor: Dr. Heidi Scott (required instructor) 
• 2: Global FEWture Alliance International Webinar Series
  •  4 international webinars focusing on food-energy-water-climate-health issues (offered online during the Fall and Spring semesters)
• 3: Summer Internship or Research Credits (Students choose one of two research opportunities)
  • 10-week paid summer internship program focused on Global FEWture Alliance research, extension, and/or education
  • 2-3 independent research credits during the Fall or Spring semester in a participating Global FEWture Alliance Lab or Research Group

Apply for the 2025 cohort here.