Early-career researchers and educators advancing interdisciplinary work in sustainability and environmental scholarship.
The Affiliate program offers two categories of formal affiliation: Institute on the Environment Associates and Fellows.
Who are IonE Associates?
IonE Associates are early-career researchers and educators advancing interdisciplinary work in sustainability and environmental scholarship. The two-year program supports individuals with strong potential to pursue innovative research and curriculum and contribute to tangible solutions.
Associates participate as a cohort while connecting with the broader IonE community. They receive training on topics such as science communication and stakeholder engagement, interdisciplinary research practices and strategies for managing projects to create real-world impact.
Associates participate in activities including:
- Attending cohort workshops
- Meeting regularly for networking and professional development
- Building connections with peers across disciplines
Meet Some of Our Associates
Nfamara K Dampha
Kathryn Haglin
Nick Kleese
Affiliate Benefits, Commitments, and Eligibility
As an IonE affiliate, you’ll have access to:
- Community membership: Membership in the IonE community, with the right to list your affiliation on your CV and on publications or other work products
- Network access: Opportunities to connect with a wide range of environmental/sustainability scholars and professionals
- Professional development: Access to IonE professional development programs and training activities
- Event space and work space: Access to IonE event spaces and work spaces on the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus, by reservation
- Recognition: Public recognition upon selection, including a headshot and announcement on the IonE website, and inclusion on IonE’s index of experts
As an Associate, you’ll also attend workshops and events built for your cohort, build connections among associates and network with the university and broader community.
Associates gather each year at the Annual Meeting (late September), a virtual Orientation (October) for new members, two skill-building workshops with evening mixers (fall and spring) and a Community Celebration (May/June) with first-year lightning talks. The year wraps up with a short Annual Survey to provide input and inform programming moving forward. Fellows join us at the Annual Meeting and Celebration each year, plus one activity of their choosing.
In joining the Associates cohort, you agree to:
- Attend and participate in regular convenings with your cohort, including workshops, retreats, dinners and mixers
- Attend the IonE Annual Meeting
- Share updates on projects, grants and other newsworthy information with IonE, especially where those activities draw on IonE resources or expertise
- Promote IonE education and research opportunities to students, and support student involvement
- Include your IonE designation on your professional web page, email signature and, where appropriate, journal publications
- Serve as an ambassador for IonE to university leadership and external partners
- Complete the annual affiliates survey
- Occasionally serve on IonE committees to advance and improve IonE initiatives
To apply, you must:
- Be currently employed by the University of Minnesota at least 50% FTE
- Be available to participate in the minimum required activities of the Associates program
- Submit a complete application before the deadline
Apply to be an Associate
All early-career faculty, researchers and educators at the University of Minnesota who are interested in developing interdisciplinary, community-engaged careers are invited to apply. The program focuses particularly on pre-tenure faculty, though individuals in long-term academic appointments with pathways for advancement may also apply.
Application requirements:
- A letter of support from a UMN supervisor (department chair, dean, associate dean or similar) indicating support for your participation as an IonE Affiliate.
- A completed application form addressing questions focused on who you are, how your work connects with IonE and how you envision taking advantage of the affiliates program.
The associates program opens for applications annually. The 2026 call will open in August and close at the end of September.
Affiliates News and Announcements
