Student Resources

There are many opportunities available to Earth and Climate Sciences students—from research and employment during the academic year and summer months to library resources available for students doing research and projects.

Scholarships

Baldwin Coney Scholarship

The Baldwin Coney Scholarship is available to Middlebury students to help defray the cost of attending field camp. It was established in 1987 to honor Peter Coney and Brew Baldwin, both of whom taught in the Earth and Climate Sciences department. Peter Coney taught at Middlebury from 1966 until 1975. Brew Baldwin taught here from 1958 until his death in 1992. Both emphasized the importance of student immersion in fieldwork on real geological problems. In many respects, they formed the foundation for and shaped the current Earth and Climate Sciences curriculum.

Middlebury Earth and Climate Sciences majors can apply for funds from this scholarship by submitting a letter of intent to the department chair. Alumni who wish to contribute to the fund can do so directly to the College.

Ethel and William Schuele Scholarship

The primary goal of the Burlington Gem and Mineral Club (BGMC) Ethel and William Schuele Scholarship is to promote and support original research on Vermont geology by undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in a college or university within New England or New York. Requests for scholarships are judged on how well the proposed research will advance the science of geology and its related branches within the state of Vermont. One scholarship in the amount of $1,000.00 will be awarded on a competitive basis per calendar year. Find more information and application instructions.

NOAA Hollings Scholarship

The Hollings Scholarship Program provides successful undergraduate applicants with awards that include academic assistance (up to $9,500 per year) for two years of full-time study and a 10-week, full-time, paid ($700/week) internship at a NOAA facility during the summer. 

Dr. John L. Smith ‘58 Summer Field Course Scholarship at the Indiana University Geology Field Station

The Dr. John L. Smith ‘58 Summer Field Course Scholarship at the Indiana University Geology Field Station pays all expenses for one student to attend the Indiana University’s Field Geology In the Rocky Mountains summer course at the award wining IUGFS Judson Mead Geologic Field Station in Montana.  

Awards

Middlebury College offers these awards for Earth and Climate Sciences majors:

  • The Baldwin Coney Scholarship: Awarded to offset the cost of attending field camp.
  • The John M. White ’52 Memorial Award (see below): Given each year at graduation to an exemplary Earth and Climate Sciences senior.

John M. White ’52 Memorial Award

This award was established in 1988 to honor Jack White, Class of 1952, by family and friends. It is given each year to a Earth and Climate Sciences senior who has done outstanding work in the Earth and Climate Sciences Department. The student is not only outstanding academically but also has contributed in many other ways to the department and the community. Recipients of the award are chosen by the Earth and Climate Sciences faculty.

Grants

The Vermont Geological Society (VGS) Research Grant Program supports original research on Vermont geology by undergraduate and graduate students and secondary school teachers (grades 7–12). Requests for grants are judged on how well the proposed research will advance the science of geology and its related branches within the state of Vermont. 

Fellowships

The John M. White ’52 Research Fellowship: Awarded annually to the rising senior who has been selected to participate in collaborative research with Middlebury faculty in Earth and Climate Sciences.

Summer and Experiential Opportunities

In addition to the Earth and Climate Sciences Department’s experiential curriculum, there are numerous opportunities to experience Earth sciences hands-on by participating in summer internships and, less frequently, J-term internships. Examples include National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU), student-faculty research with a professor at Middlebury or elsewhere, internships with government (e.g., USGS, EPA, state agencies) or private entities, summer field camps, and more. Not including field camp, most of these include salary, and in cases where students are able to find unpaid internships, the Center for Careers and Internships (CCI) may provide funding. The list below provides many possible options:

Postgrad and Summer Jobs

Marine Postgrad Jobs

Environmental Consulting

Churchill Scholarship

The Churchill Scholarship funds grad school in England.

Americorps

Americorps provides a wide range of opportunities around the country.

USGS Employment Resources

USGS Student Employment

Additional Opportunities

Field Camps

Graduate Schools

Many of our majors go on to graduate school, not necessarily immediately after graduation but perhaps one or two years later. However, if you think you might eventually end up doing graduate work, it is a good idea to take advantage of resources at Middlebury before you leave.

The place to start is with Earth and Climate Sciences faculty—talk to them about graduate programs in the U.S. and abroad. Also, the Career Services Office has useful information about the process.

Search for Graduate Schools

Careers in the Field

Discover what’s next with the Center for Careers and Internships (CCI)! As you embark on your post-Middlebury journey, CCI’s staff is available to help guide you.

  • Explore their comprehensive Major Guides, which provide suggestions for campus involvement, internships, and real-life career examples of Middlebury alumni.
  • Connect with alumni and professionals worldwide through Midd2Midd, Middlebury’s exclusive networking platform designed to foster meaningful mentorships and industry connections.
  • Navigate the various career paths associated with your major through CCI’s Career Communities Pages, offering valuable advice from our advisors and tailored recommendations for jobs, and internships.
  • Stay updated on the latest job and internship opportunities with Handshake, ensuring you never miss a chance to gain practical experience in your chosen field.

Department of Earth and Climate Sciences

McCardell Bicentennial Hall
276 Bicentennial Way
Middlebury, VT 05753

Kelly Norris, Coordinator

McCardell Bicentennial Hall 412

(802) 443-5029

kmnorris@middlebury.edu

T/W/F , M/Thurs Remote

Will Amidon, Chair

McCardell Bicentennial Hall 413

(802) 443-5988

wamidon@middlebury.edu