Students

Geothermal Rising (GR) is pleased to announce the availability of the 2024 GR Scholarship Awards. These awards are open to Graduate and Undergraduate students from a broad array of disciplines related to any aspect of geothermal energy, including but not limited to geosciences, environmental studies, engineering, renewable energy, energy policy, public policy, water rights, and other social sciences. 

To qualify for any of these awards, a student must be a GR member (student memberships are $40 per year). Selection of recipients will be based upon a variety of factors, including the individual’s academic record, student activities, geothermal industry experience, and career goals.

The following awards are available:

Marcelo Lippmann Graduate Scholarship Awards

A long-time GR supporter and former board member, Marcelo Lippmann was a tireless advocate for geothermal energy and a mentor to many. He managed the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory’s geothermal program from 1985-2000 and authored over 100 technical papers and reports, in addition to serving several stints as an editor for Geothermics. In 2018, the GR Board of Directors voted to name the graduate scholarship awards after him.

Up to Five (5) awards of $3,000 will be awarded. To be eligible for one of these awards, the candidate must be enrolled in a graduate-level program at an accredited academic institution at the time of the award (Spring 2024). International applicants are encouraged, but please review the list of ineligible countries.  The subject of study is flexible and can be anything related to the use or promotion of geothermal energy.  In general, each awardee will be required to submit a paper on his/her research (or research progress) to be published in the GR Transactions and deliver results at the Geothermal Rising Conference as either a poster or oral presentation. If the recipient is unable to attend the conference, a digital option may be coordinated. 

Graduate Applications must include:

1. Copies of undergraduate, graduate, and all relevant college transcripts.
2. Two letters of recommendation from academic and/or professional reference(s). 
3. A reflective essay (maximum 3 pages) discussing the applicant’s background, career goals and objectives, with particular reference to the applicant’s relationship to geothermal energy research and/or development. Please list any geothermal-related student activities, classes, and/or field experiences that you wish to be considered. The essay should include how the applicant intends to use the scholarship money to further their geothermal pursuits. 

Undergraduate Awards 

Up to Three (3) awards of $1,000 with an additional $1,000 gifted to the recipient's University or Department  – These awards are offered as a means of acknowledging exceptional undergraduate students for their early efforts toward, and interest in, geothermal energy. Efforts could include research, outreach, and other related activities. University faculty can nominate students, or a student may self-nominate. To be eligible for one of these awards, the candidate must be a third- or fourth-year undergraduate at an accredited academic institution at the time of nomination (Spring 2024). 

Undergraduate Applications must include:

In the case of faculty nomination, applications must include:

1. Letter from a faculty nominator describing the nominee’s work related to geothermal energy
2. One-page reflective essay from the student describing their relationship to geothermal energy
3. One additional letter of recommendation.  

In the case of student self-nomination, applications must include

1. One-page reflective essay from the student describing their relationship to geothermal energy
2. Two letters of recommendation.

How to Submit Applications and Deadline

All applications and nominations must be received no later than Sunday, June 1st, 2024 to be considered. Apply by filling out an online form and submitting your supplementary documents here: 

• Marcelo Lippmann Graduate Award: 
• Undergraduate Award: 

Please direct questions regarding the GR Scholarship Awards to:

Vanessa Robertson- University and Education Outreach Manager  vanessa@geothermal.org

Winners will be notified and announced in August

Introducing the Geothermal Rising Student Research Award - previously known as the Student Paper Contest. This award is designed to recognize and celebrate meaningful research contributions from our student members across all aspects of the geothermal industry such as exploration, engineering, policy, and education, and outreach. Whether you're delving into the depths of geothermal reservoirs or advocating for sustainable energy solutions, we encourage all student members to apply and showcase their innovative work. Awardees will be notified prior to our annual meeting in October, where their research will be prominently featured, providing invaluable exposure to industry professionals and peers alike. Join us in celebrating the next generation of geothermal leaders and their impactful contributions to the field!

Eligibility: To be eligible for the Geothermal Rising Next Gen Research Award, applicants...

• Must be a current undergraduate or graduate student enrolled in a recognized educational institution (2023-2024 graduates are also eligible)
• Must provide proof of enrollment (unofficial transcript or a letter from your institution).
• Must disclose funding or support of the research (e.g., institutional research award, senior thesis, GR funded, DOE-funded, etc)
• Must be a Geothermal Rising student member. If you are not a member, register for "NextGenGeo" now by visiting this LINK.

How to Participate: if you meet the eligibility requirements the submission process will include

• An extended abstract that is 1000 words max, and 2 pages max in length. Abstracts may include up to one figure, 12pt black Times New Roman font, and single spacing. Title, Figure and references are not included in word count and page count.
• The extended abstract must be based on YOUR research work within a topic relevant to the Geothermal Industry. Note: work submitted/published at other conferences, such as GRC, is eligible.
• The extended abstract should include an introduction, research objectives, methodology, results and conclusions.
• Extended abstracts must be submitted in an electronic PDF format
• Participants cannot submit more than one submission. 
• Participants shall not submit a full manuscript for this contest.

Evaluation and Judging Process: There will be two rounds of evaluation

• Round 1: A panel of experts in submitted topics will evaluate the abstract submissions based on originality and innovation, quality of research, methodology, clarity, coherence, and organization of ideas, critical thinking and analytical skills, and potential contribution.
• Round 2: After review, selected students will be asked to submit a 5-minute max (Multi slide, 3 minute thesis-style) recorded presentation for the second round reviews. Students may record as many slides and visuals, as long as it meets time limit. For resources on presentation styles and tips see below: 
  Resource 1
  Resource 2
  Presentations will be reviewed, and top winners will be selected from each category (BS, MS, and PhD). Winners will be notified prior to the annual meeting and will be announced and awarded at the 2024 Geothermal Rising Conference.

Prizes: Top winners will be awarded with cash prizes ($250), certificates of achievement, and a free Geothermal Rising membership for 2025.

How to Apply: Fill out the google form HERE and attach all required documents before the deadline

Important Dates: Extended Abstract Submission Deadline: June 7th, 2024, End of Day (PDT) 

For any questions or general inquiries please email students@geothermal.org

The Student Committee is excited to announce that our annual fundraising workshop will be held on May 30th and 31st on Zoom. This year we are excited to host esteemed scientists from the Great Basin Center for Geothermal Research, and the National Renewable Energy Lab to teach about advanced geostatistics using python. Although examples will be limited to subsurface resource exploration, topics such as Kriging visualizations, 2d anisotropy in variograms and Stochastic simulations will be taught. In addition, participants will learn about Google CoLab. This workshop does not require you to purchase any software and the 2 day workshop is ONLY $40 TO STUDENT MEMBERS! Participants will also receive recording access up to a month after the workshop has completed! Please check out this link for more information and register before May 26th! 

The Annual Geothermal Rising Conference is in Waikoloa Village, Hawaii on October 27th-30th. Early bird registration has opened and closes July 31st. Whether you are presenting your research, or participating as a geothermal enthusiast, we hope to see you there! The student committee has planned a lot of activities for you to connect and engage with the geothermal community. 

In addition, the student committee has decided to allocate some of its budget to travel awards! Please take a look at the google form to see if you are eligible.  Although we will prioritize student presenters, please don't hesitate to apply! Students will be notified of the Travel Award prior to the Early Bird deadline. 

Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship (SULI)
The Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship (SULI) program encourages undergraduate students to pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers by providing research. Selected students participate as interns appointed at one of 17 participating DOE laboratories/facilities. They perform research, under the guidance of laboratory staff scientists or engineers, on projects supporting the DOE mission. Fall and spring programs are 15 weeks. Summer program is 10 weeks.

Community College Internship (CCI)
The Community College Internship (CCI) program provides technical training experiences for community college students to enter technical careers relevant to the DOE mission.

Graduate Student Research Program (SCGSR)
The SCGSR research proposal is developed by the applying graduate student in collaboration with a NREL laboratory research scientist, and in consultation with the student’s primary graduate thesis advisor. The SCGSR research proposal includes the scope of thesis research proposed to be conducted at NREL.

Download more Information on DOE Student Programs

Full-time undergraduate or graduate students have the opportunity to join the NREL team as an intern while gaining valuable mentoring experience, participating in the lab's research and development programs, and establishing ongoing collaborations through NREL's Research Participant Program.

NREL is a national laboratory of the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, operated by the Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC.

Learn More About this Internship

The (American Council On Renewable Energy) ACORE internship program is designed to mentor rising seniors and graduate students, as well as recent university graduates who are interested in making a career in the renewable energy industry. The focus of the program is to assist young professionals along the path of professional development, gaining the knowledge, resources and experience they need to join the renewable energy industry, whether it be in professional services, research, communications, market development, finance or policy.

Learn More About this Internship

Iceland GeoSurvey wishes to contribute to the dissemination of geothermal knowledge and technical expertise, in Iceland and elsewhere. To this end, Iceland GeoSurvey aims to accommodate up to two interns each year. The accommodation includes office space and admittance to research facilities at ISOR as well as supervision of an geothermal expert but no other financial support. This internship is limited to graduate students in geosciences, mechanical and chemical engineering as well as physics and chemistry that relates to earth sciences. Recommended internship duration is 5-6 months, starting in the period from September to March. The application deadline for internships is April 1 each year.

Learn More About this Internship

Each semester Iceland School of Energy offers several internship positions with leading energy companies in Iceland for our students to participate in. The positions are secured by Iceland School of Energy and give students the opportunity to work on stimulating energy projects that will expand their knowledge in the field of energy and allow them to develop professional skills in the sector.

Learn More About this Internship