Current Research Opportunities
Funded MAEP Student Position: Co-Benefits Framing in Climate Change Messaging (Applications Closed as of December 20, 2025)
Dr. Garrett Richards, of the Environmental Policy Institute at Grenfell Campus, is seeking an exceptional student to complete a master’s thesis research project on co-benefits framing in climate change messaging as part of the MAEP program. Their thesis will investigate how co-benefits framing has been used (or has not been used) in existing climate change messaging strategies – for example, emphasizing short-term health benefits from reducing local air pollution in addition to long-term climate benefits from reducing the concentration of greenhouse gases in the global atmosphere. Thesis outcomes will include an identification of gaps and opportunities for more effective co-benefits messaging. Other than these conditions, the project is somewhat flexible and can adapt to the student’s emerging interests and ideas. This project is part of a broader, multi-university, interdisciplinary collaboration of engineers, economists, and policy scientists, so there will also be opportunities for interdisciplinary professional development and training.
Requirements:
- major education in the qualitative social sciences (e.g. public policy)
- some familiarity with quantitative disciplines (e.g. engineering, economics) would be an asset
- excellent research, writing, and communication skills (both plain-language and academic)
- an interest in climate change messaging, social impact, and knowledge mobilization
- a background in, and passion for, policy and/or sustainability
- all the general requirements for the MAEP program
Funding: The additional financial support for this position includes $20 000 stipend per year over two years. Depending on how this additional funding ends up interacting with the basic funding packages in the MAEP program, the overall amount may be $25 000 or more (including additional stipend and/or assistantship), but the details will not be set in stone until the successful candidate receives a formal letter of offer. The broader collaboration also includes some funding for travel and dissemination.
Target Start Date: September 2026
Location: The student will be based at Grenfell Campus, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, which is located in Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador.
To Apply: Interested students should send a CV, transcript (official or unofficial), cover letter (e.g. demonstrating interest, fit, and ideas for the project), and any other relevant materials to [email protected] by December 20, 2025. The successful candidate will then be invited to apply to the MAEP program (thesis stream), with the supervisor’s full support, by January 15, 2026. Please note that the subsequent application has additional requirements (e.g. reference letters).
Other opportunities for prospective students to apply to work on specific projects (typically with additional funding) may be posted here on occasion.