Our Programs › Student Employee & Fellowship Program
Build Your Experience in Water Science
CIWR provides undergraduate and graduate students with hands-on opportunities to contribute to applied research, science communication, education, water policy, and practical solutions for California’s water challenges.
About the Program
The CIWR student employee program is open to undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at University of California and California State University campuses.
Students work with CIWR staff on applied research projects related to water resources policy and management in California. Assignments vary by project and may include data analysis, policy briefs, educational activities, collaboration, science communication, and field work.
Who Can Participate?
- Undergraduate students
- Graduate students
- Students enrolled at UC campuses
- Students enrolled at CSU campuses
- Students from diverse academic disciplines
Student Employees and Fellows
Student Employees
Paid, project-based opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students who work directly with CIWR staff while continuing their university studies.
Fellows
Structured, fixed-term placements offered through partner programs that combine professional development, service, and applied work with CIWR.
What Students May Do
Research & Data Analysis
Support literature reviews, data analysis, synthesis, interviews, and project-based research.
Policy & Science Communication
Help translate research findings into policy briefs, educational resources, presentations, and accessible public information.
Education & Outreach
Contribute to educational activities, workshops, collaborative projects, and community engagement.
Field & Professional Experience
Participate in field work while building skills in teamwork, communication, organization, and project development.
Current Students & Fellows
Meet the students currently contributing to CIWR projects.
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Virginia Krause
Student Employee
UC Davis
Ph.D. Agricultural & Environmental Chemistry
Claudia Núñez
Student Employee
UC Davis
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Natalia Wilson
Student Employee
UC Davis
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Nate Barton
Student Employee
UC Riverside
Political Science
Program Alumni
We recognize the students and fellows who have contributed their knowledge, perspectives, and work to CIWR projects.
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Alma Romo
Student Employee
Environmental Studies
Sacramento State · Spring 2023
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Riley Currey
Student Employee
Environmental Studies
Sacramento State · Fall 2023–Spring 2024
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Omar Elnashar
Student Employee
Managerial Economics
UC Davis · Spring 2024
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Bethany Rader
Student Employee
Applied Economics
Oregon State · Summer 2024
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Ben Witeck
Student Employee
Conservation and Resources
UC Berkeley · Fall 2024–Spring 2025
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Celeste Navarrete
GrizzlyCorps Fellow
UC Berkeley
2023–2025 · Based at UC Merced
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Aatefa Rahimi
Student Employee
Civil and Environmental Engineering
UC Davis · Spring 2026
Interested in Joining the Program?
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Interested candidates may send a résumé and writing sample to Erik Porse, CIWR Director.