1. Fellowships Available Summer Synthesis Institute 2008 Boston-Metro Area (Massachusetts, USA) The Northeast Consortium for Hydrologic Synthesis represents a broad cross-section faculty, post- doctoral fellows and students in the hydro-sciences and affiliated water policy and management sectors, dedicated to addressing "The 500-Year Challenge" -- to understand the role of humans in shaping the character of hydrologic systems across the Northeast Corridor from year 1600 to 2100. We are now assembling a group of energetic and creative Summer Synthesis Scholars to participate in the 2008 Summer Synthesis Institute to be held from June 9 to July 18. The central question for this year's Institute is: The Summer Scholars will participate in a suite of fast-paced synthesis and integration activities, guided by mentors, but largely self-directed by the Scholars themselves, who will be working in small teams. The Institute is cast at a strategic level, and one of its primary aims is to help formulate the key elements, scientific questions, and hypotheses to be pursued by the Consortium at large. It is anticipated that the initial set of ideas and findings will inspire further work by the Scholars upon return to their home institutions, with the Consortium supporting follow-up communications and guidance to the group. Participants will benefit from a unique opportunity to: Engage in interdisciplinary, team-based research that typifies the modern environmental geosciences Interact with nationally and internationally recognized leaders in the field Gain important insights into generating hypotheses and asking integrative science questions Formulate potential M.S., PhD, and post-doctoral research topics Create a lasting network of professional relationships The Summer Institute is open to all levels of graduate and exceptional undergraduate students. In keeping with its interdisciplinary aims, applications are welcome with interests in all fields and sub-fields of hydrology, environmental sciences and engineering, ecology and paleoecology, economics, geomorphology, sedimentology, natural resource management, history, socio-economics, policy, and environmental management. Scholars will be chosen through a competitive process, on a first-come basis. Successful applicants will be awarded a $3500 stipend for the full six weeks, in addition to housing, plus travel expenses to the 2008 Fall Meeting of the American Geophysical Union in San Francisco, where they will present their findings. Shorter duration stays will be considered. Applications should include (i) a 1-page statement of expertise and research interests, (ii) 2- page resume, and (iii) two letters of reference. The research statement should summarize the applicant's scientific interests and what perspectives he/she could bring to the Summer Institute. Further information is available at www.htwc.unh.edu. Application materials should be emailed to mark.green@unh.edu before March 24, 2008. CUAHSI is the Consortium of Universities Allied for Hydrological Sciences, Inc., representing more than 100 institutions. The Institute is funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation. CUAHSI What was the nature of hydro-systems across the Northeastern U.S. from pre- European settlement through the colonial period (1600-1776), and what were the relative roles of humans and the natural environment in defining those systems?