Advancing Earth and Environmental Science through Advanced Computing
A National Science Foundation–supported fellowship that engages PhD students in applying high performance computing, artificial intelligence, and data-driven modeling to Earth and environmental science research.
About the Program
The UM-CIP Graduate Fellows program provides doctoral students with opportunities to integrate advanced computational methods into their dissertation research. Fellows work with faculty advisors and Cyber Infrastructure Professionals (CIPs) to expand their expertise in high-performance computing (HPC), artificial intelligence, and large-scale data analysis while advancing research in Earth and Environmental Science.
The fellowship supports students who are interested in incorporating advanced computing into their work and gaining hands-on experience with research cyberinfrastructure. Through mentorship and collaboration, fellows develop the technical skills needed to address increasingly data-intensive scientific challenges.
The SCIPE Initiative
The UM-CIP Graduate Fellows program is part of the SCIPE project (Enhancing the Transdisciplinary Research Ecosystem for Earth and Environmental Science with Dedicated Cyber Infrastructure Professionals), funded by the National Science Foundation.
SCIPE is a collaborative effort between UMBC’s iHARP Center and MData Lab and the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Sciences (UMCES). The initiative aims to strengthen the research ecosystem in Earth and Environmental Sciences by connecting domain scientists with experts in research cyberinfrastructure.
Fellowship Experience
UM-CIP Fellows continue their dissertation research while receiving additional mentorship and support to incorporate advanced computational approaches into their work.
During the fellowship, scholars:
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Collaborate with Cyber Infrastructure Professionals (CIPs) and HPC mentors
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Expand skills in high performance computing, AI, and data-driven modeling
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Engage with the SCIPE research community through seminars, workshops, and collaborative activities
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Share progress and outcomes from their fellowship-supported research
Through these experiences, fellows gain the interdisciplinary expertise needed to conduct cutting-edge research at the intersection of Earth science, environmental science, and advanced computing.
Who Can Apply?
Open to UMBC PhD students from a wide range of academic departments whose research focuses on Earth or Environmental Science. Prior experience with high performance computing is not required.
Explore Our Work
Fellows advance Earth and environmental science research by integrating high performance computing, artificial intelligence, and data-driven modeling into their work.
Mentorship
Fellows are supported by HPC mentors, program staff, and a cohort-based community that values collaboration, curiosity, and growth while continue the work with their PhD advisors
Updated on March 10, 2026