About the Program

SPHERE (Solutions through Planetary Health Research) is launching a Summer Undergraduate Research Experience to connect WashU students with School of Public Health faculty conducting research at the intersection of human and environmental health. This pilot program supports SPHERE’s mission to advance research and partnerships that generate actionable solutions for planetary health challenges and to develop the next generation of planetary health leaders. Students will gain hands-on experience working with faculty mentors on research projects that address how environmental change impacts human well-being. 

Program Dates: June 8–July 31, 2026

Applications Due: March 15, 2026, by 11:59 p.m.

Apply Here

Research Themes

Projects will align with SPHERE’s research areas, including:

• Adaptation strategies for community resilience
• Diseases on a changing planet
• Mental health, climate change, and natural disasters
• Environmental exposures and health
• Climate and environmental dimensions of food systems
• Implementation science for planetary health

What SPHERE Provides

• SPHERE-funded stipend: $6,000 for full-time summer participation (June 8–July 31, 2026)
• Professional development: Workshops on research communication, collaboration, and career pathways in planetary and public health
• Community building: Joint activities with the Global Health Futures and FARM summer programs

Application Components

Uploads

• Unofficial transcript
• Resume

Short Answer Prompts (150 words each)

1. Why are you interested in this program?
2. What is your preferred role on a team, and how do you contribute?

Reference Information

• Name and job title
• Relationship to you
• Email
• Phone number

If you have questions about the program, contact Jen Mandeville at planetaryhealth@wustl.edu.

_{Header photo by Grant Ritchie on Unsplash}