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Applicant Criteria

The program is open to both academic scholars and experienced practitioners and community leaders in public or private sectors who have shown strong commitment and contributions aligned with the legacy of Rachel Carson.

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Visiting Scholars will have demonstrated—through their professional work and service—excellence in:

  • Exploring deeply the intersections among ecology, human well-being, and social justice.

  • Bridging areas of difference to broaden understanding and promote societal progress.

  • Advancing innovative ideas and practices to support a just transition toward a regenerative, climate-positive future.

The selection committee will consider applications twice per year with associated application deadlines of September 1st and February 1st. For 2024, we also will consider applications submitted by April 1st. In other special cases, we may consider submissions outside of this regular cycle.

Up to five scholars may be accepted each academic year.

Rachel Carson Visiting Scholars will spend two to four weeks in residence and receive: 

  • A working space at Eden Hall;

  • A travel stipend;

  • Complimentary lodging and additional financial support beyond the honorarium for meals at Eden Hall (depending on the length of your stay, all meals may not be included); and

  • A $3000-$4000 honorarium.[i]

[i] Chatham seeks to foster a community of Rachel Carson Visiting Scholars rich in diversity of race, ethnicity, background, and personal experience. In modest recognition of the impacts of historical marginalization, structural racism, and land appropriation, the higher range of honoraria is reserved for Visiting Scholars who identify as Black or are a member of a federally- or state-recognized Indian Tribe or of another Native or Indigenous community. 

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Application Procedure

Please submit your materials through the online application. You will need the following materials to complete the application:

  • Curriculum vitae;

  • Copies of or a document with links to recent or significant publications, presentations, or other significant contributions in your field of practice;

  • A brief statement describing how you would use your time as a visiting scholar to advance the principles set forth in the selection criteria, a proposed start date, and why affiliation with the Falk School would benefit your work/career; 

  • A name of Chatham faculty with whom you would want to connect during your stay; and

  • Name and contact information for two references.

If you have additional questions about the program, please review our Frequently Asked Questions page.

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