Application Now Being Accepted!
Next Program Dates: August 2025 – July 2026
Application Deadline: April 15th 2025 at 11:59 p.m.​
To apply please go to:  etap

Woods to Water (W2W)
​Training the Next Generation of Ecologists and Natural Resource Managers
Post-Baccalaureate Program

The Woods to Water (W2W) project is an experience-based post-baccalaureate learning program aimed at helping early career scientists understand critical linkages between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The program will provide a year-long immersive, cohort- and field-based program in standardized methods and data science. 

The Woods and Water Program provides:

  • Stipend support and free housing.
  • Collaborative interactions with leading scientists, technicians, and researchers at The University of Alabama, the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) and the Jones Center at Ichauway (JCI) 
  • Training in key field techniques that link water, carbon, and nutrient fluxes among ecosystems 
  • Comprehensive classroom, field experiences, laboratory, and independent research approaches to building skills and self-confidence in field research 
  • Opportunities to present and publish research and facilitate transition into the ecological workforce.
  • Development of skills required to succeed and standout in today’s STEM job market 

The Research and Mentoring for Postbaccalaureates (RaMP) in Biological Sciences program is a National Science Foundation (NSF) program to establish networks to support full-time research, mentoring, and training for recent college graduates who have had few or no research or training opportunities during college.  Broadly, its goal is to create a competitive and highly representative science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) workforce in the U.S. with a focus on the biological sciences. Projects are expected to train individuals for a range of potential career pathways in the biological sciences including: research-focused M.S. or Ph.D. graduate programs; entry-level positions in industry, federal, tribal, or state agencies, education and research centers, or not-for-profit science-based organizations; or other STEM careers.  

For more information see: new.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/research-mentoring-postbaccalaureates-biological