The Lair Graduate Student Fellowship

The Lair Graduate Student Fellowship: Outdoor Environmental Education for K–12 Students on California Biodiversity is an exciting opportunity developed in partnership with the Cal Alumni Association (CAA). This Spring 2027, we are offering two fellowships that will allow passionate and motivated UC Berkeley graduate students to apply their scientific knowledge and teaching skills to foster environmental awareness while gaining hands-on experience in outdoor education and curriculum development. 

Fellows will play a key role in Oski Science Camp, an outdoor environmental education program for 5th-6th grade students from San Francisco Bay Area schools. Fellows will develop engaging activities based on their own field of research or expertise, while aligning their curriculum with California’s teaching standards. They will lead up to five outdoor sessions (each about 3 days long) in mid to late Spring 2027, held at the Lair of the Golden Bear located in Pinecrest, California. Some in-school sessions may also be scheduled. Fellows will be supervised by UC Berkeley Natural Reserves Associate Director, Dr. Neetha Iyer. They will have weekly meetings with Iyer, and receive additional support from Berkeley Natural History Museums Science Education & Outreach Coordinator, Dr. Betsy Mitchell. They will also work closely with CAA staff during scheduled camp trips.

As part of the service component of this professional development fellowship, graduate students will provide the following support to the program:

  • Curriculum Development Support: Assist in the development of an outdoor education curriculum based on Next Generation Science Standards for California Public Schools (CA NGSS), integrating natural history, environmental sciences, and sustainability. 
  • Outreach & Relationship Building: Support outreach efforts with local educators, helping to foster communication and partnerships between the program and schools. 
  • In-School Program Delivery: Deliver engaging, hands-on in-school programming to students, including lessons on biological sciences, ecology, and natural history, to prepare students for the outdoor immersion program. 
  • Outdoor Immersion Program Delivery: Deliver a natural history focused outdoor education program at the Lair of the Golden Bear, ensuring a safe and enriching experience for all participants. 
  • Program Evaluation: Assist in developing methods for evaluating program effectiveness, including pre- and post-program surveys and reflections, to ensure continuous improvement. 
  • General Support: Provide support for various program activities, including event planning, mentoring undergraduate and post-baccalaureate students, social media development, and other tasks as needed. 

Note: Fellows are not teaching a course and do not serve as readers, teaching assistants or graduate student instructors. The program involves no homework, papers, exams, or grading.

Fellowship Terms: The Spring 2027 fellowship provides $22,000 paid in five installments of $4,400 per month (January 15, February 15, March 15, April 15, and May 15), full in-state tuition and fee remission, additional travel funds to visit the Lair during the outdoor immersion program, and support for professional training opportunities (e.g., Wilderness First Aid (WFA) and CPR certification).

Eligibility: UC Berkeley graduate students in Masters & PhD programs with a focus in biological or environmental sciences, geology, anthropology, or a related field. All departments are welcome. Ideal candidates will have a strong foundation in the biological sciences as well as an enthusiasm for science communication and education. Prior experience working as a Graduate Student Instructor (GSI) or in other teaching roles is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with fieldwork, natural history, and outdoor education.
  • Experience working with school-aged children or in GK–12 educational settings. 
  • Strong communication and organizational skills. 
  • Ability to work collaboratively with educators, students, and colleagues. 
  • Familiarity with California’s teaching standards. 

Licenses/Certifications:

  • Valid CA driver’s license
  • California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA) certification (available online through UC Learning Center; to be acquired within first month of fellowship)
  • Valid Wilderness First Aid (WFA) and CPR certification (funding available; to be acquired within first two months of the fellowship)

Application Timeline:
Deadline: Oct 5, 2026
Fellowship notification: mid October 2026
Fellowship Period: Spring 2027 Semester

Application Process: Applications are due by October 5, 2026 using the following Google Form:

Application Form

Required Application Materials: All documents should be compiled into a single PDF document and the file name should be formatted as follows: LastName_Lair-Fellowship-Application-2027.pdf. Interested graduate students should prepare:

  1. A one-page statement of interest that outlines their prior teaching experience, experience working outdoors, and/or experience in K–12 settings.
  2. An up-to-date C.V.

Selected candidates may be called for an in-person interview as part of the application process and final awardees will be announced by mid October.