We are now accepting applications for Fall 2025 admission to Team-TERRA (NSF NRT)
For students entering the Team-TERRA program for fall 2025 (existing UConn students), applications will be reviewed starting on February 10th, 2025, with priority given to those applications that are received prior to February 10th, 2025. Rolling admission will continue until April 1st, 2025. Click Trainee Information to learn more.

Welcome to Team-TERRA - Building Resilient Landscapes for Food, Energy, Water, and Ecosystem Services in America’s Original Megalopolis. Team-TERRA is a transdisciplinary training program in the Center of Biological Risk at the University of Connecticut. The training program consists of a 2-year sequence of coursework, teamwork, a real-world internship, and associated workshops. We will use the northeastern US megalopolis stretching from Boston to Washington, D.C. as a living laboratory to understand, predict, manage, and communicate risks to food, energy, water, and ecosystems in the face of global change. As part of the training program, trainees will work in diverse teams to predict and solve complex problems of the future in regions that are urbanizing and stretched to both provide the essentials for human wellbeing while maintaining the many benefits of biodiversity and natural ecosystems.
Team-TERRA Cohort 3 - 2023-2024
Team-TERRA Cohort 2 - 2022-2023
Peter Billman, Ketki Samel, Katja Kwaku, Michael LaScaleia, Erin Dierickx, Durga Joshi, Madeline Kollegger, Bivek Bhusal, Catalina Vasquez, Josué Martínez-Martínez, Makduma Zahan Badhan & Naomi Adler
Team-TERRA Cohort 1 - 2021-2022
News
Congratulations to Adam Gallaher for completing his PhD. Upon graduation Adam will be a postdoctoral researcher at Cornell University under Dr. Steve Grodsky in the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment researching solar energy and ecosystem service trade-offs and co-location.
Congratulations to Josue Martinez-Martinez who won the NASA CT Space Grant Fellowship for the next academic year. Josue also joined a startup called Toribio LLC, developing smart clothes to help with the prevention of strokes. In the startup, Josue is tasked with overseeing the artificial intelligence and data management part. They took 3rd place at the UConn Get Seeded event and won $1,000.
Congratulations to Durga P. Joshi for receiving the following awards; Accelerate UConn, Connecticut Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CCEI), UConn ($2000), February 2023. Second Prize on Get Seeded Pitch Night by Connecticut Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CCEI), UConn ($750), November 2022. SAF Student Diversity Scholar 2023, Society of American Foresters.
Congratulations to Peter Billman on the publication; Beever, E.A., Wilkening, J.L, Billman, P.D. et al. (+47 authors). 2023. Geographic and taxonomic variation in adaptive capacity among montane mammals: implications for conservation status and actions. Biological Conservation. 282: 109942. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2023.10994
Congratulations to Madeline Kolleger who was awarded the Multidisciplinary Environmental Research Awards for Graduate Students (MERAGS) from the Center for Environmental Sciences and Engineering and the Institute of the Environment. UConn Today article and for her acceptance to the next cohort of AGU Science Communicators through the Voices for Science program
Congratulations to Adam Gallaher, whose proposal "Walking the walk: An analysis of the drivers, barriers, and directions of the Connecticut EV market, 2012-2021" was funded by the MERAGS program. He collaborated with Dr. Carol Atkinson-Palombo (Geography) and Dr. Lyle Scruggs (Political Science) on this project.
Collaborative Partner Organizations
We are excited to collaborate with these partner organizations:
- The premier ecosystem research institute, the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies in Millbrook, NY. Together, we will study the risks to the urbanizing landscape of the northeastern U.S
- UConn Institute of the Environment has a mission to advance research, education, and engagement concerning the environment and sustainability at the University of Connecticut.
- UConn Center for Biological Risk seeks to improve the capacity to assess, manage, and communicate biological risks of global change through research, teaching, and community outreach. The Center focuses on risks that affect, originate from, or are mediated by biological systems.
Curriculum
Year 1 - Fall:
- EEB 5872 Environmental Risk Assessment (3 credits), Tuesdays 1:00-4:00, Bamford, TLS 171B-Dr. Mark Urban
- EEB 5882 Environmental Risk Practicum 1 (3 credits), Thursdays 2:00-4:00, Bamford, TLS 171B-Dr. Mark Urban
- EEB 5895 Section 018, Environmental Risk Communication (1 credit) - Thursdays TBD, Room TBD-Dr. Margaret Rubega
- EEB 5480 Science Communication I: Writing for Public Audiences, (3 credits) Tuesday/Thursday, 11:00-12:15, CHM T114-Dr. Margaret Rubega
Year 1 - Spring:
- EEB 5882 Environmental Risk Practicum 2 (3 credits)
- GIS course elective (3 credits)
Year 2: Workshops, Internship, Mentorship
Values Statements
Cohort 3
- We treat people with respect
- Compromising and communication are essential to working in a group
- Our projects will be practical, achievable, and provide growth
Cohort 2
- Conservation - We commit to conservation of harmony between humans & nature
- Communication - We hold communication as a necessary component of transdisciplinary work
- Curiosity - We value and promote curiosity to drive learning
- Cooperation - We believe success will come through cooperation with each other and the community
- Compassion - We strive to think and act with compassion
Cohort 1
- Open-mindedness
- Give and receive support to create an equitable, empathetic, inclusive environment
- Purpose-driven to improve the world
- Freedom to grow
- Overcome barriers
University Events
-
Feb
8
Art Exhibit in Celeste LeWitt Gallery (North Side of the Food Court) All Day
Art Exhibit in Celeste LeWitt Gallery (North Side of the Food Court)
Saturday, February 8th, 2025
All Day
UConn Health
Paintings by UConn Health employee Maggie Prado and a series of mixed media artwork by David C. Jackson at Celeste LeWitt Gallery.
-
Feb
8
FYE Peer Mentor All Day
FYE Peer Mentor
Saturday, February 8th, 2025
All Day
Apply to be a First Year Experience Mentor for fall 2025! Our peer mentors play a vital role in the First Year Experience classes. Stop by our office in Rowe 235 to talk to our students about this great leadership opportunity. We are now accepting applications for fall 2025 from: 11/11/2024 - 2/14/2025
-
Feb
8
The Space We Make All Day
The Space We Make
Saturday, February 8th, 2025
All Day
Alexey von Schlippe Gallery of Art (Avery Point)
February 6 - March 9, 2025
Gallery Hours: Thursday - Sunday 12-4 pm -
Feb
8
YIIP - Now Accepting Applications All Day
YIIP - Now Accepting Applications
Saturday, February 8th, 2025
All Day
Call for Applications
The Young Innovative Investigator Program (YIIP) is a 2-year program of The Cato T. Laurencin Institute for Regenerative Engineering which aims to develop the next generation of innovative scientists by providing academic training to individuals dedicated to pursuing careers as scientists and scholars in biological and biomedical science. The program is specifically focused on recruiting underrepresented students to contribute towards developing a sustainable pipeline to increase diversity among the pool of academic scientists. YIIP provides tools for scholars to conduct research, succeed in an academic environment, and become competitive candidates for medical school and/or graduate school. YIIP Scholars will acquire the expertise necessary to obtain a Ph.D., M.D./Ph.D., or M.D.
Overview:
YIIP is an intensive research program for college graduates comprised of graduate level coursework and mentored research in biomedical laboratories at the University of Connecticut (Farmington and Storrs campuses). It provides individualized mentorship, academic support, and career guidance. YIIP Scholars earn a stipend and qualify for health insurance coverage. In addition, some tuition expenses and fees associated with required graduate level courses are waived. Upon successful completion of year one, scholars obtain a Graduate Certificate of Research Experience in Biomedical Science. In year two, Scholars who meet the academic qualifications pursue a Master of Science in Biomedical Science involving innovative mentored research.
Eligibility:
The selection committee is committed to the principle of IDEAL, which stands for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Anti-racism, and Learning, as a plan to achieve justice and equity. A priority for the program is increasing (1) individuals traditionally underrepresented and marginalized in the biomedical sciences and (2) first-generation students. For more information about IDEAL please visit: https://www.aiche.org/equity-diversity-inclusion/statement.
All applicants must:
• Have completed a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum of an overall 3.0 GPA.
• Demonstrate high motivation and potential to become a basic scientist with a goal of attaining a Ph.D., M.D./Ph.D., or M.D.
• Meet all eligibility criteria and have a high probability of fulfilling the social and educational goals of this program.
• Be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States.
For more information, please visit our website: https://health.uconn.edu/regenerative-engineering-institute/young-innovative-investigator-program/ or contact:
Jolene Monahan Wilding
Program Manager
monahanwilding@uchc.edu
or
Gualberto Ruaño, M.D., Ph.D.
Assistant Director, Special Projects
ruano@uchc.edu
Due to the competitiveness of the program, YIIP has a shorter application timeline, than the dates indicated by The Graduate School for Fall 2025 enrollment. Apply at the Graduate School’s Website by Sunday March 30th, 2025. In addition to the standard graduate school requirements, please submit a copy of your Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV), a Personal Statement of Interest and Professional Goals, a Narrative on Research Experience, a Statement describing how your past, present, and future achievement will serve to advance the program’s commitment to the principle of IDEAL, and two letters of recommendation. For more information about IDEAL please visit: https://www.aiche.org/equity-diversity-inclusion/statement.
As we are committed to promoting a diverse graduate community, the Graduate School has agreed to waive the $75 non-refundable application fee for prospective YIIP students. Once you begin your online application, you must email the YIIP Program Manager stating that you are applying to the program to initiate the waiver. You will be notified when the waiver has been granted and how to proceed with your application submittal.Contact Information:
More -
Feb
8
Young Innovative Investigator Program (YIIP) Now Accepting Applications All Day
Young Innovative Investigator Program (YIIP) Now Accepting Applications
Saturday, February 8th, 2025
All Day
Young Innovative Investigator Program (YIIP)
Call for Applications
The Young Innovative Investigator Program (YIIP) is a two-year program of The Cato T. Laurencin Institute for Regenerative Engineering which aims to develop the next generation of innovative scientists by providing academic training to individuals dedicated to pursuing careers as scientists and scholars in biological and biomedical science. The program is specifically focused on recruiting underrepresented students to contribute towards developing a sustainable pipeline to increase diversity among the pool of academic scientists. YIIP provides tools for scholars to conduct research, succeed in an academic environment, and become competitive candidates for medical school and/or graduate school. YIIP Scholars will acquire the expertise necessary to obtain a Ph.D., MD/Ph.D., or MD
Overview:
YIIP is an intensive research program for college graduates comprised of graduate level coursework and mentored research in biomedical laboratories at the University of Connecticut (Farmington and Storrs campuses). It provides individualized mentorship, academic support, and career guidance. YIIP Scholars earn a stipend and qualify for health insurance coverage. In addition, some tuition expenses and fees associated with required graduate level courses are waived. Upon successful completion of year one, scholars obtain a Graduate Certificate of Research Experience in Biomedical Science. In year two, Scholars who meet the academic qualifications pursue a Master of Science in Biomedical Science involving innovative mentored research.
Eligibility:
The selection committee is committed to the principle of IDEAL, which stands for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Anti-racism, and Learning, as a plan to achieve justice and equity. A priority for the program is increasing (1) individuals traditionally underrepresented and marginalized in the biomedical sciences and (2) first-generation students. For more information about IDEAL please visit: https://www.aiche.org/equity-diversity-inclusion/statement.
All applicants must:
- Have completed a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum of an overall 3.0 GPA.
- Demonstrate high motivation and potential to become a basic scientist with a goal of attaining a Ph.D., MD/Ph.D., or MD
- Meet all eligibility criteria and have a high probability of fulfilling the social and educational goals of this program.
- Be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States.
For more information, please visit our website:
https://health.uconn.edu/regenerative-engineering-institute/young-innovative-investigator-program/Or contact:
Jolene Monahan Wilding
Program Manager
monahanwilding@uchc.eduor
Gualberto Ruaño, MD, Ph.D.
Assistant Director, Special Projects
ruano@uchc.eduDue to the competitiveness of the program, YIIP has a shorter application timeline, than the dates indicated by The Graduate School for Fall 2025 enrollment. Apply at the Graduate School’s website by Sunday, March 30, 2025. In addition to the standard graduate school requirements, please submit a copy of your Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV), a Personal Statement of Interest and Professional Goals, a Narrative on Research Experience, a Statement describing how your past, present, and future achievement will serve to advance the program’s commitment to the principle of IDEAL, and two letters of recommendation. For more information about IDEAL please visit: https://www.aiche.org/equity-diversity-inclusion/statement.
As we are committed to promoting a diverse graduate community, the Graduate School has agreed to waive the $75 non-refundable application fee for prospective YIIP students. Once you begin your online application, you must email the YIIP Program Manager stating that you are applying to the program to initiate the waiver. You will be notified when the waiver has been granted and how to proceed with your application submittal.
Contact Information:
More -
Feb
8
Annual Gathering of Shellfish Commissions 9:00am
Annual Gathering of Shellfish Commissions
Saturday, February 8th, 2025
09:00 AM - 02:00 PM
CT Agricultural Experiment Station
This meeting is hosted and sponsored by Connecticut Sea Grant, UConn Extension and the CT Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Aquaculture. Register by Jan. 31.
Cost: $35.00 includes lunch and refreshments.
To register you must select the link for your payment type below:
If paying by CASH OR CHECK, register here: https://form.jotform.com/250025264492149
If paying by CREDIT CARD, register here:http://s.uconn.edu/2025shellfish
-
Feb
8
Waterfowl Walk at Barn Island 9:30am
Waterfowl Walk at Barn Island
Saturday, February 8th, 2025
09:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Barn Island Wildlife Management Area
Join Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center, the Long Island Sound Study and Connecticut Sea Grant for a guided hike around Barn Island Wildlife Management Area to look for winter waterfowl and other feathered friends.
Contact Information:
To register, email Margaret Cozens at: margaret.cozens@uconn.edu or use QR code on flier
More -
Feb
8
Continuing Education - Understanding Military Culture: Implementation in Treatment 10:00am
Continuing Education - Understanding Military Culture: Implementation in Treatment
Saturday, February 8th, 2025
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
This webinar provides 2 hours of content on practice with Veterans.
While the U.S. is seeing increased attention paid to the mental health, substance abuse, and suicide issues within the military and veteran communities, there is also increased concern about our nation’s capacity to provide the services needed. More and more veterans are obtaining mental health care in the civilian sector, but frequently community clinicians have a limited understanding of military and veteran culture. To assist in developing a therapeutic rapport with veterans and service members, trainer Chris Morse LICSW, MVF-ASW, has drawn on his own military and clinical experience to develop this webinar. Chris will provide clinicians with an overview of military culture, norms, and mores and explore how military life and the combat environment may shape the presentation of the client throughout treatment.