Gain real-world experience and contribute to a carbon-neutral future
CNCE Scholars is an academic and professional development initiative designed to introduce students to direct air capture technology, material design, carbon management, center operations and outreach initiatives.
The program aims to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, technical training and career readiness. Scholars will get hands-on experience with leading carbon management technologies and contribute to real-world decarbonization projects. Participants will also support the Center for Negative Carbon Emissions’ outreach efforts and serve as ambassadors for carbon-negative innovation on ASU’s campus and in the broader community.
Research areas
- Direct air capture technology and engineering:
Mechanical TreeTH pilot plant operation, system design, testing, optimization, software development - Materials innovation and modeling:
Polymer and sorbent synthesis for CO2 capture, computational modeling, simulations - Carbon management:
Carbon accounting, certification, sustainability protocols, energy justice research - Community engagement and education:
Outreach to schools and communities, education content creation, event organization - Administration, design and project support:
Project and proposal coordination, marketing, graphic and web design, strategic communications
Program eligibility:
Graduate students
- Minimum GPA: 3.0
- Must be enrolled in a program within one of the following:
- Fulton Schools of Engineering
- College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- College of Global Futures
- Watts College of Public Policy
- Must apply experience in the CNCE Scholars program to thesis or capstone course.
Undergraduate students
- Minimum GPA: 3.0
- Must be enrolled in a program within one of the following:
- Fulton Schools of Engineering
- College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- College of Global Futures
- W.P. Carey School of Business
- Watts College of Public Policy
- Must apply experience in the CNCE Scholars program to thesis or capstone course.
High school students
- Enrolled as a junior or senior
- Minimum GPA: 3.0
- Completion of STEM courses, e.g., chemistry, biology, physics, business, mathematics
Become a CNCE Scholar
Applications for the next cohort will open soon. If you have any questions about the application process, please contact us at [email protected]. Check back here for updates.
Frequently asked questions
CNCE Scholars is the only ASU program that provides hands-on experience, technical training and professional development in the carbon management field.
Our scholars will have access to mentorship and networking opportunities with industry leaders and contribute to real-world carbon reduction projects. These valuable skills can lead to future paid research roles, internships and career advancement in sustainability or engineering.
Our first cohort will have between five and ten students, depending on project availability. This number may change year over year.
For now, we select scholars once a year. If project requirements shift, we may open applications more frequently.
It varies; the exact length of the program is tied to individual projects. However, we expect our scholars to commit to at least one full semester.
Most of our projects require in-person availability on ASU’s Tempe campus. However, there may be some opportunities for hybrid or remote work depending on project requirements.
Yes! Projects can be aligned with your capstone, thesis or internship requirements to earn credit. If you are accepted into the program, you will get more information about this process.