SOLESS is a free to join community of Latinx/Hispanic undergraduate students, graduate students, postdocs, faculty, professionals, and allies dedicated to increasing and reinforcing the representation of Latinx/Hispanics in the Earth and Space Sciences through outreach, visibility, networking, and mentorship.
Contact us at soless@colorado.edu

Mission Statement
SOLESS is a free to join community of Latinx/Hispanic students, scientists, engineers, educators, outreach specialists, and science communicators from academia, industry, non-profit organizations, and the government sector in the United States. We are dedicated to increasing and reinforcing the representation of Latinxs/Hispanics in the earth and space sciences by serving and connecting undergraduate students, graduate students, postdocs, faculty, and professionals.
The objectives of this organization are to:
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Increase the number of Latinx/Hispanic students in the earth and space sciences
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Improve the retention of Latinx/Hispanic students in the earth and space sciences
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Develop platforms to promote and increase the visibility of members
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Develop platforms to exchange information pertaining to academic, professional, and networking opportunities including scholarships, fellowships, and internships
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Promote professional advancement for Latinx/Hispanic earth and space scientists by fostering cooperation among academia, industry, non-profit organizations, government, and existing professional communities
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Support Latinx/Hispanic students in applying to opportunities and presenting at conferences
Learn more about our mission and resources through our first newsletter!
Dr. Lorena Luna
Chair of SOLESS
Education and Outreach Specialist at NCAR

Dr. Susan Sullivan
SOLESS Advisor
Director of Diversity and Inclusion at CIRES

SOLESS Events
View Archived Events
SOLESS Opportunities Database
Title | Type | Deadline | Level | Discipline | Eligibility |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
American Museum of Natural History’s Master of Arts in Teaching (AMNH MAT) program The AMNH MAT is a 15-month program that prepares science teachers in the NYC area and provides a full fellowship for all accepted into the program plus a living stipend. |
Employment | Grad | Education, Earth Science, Earth Science Education | U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents | |
SACNAS - National Diversity in STEM Conference The 2020 SACNAS - National Diversity in STEM Conference will take place in Long Beach, CA from October 22-24, 200. As the largest multidisciplinary and multicultural STEM diversity event in the country, the SACNAS conference is a three-day gathering which serves to equip, empower, and energize participants for their academic and professional paths in STEM. Through student research presentations, the SACNAS conference equips you with skills and mentoring to help you be successful on your STEM journey. Accepted applicants will have the opportunity to refine presentation skills, receive one-on-one mentoring and feedback on research, and connect with a supportive community of peers, mentors, and role models throughout the conference. Complete your application to attend by July 10, at 5 pm PT. Travel scholarship applications are open for undergraduate and graduate students. Final deadline July 10 at 5pm PT! |
Conference | Undergrad, Grad, Postdoc | STEM | U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents, Internationals, Undocumented, DACA | |
AMS Mountain Meteorology Conference In order to reach a more diverse audience, and given the new virtual platform for the 2020 AMS Mountain Meteorology conference, we are waiving the $40 non-presenter registration fee for up to 25 applicants. Members of any underrepresented group (e.g., women, LGBTQ, racial minorities) are encouraged to apply. We especially encourage applications from students and early-career scientists. Use this Google Form to apply. The meeting will be held from July 13-17, from 10am-4pm MDT most days. Apply by July 6, and you’ll be notified no later than July 8, 2020. |
Conference | Undergrad, Grad, Postdoc, Faculty, Other | Atmospheric, STEM, Earth Science, Meteorology | U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents, Internationals, Undocumented, DACA | |
UCAR Next Generation Fellowships The UCAR Next Generation Fellowships provide financial support for graduate students from underrepresented communities for two years of graduate school and the opportunity to spend two summers in internships with the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) and the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR). The program offers three distinctive tracks: Earth System Science, Diversity & Inclusion, and Public Policy. The application deadline is Tuesday, June 30, 2020. |
Funding | Grad | Other, Earth Science | ||
AWGs Minority Scholarship This program encourages young minority women to pursue an education and later a career in the geosciences. It provides financial aid and matches the student with a mentor in the same field who will offer guidance and support. This exchange will enhance the student’s experience and provide a view of the world ahead. One or more awards totaling $6,000 will be given each summer for use during the next academic year (awards include AWG membership). The applicant must be a woman who is African-American, Hispanic, or Native American. The woman must be a full time student who is pursuing an undergraduate degree in the geosciences (geology, geophysics, geochemistry, hydrology, meteorology, physical oceanography, planetary geology, or earth science education) at an accredited 4-year US institution (high school students who will enter one of these fields during their freshman year may also apply). The requirement to submit a SSN can be overlooked. All applicants may send in their material electronically to minorityscholar@awg.org. |
Funding | Undergrad, Other | Geology, Geophysics, Oceanography, Planetary, Other, Earth Science | U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents, Internationals, Undocumented, DACA | |
Paul Silva Student Research Grants The California Botanical Society will be awarding one or several research grants of up to $600 to qualified students working on projects that will help achieve the Society’s goal of “advancing Western American botany”. Information for the 2020 application cycle is not available yet. The 2020 deadline provided is approximated from the 2019 deadline. |
Funding | Undergrad, Grad | Other, STEM, Earth Science | ||
AAAS, Pacific Division Alan E. Leviton Student Research Award The purpose of the award is to provide one or more graduate students studying within the geographical boundaries of the Pacific Division or otherwise associated with the Pacific Division with research funds of up to $750 to assist in funding a research project leading to their advanced degree(s). |
Funding | Grad | All | ||
Botanical Society of America Graduate Student Research Awards These awards are designed to promote graduate student research in the botanical sciences. The awards include one $500 J. S. Karling Graduate Student Research Award in conjunction with nine $1500 BSA Graduate Student Research Awards. The next call for proposals: January 1 through March 15, 2020 |
Funding | Grad | Other, STEM, Earth Science | ||
Society for the Study of Evolution Graduate Research Excellence Grants: R.C. Lewontin Early Award Only Ph.D. students in their FIRST TWO YEARS are eligible. Application opens in November 2019. Proposals are due in mid February. |
Funding | Grad | Other, STEM, Earth Science | U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents, Internationals, Undocumented, DACA | |
Oren Pollak Memorial Research Fund The Nature Conservancy will be granting up to $9,500 for assistance to one or more students to conduct research on grasslands in California or Oregon. Preference will be given to projects explicitly focused on grasslands and relevant to TNC’s conservation efforts in California or Oregon. Information for the 2020 application cycle is not available yet. The 2020 deadline provided is approximated from the 2019 deadline. |
Funding | Undergrad, Grad | Other, STEM, Earth Science | ||
Monterey Bay REU This 10-week REU provides undergraduate students the opportunity to collaborate with mentors at local host institutions to develop hypothesis-driven projects and receive critical feedback from mentors Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled in a two-year or four-year institution of higher education. Preference is given to students who are rising Sophomores or Juniors. *Students from underrepresented groups and institutions with limited research opportunities are especially encouraged to apply.* Program Dates: June 7- August 15, 2020 |
Research | Undergrad | STEM, Earth Science | U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents | |
National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) Significant Opportunities in Atmospheric Research and Science (SOARS) Summer Internship Program SOARS is an undergraduate to graduate program built around a summer research internship, mentoring by top scientists and engineers, and a supportive learning community. In addition to the summer internship, SOARS includes year-round support, funding to attend conferences and last-dollar tuition scholarships. Successful Protégés are eligible to participate in the program for up to four (4) years. Tentative Program Dates: May 17- August 1, 2020 |
Research | Undergrad | Atmospheric, STEM, Earth Science | U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents | |
NOAA EPP/MSI Undergraduate Scholarship Program The NOAA EPP/MSI Undergraduate Scholarship provides funds (up to $45,000) for two years of undergraduate study to rising junior undergraduate students majoring in STEM fields that directly support NOAA's mission. Participants conduct research at a NOAA facility during two paid summer internships. Only U.S. citizens and U.S. nationals attending Minority Serving Institutions as defined by the US Department of Education are eligible to apply. |
Funding | Undergrad | STEM, Earth Science | U.S. Citizens | |
Summer Undergraduate Program for Planetary Research (SUPPR) An eight-week summer internship providing undergraduates majoring in geology and related sciences with an opportunity to participate in NASA planetary geosciences research. |
Research | Undergrad | Astrophysics, Geology, Geophysics, Planetary, Earth Science | U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents, Internationals, DACA | |
American Society of Naturalists Research Award The ASN Student Research Awards support research by student members that advances the goals of the society: the conceptual unification of ecology, evolution, or behavior. Each award consists of a $2,000 check to the candidate. Information for the 2020 application cycle is not available yet. The 2020 deadline provided is approximated from the 2019 deadline. |
Funding | Grad | Other, STEM, Earth Science | U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents, Internationals, Undocumented, DACA | |
Hydrological and sociocultural summer research in El Salvador Fully funded, 8-week research experience for grad students in El Salvador this summer. Students must be full-time graduate students (incoming is acceptable) and US citizens. Informational webinar: Friday, January 24 |
Research | Grad | All, STEM, Earth Science | U.S. Citizens | |
NOAA Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship The NOAA Hollings Scholarship Program provides successful undergraduate applicants with awards that include academic assistance (up to $9,500 per year) for two years of full-time study and a 10-week, full-time paid ($700/week) internship at a NOAA facility during the summer. |
Funding | Undergrad | Education, STEM | U.S. Citizens | |
Graduate Women in Science National Fellowship Program |
Funding | Grad | Other | U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents, Internationals, Undocumented, DACA | |
National Center for Airborne Laser Mapping (NCALM) Seed Proposals for Graduate Student Research Applicants must be attending a U.S. school as a graduate student. The proposed site must be in the continental U.S. |
Fieldwork | Grad | Earth Science | U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents, Internationals, Undocumented, DACA | |
DOE Scholars Program |
Research | Undergrad, Grad | All | U.S. Citizens | |
NASA Space Technology Graduate Research Opportunities- Fall 2020 This call for graduate student-developed space technology research proposals solicits proposals on behalf of individuals pursuing or planning to pursue master’s or doctoral (Ph.D.) degrees in relevant space technology disciplines at accredited U.S. universities (see solicitation for complete eligibility requirements). |
Funding | Undergrad, Grad | STEM | U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents | |
SCEC Student Research Travel Awards The SCEC Transitions Program is accepting applications for Research Travel Awards to help Early Career Researchers attend conferences that might otherwise be out of their financial reach. If selected, awardees will be given a stipend for a minimum of $250, up to a maximum of $1000. Actual amount will vary depending on the estimated cost of the travel and level of support requested in the application. |
Funding | Undergrad, Grad | All, STEM, Earth Science | U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents | |
NASA DEVELOP National Program Spring 2020 Term As part of an interdisciplinary team of community college, undergraduate, and graduate students, NASA DEVELOP interns use NASA Earth observations to address environmental and public policy issues. All applicants must be currently registered at, or recently graduated from, an accredited U.S. school. DACA and international students qualify for DEVELOP internships at the following non-NASA centers: Arizona State University/Maricopa County Department of Public Health, Colorado State University/USGS, University of Georgia/USDA Forest Service Southern Research Station, Idaho State University GIS TReC/Bureau of Land Management, Boston University/USGS Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center. |
Research | Undergrad, Grad | All | U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents, Internationals, DACA | |
National Geographic Early Career Grant Early Career Grants are designed to offer less experienced individuals an opportunity to lead a project. Grant projects last one calendar year or less. Projects are typically funded for US $5,000 and cannot exceed US $10,000. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. Not required to have an advanced degree. Anyone with more than five years of professional experience in the field does not qualify. |
Funding | Undergrad, Grad, Postdoc, Faculty, Other | All | U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents, Internationals, Undocumented, DACA | |
Sigma Xi Grants in Aid of Research Program The program awards grants of up to $1,000 to students from most areas of the sciences and engineering. Designated funds from the National Academy of Sciences allow for grants of up to $5,000 for astronomy research. Students use the funding to pay for travel expenses to and from a research site, or for purchase of non-standard laboratory equipment necessary to complete a specific research project. Application deadlines are March 15 and October 1 annually. |
Funding | Undergrad, Grad | STEM | U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents, Internationals, Undocumented, DACA | |
Fall Preview at the University of Michigan The Earth and Environmental Sciences PhD program invites juniors, senior, recently graduated, or Master’s students, to visit us for a preview of our graduate program. This event is an all expenses paid opportunity to explore graduate education, participate in admissions workshops, meet world-renowned faculty and current graduate students, and get a taste for life in Ann Arbor. |
Workshop | Undergrad, Grad | STEM, Earth Science | U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents, DACA | |
Society for the Study of Evolution Graduate Research Excellence Grants: Rosemary Grant Advanced Award Only advanced Ph.D. students who are more than 12 months from defense date at the proposal due date are eligible. |
Funding | Grad | Other, STEM, Earth Science | U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents, Internationals, Undocumented, DACA | |
SACNAS Geo-Futures Program Geo-Futures is a conference-based program that engages with and provides educational resources for students interested in pursuing a career in the geosciences. Set within the annual SACNAS Conference, a national conference that engages with the cultural structures of students from underrepresented groups, the proposed program employs engagement strategies for engaging, and retaining the diverse assemblage of students and perspectives that will be required to address the emerging needs of 21st century geoscience. |
Conference | Undergrad | Astrophysics, Atmospheric, Geology, Geophysics, Oceanography, Planetary, Earth Science | U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents | |
Geosciences Congressional Visits Day (Geo-CVD) The grant provides up to $2,000 for transportation, lodging and food. |
Funding | Grad | Earth Science | U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents, Internationals, Undocumented, DACA | |
2019 EPS-ELSI Winter School in Tokyo: 2019 School on Evolution of Earth and Life Application will be open to senior undergraduate and master’s students, from any country, seeking to continue their studies in a PhD program in a planetary science, geology, or astrobiology-related field. |
Workshop | Undergrad, Grad | Astrophysics, Geology, Planetary, Other, Earth Science | U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents, Internationals | |
NASA DEVELOP National Program Fall Term |
Research | Undergrad, Grad, Other | All | U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents, Internationals, DACA | |
Advanced Workshop on Earthquake Fault Mechanics: Theory, Simulation and Observations (Trieste, Italy) Dates: 2 - 14 Sep 2019 The school will focus on earthquake dynamics covering theory, simulations and observations also highlighting the most important areas where significant progress has been achieved recently. The programme will involve a series of lectures, seminars, discussions, practical and computer exercises. A limited number of grants are available to support the attendance of selected participants, with priority given to participants from developing countries. There is no registration fee. |
Workshop | Undergrad, Grad, Postdoc, Faculty | Geology, Geophysics, Earth Science | U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents, Internationals | |
Geological Society of America (GSA) Annual Meeting On To the Future Program |
Funding | Undergrad, Grad | Earth Science | U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents, Internationals, Undocumented, DACA | |
Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (BIOS) REU |
Research | Undergrad | Atmospheric, Oceanography, Other, Earth Science | U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents | |
Café Bustelo® El Café del Futuro Scholarship |
Funding | Undergrad, Grad | All | U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents, DACA | |
Geological Society of American (GSA) Minority Student Scholarship Program |
Funding | Undergrad | Earth Science | U.S. Citizens | |
2019 SACNAS The National Diversity in STEM Conference Travel Scholarship |
Funding | Undergrad, Grad | STEM | U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents, Internationals, Undocumented, DACA | |
2019 SACNAS The National Diversity in STEM Conference Research Presentation |
Conference | Undergrad, Grad, Postdoc | STEM | U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents, Internationals, Undocumented, DACA | |
Geological Society of America (GSA)/ExxonMobil Bighorn Basin Field Award |
Fieldwork | Undergrad, Grad, Faculty | Geology | U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents, Internationals, Undocumented, DACA | |
Geological Society of American (GSA) Field Camp Scholar Award |
Funding | Undergrad | Geology | U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents, Internationals, Undocumented | |
Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) Scholarship |
Funding | Undergrad | All | U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents, Internationals, Undocumented, DACA | |
Participate in AXIAL aboard the R/V Marcus Langseth Summer 2019 |
Fieldwork | Grad, Postdoc | Earth Science | U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents, Internationals | |
Great Minds in STEM (GMiS) Scholarship |
Funding | Undergrad, Grad, Other | STEM | U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents, Internationals, DACA | |
STEMSEAS |
Fieldwork | Undergrad | All | U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents, Internationals, Undocumented, DACA | |
2019 INQUA Congress Fellowship Program |
Funding | Grad, Postdoc, Other | Geology, Earth Science | U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents, Internationals | |
European Association of Geochemistry (EAG) and the Geochemical Society (GS) Goldschmidt Conference Grant Program |
Conference | Grad, Postdoc | Earth Science | U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents, Internationals | |
Future Investigators in NASA Earth and Space Science and Technology (FINESST) Fellowship |
Funding | Grad | All | U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents, Internationals | |
NASA DEVELOP National Program Summer Term |
Research | Undergrad, Grad, Other | All | U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents, Internationals, DACA | |
Hawaiian-Emperor Seamount Chain Seismic Experiment Volunteer |
Fieldwork | Grad, Postdoc, Other | Earth Science | U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents, Internationals | |
Society of Exploration (SEG) Scholarships |
Funding | Undergrad, Grad, Other | Geophysics | U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents, Internationals | |
Caltech Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF) |
Research | Undergrad | STEM | U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents, Internationals | |
Lamont Summer Intern Program |
Research | Undergrad | Earth Science | U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents | |
Keck Geology Consortium Advanced Program |
Research | Undergrad | Earth Science | U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents | |
Keck Geology Consortium Gateway Program |
Research | Undergrad | All | U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents | |
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute (WHOI) Summer Student Fellowship Program |
Research | Undergrad | All | U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents, Internationals | |
Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology (IRIS) Summer Internships |
Research | Undergrad | All | U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents | |
Southern California Earthquake Center (SCEC) Summer Internships |
Research | Undergrad | All | U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents | |
University of Colorado SMART Program |
Research | Undergrad | All | U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents | |
Arecibo Observatory Research Experience for Undergraduates and Teachers Program |
Research | Undergrad, Other | Astrophysics, Atmospheric, Education, Geology, Geophysics, Planetary, Other | U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents | |
UNAVCO Student Internship Program (USIP) |
Undergrad, Grad | All | |||
Geological Society of American (GSA) Graduate Student Research Grants |
Grad | Geology | U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents, Internationals, Undocumented | ||
Stanford's Summer Undergraduate Research in Geoscience and Engineering (SURGE) Program |
Research | Undergrad | Astrophysics, Atmospheric, Geology, Geophysics, Oceanography, Planetary, Other | U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents, Internationals | |
DOE Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship (SULI) |
Research | Undergrad | All | U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents | |
GFZ Seismology and Seismic Hazard Assessment Training Course |
Workshop | Grad, Postdoc, Other | Geophysics | U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents, Internationals | |
IGNITE-Future Faculty Development Program IGNITE is an all expenses paid workshop that provides participants with the opportunity for professional development, and to have candid discussions with department heads, deans, and early career faculty members about life in academia. Post-docs and ABD candidates with research interests in sedimentology, stratigraphy, mineralogy, petrology, data science, geoengineering, or geophysics are especially encouraged to apply. Participants are expected to: IGNITE application will be available on January 1, 2020. Deadline not available yet. |
Workshop | Grad, Postdoc | STEM, Earth Science | U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents, Internationals, Undocumented, DACA | |
Mickey Leland Energy Fellowship (MLEF) Program |
Research | Undergrad, Grad | STEM | U.S. Citizens |
Other Resources
- Dr. Anne Sheehan's page on earth-science related opportunities
- Dr. Jascha Polet's page on information for students interested in a career in Geophysics including earth-science related opportunities
- STEM summer internships for undocumented students created and updated by Matthew R. Cover
- Research grants spreadsheet for undocumented graduate students created and updated by Evelyn Valdez-Ward
- STEM fellowship, scholarship, and internship database
Diversity and Inclusion Communities
Faculty
Graduate Students

Areidy Aracely Beltrán Peña
Environmental Science Policy and Management Ph.D. StudentUniversity of California, Berkeley
Full Profile

Isis Frausto-Vicencio
Environmental Sciences Ph.D. StudentUniversity of California Riverside
Full Profile

Krystal Vasquez
Atmospheric Chemistry Ph.D. CandidateCalifornia Institute of Technology
Full Profile
Professionals

Joaquin Fraga Hernandez
Assistant Research SpecialistSierra Nevada Research Institute at the University of California, Merced
Full Profile

Dr. Lorena Medina Luna
Education and Outreach Specialist (Bilingual)NCAR-UCAR (Boulder, CO)
Full Profile

Dr. Gabriela Noriega
Manager of Experiential Learning and Career AdvancementSouthern California Earthquake Center, USC
Full Profile

Celia Pazos
Engineering GeologistCA State Water Resources Control Board (Los Angeles, CA)
Full Profile
Undergraduate Students

Ivan Fontanez Vazquez
7th Year Physical Science Major & Atmospheric Science & Meteorology MinorUniversity of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez
Full Profile

Venezia Ramirez
3rd Year Environmental Science MajorUniversity of California, Los Angeles
Full Profile
Postdocs

Dr. Annareli Morales
Advanced Studies Program Postdoctoral FellowNational Center for Atmospheric Research (Boulder, CO)
Full Profile

Dr. Fernanda Santos
UC Chancellor's Postdoctoral FellowUniversity of California, Merced
Full Profile

Dr. Michaela Villarreal
NASA Postdoctoral Program FellowNASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (Pasadena, CA)
Full Profile