Gulf Scholars Program

All majors welcome!

National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

The National Academies Gulf Scholars Program (GSP) aims to prepare undergraduate students from any major to address challenges and issues facing the gulf south region. LSU Gulf Scholars will participate in immersive projects, courses, excursions and activities focused on supporting people, ecosystems and industries in and around the Gulf of Mexico. 

Learn More About the Program

As a Gulf Scholar, you are part of a cohort of LSU students across all majors working under a unified mission.

Gain confidence and learn new skills as you complete a 10-week, faculty-mentored Gulf Impact Project over the summer.

Participate in excursions and local activities to expand your knowledge of the gulf environment and communities.

Build a network of fellow students, faculty, and stakeholders to explore future opportunities in your field of interest.

We will host several Student Information Sessions throughout the semester at which students can learn about the program, how to apply, and ask questions. 

If you are interested in applying to the program, we strongly encourage you to attend an info session.

  • Wednesday, September 27 from 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. in Hatcher Hall room 344
  • Thursday, October 12 from 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. in Hatcher Hall room 344
  • Wednesday, October 25 from 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. via Zoom

Each summer, up to 25 students will be funded for a 10-week faculty-mentored research project centered on topics related to the gulf.  Gulf Impact Project students will receive up to $6,000 in funding for wages, supplies, and travel related to their project. Students from any major are welcome to apply!

  • Scholars will first be accepted into the program in the fall, and match with a Gulf Impact Project the following spring.
  • The research department for the Gulf Impact Project you apply to does not have to be the same department that your major is in. 
  • While some travel may be required for your specific project, you will otherwise must be present in Baton Rouge for the summer.

View a list of past Gulf Impact Projects completed by Gulf Scholars.

  • Attend an info session - Fall 2023
  • Submit your application - Due November 1
  • Applicant decisions made and notifications sent - By November 17
  • Gulf Scholars programming begins - Spring 2024
  • Gulf Impact Projects determined - Spring 2024
  • Complete Gulf Impact Projects - Summer 2024
  • Present your project at the Summer Showcase - August 2024
  • Continue work on projects, volunteering, and other activities - Fall 2024 & beyond!

Gulf Impact Projects will be led by a faculty mentor. Faculty-mentored project descriptions are housed in the LSU Discover Mentor Database.

Check back soon for the Summer 2024 Project List! 

In the meantime, you can view the Summer 2023 Project List on the LSU Discover Mentor Database


Interested Faculty:

We are recruiting faculty mentors for Gulf Impact Projects for Summer 2024. We are looking for gulf-centric projects that either already have funding or are in need of funding. 

Benefits of mentoring a Gulf Impact Project undergraduate student:

  • High retention rates due to engagement with the greater cohort. 
  • Students receive additional training and knowledge through cohort workshops and seminars. 
  • Students have a demonstrated interest in the topic from the application process.

Students will get paid a minimum of $15 per hour and work up to 40 hours a week during the 10-week project. 

If you are interested in mentoring a Gulf Impact Project, please submit a project proposal form.

If you have any questions, please contact us at gulfscholars@lsu.edu.

The Gulf Scholars Program at LSU is made possible through the National Academies' Gulf Research Program. The Gulf Scholars Program supports Gulf of Mexico region colleges and universities in preparing undergraduate students as the next generation to address critical challenges in the region related to the focus areas of the Gulf Research Program – community health and resilience, environmental protection and stewardship, and offshore energy safety. Participating schools will engage students from across the sciences, engineering, medicine, humanities, arts, and beyond to develop key competencies and mindsets necessary to address critical Gulf challenges.

Read more about the National Academies' Gulf Scholars Program.

Apply to the Gulf Scholars Program

Applicant Requirements: 

  • Must have at least 3 semesters remaining as a full-time undergraduate (includes summer semester).
  • For summer Gulf Impact Projects: Must be enrolled as a full-time student the following fall semester.
  • Must have a minimum 2.5 college GPA.
  • Must be in good standing with the University.

The Gulf Scholars Program is not accepting new student applicants at this time.

Applications were due November 1st, 2023. Check back next fall for the next round of undergraduate student applications!


If you are a faculty member interested in submitting a project for Summer 2024, please complete a project proposal form. Preferred submission deadline is January 31, 2024.


Check out some of the engaging activities and trips the Gulf Scholars participate in!

LSU Gulf Scholars Program - Group photo of the Gulf Scholars on a trip to Buras, Louisiana.

LSU Gulf Scholars Program - Gulf Scholars with a gar caught during a trip to Buras, Louisiana.

LSU Gulf Scholars Program - Gulf Scholars observing a black drum caught during a trip to Buras, Louisiana.

LSU Gulf Scholars Program - Gulf Scholars learning about species of plants along the gulf coast.

LSU Gulf Scholars Program - Gulf Scholar observing plant species while on a trip to Buras, Louisiana.

LSU Gulf Scholars Program - Practicing throwing cast nets at Milford Wampold Memorial Park in Baton Rouge.

LSU Gulf Scholars Program - Gulf Scholars on a trip to Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge to see the largest bald cypress tree in the United States.

LSU Gulf Scholars Program - Scholars standing on new land in the gulf while on a trip to Buras, Louisiana.

LSU Gulf Scholars Program - Scholars observing fish caught from a cast net during an activity at Milford Wampold Memorial Park in Baton Rouge.

LSU Gulf Scholars Program - Group photo of the Gulf Scholars on a trip to Buras, Louisiana.

LSU Gulf Scholars Program - Scholar standing on new land in the gulf while on a trip to Buras, Louisiana.

LSU Gulf Scholars Program - Scholars identifying fish caught from a cast net during an activity at Milford Wampold Memorial Park in Baton Rouge.


LSU GSP Leadership Team

  • Dr. Linda Hooper-Bui, Professor, Environmental Sciences
  • Dr. Jacqueline Bach, Acting Vice Provost of Academic Programs & Services; Professor, Education
  • Dr. Clint Willson, Director, Center for River Studies; Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering; The Water Institute of the Gulf
  • Dr. Brandon Ballengee, Visual artist, biologist, and environmental educator
  • Dr. Debbie Goldgaber, Director, LSU Ethics Institute; Associate Professor, Philosophy/Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
  • Dr. Margaret Reams, Professor, Environmental Sciences
  • Sarah Ferstel, Associate Director, LSU Discover
  • Ella Magerl, Program Coordinator