Students may be supported by several forms of financial assistance, and they enjoy individualized advising in all programs. Opportunities exist to work with highly renowned and qualified scientists on ongoing research, to pursue independent studies and to participate in the discovery of new knowledge. Excellent laboratories and specialized equipment are available. Students will be challenged by the rigor of the programs and will benefit substantially by the opportunity for development of their potential to its fullest. Scientists at the NREL are committed to the concept of interdisciplinary team research.
Emphasis is in the ecological sciences, and research accentuates a broad systems approach.
While the NREL is not an academic department, graduate education is a major activity. Graduate students receive financial support and training in ecosystem science, which complements work in their home departments.