Professional Development Funds support fellows in leadership growth, skill-building, networking and more
“The outcomes from this grant-funded experience go far beyond skill-building; it has transformed how I approach my work and envision my future.” - Daniel Gonzalez, on attending the American Association for Aerosol Research Conference.
Environmental leaders benefit from new skills and networking opportunities, but funding for professional development is not always readily available. The Professional Development Fund aims to close that gap for Switzer Fellow alumni. Once they have completed their fellowship year, Switzer Fellows may request funds for training in professional skill, attendance at a conference, or other activities or resources that help them pursue their career goals. This past year, we supported 17 Switzer Fellows with small grants of up to $2000. Here we share some highlights to celebrate recent grantees' accomplishments and to provide inspiration for any Switzer Fellows considering applying for the program!
The outcomes from this grant-funded experience go far beyond skill-building; it has transformed how I approach my work and envision my future.
Daniel Gonzalez, the American Association for Aerosol Research Conference.
A few highlights of recent Professional Development Fund grants:
Fellows attended professional conferences in their fields
Switzer Fellows attended conferences in a wide array of disciplines and locations, where they shared their knowledge by facilitating workshops, presenting and exhibiting; learned from peers in their industries; networked with mentors, mentees, potential clients, future collaborators and friends; and received inspiration from “a-ha” moments and reinvigorated enthusiasm for their careers.
Conferences supported in FY25 include:
- National Tribal Indigenous Climate Conference in Anchorage, Alaska
- American Association for Aerosol Research Conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico
- United Nations Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP16) in Cali, Colombia
- Pacific Seabird Group/Waterbirds Society meeting in Costa Rica
- International Congress for Conservation Biology in Brisbane, Australia
- Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco Meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana
- Association of American Geographers Annual Meeting in Detroit, Michigan
- Enhanced Rock Weathering Conference in Antwerp, Belgium
- Northeast Natural History Conference in Springfield, Massachusetts
- New Horizons in Conservation Convening in New Haven, Connecticut
- National Audubon Society Leadership Conference in Montreal, Canada
Especially as an early career scientist, I am grateful for the opportunity to develop my public speaking and networking skills.
Jade Roccoforte, the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco Meeting.
Fellows took courses to build skills and expand perspectives
Switzer Fellows used PDF grants to complete workshops in far-ranging topics, formats and locations to support their career goals, such as an online intensive facilitation training, an invitation to discover climate ecology in Cuba, a leadership-focused embodied transformation and somatics course, and attending the People’s Medicine School to learn traditional herbology.
I have served as a meeting facilitator for many years but have never had the privilege of formal training. The opportunity to learn new philosophical perspectives on facilitation beyond its logistical components has deeply impacted my practice as a meeting convener.
Candice Kim, facilitation courses with the AORTA collective.
Fellows participated in coaching to further their career goals and leadership development
PDF grants toward career coaching have supported Switzer Fellows at critical moments in their careers. In the past year, fellows leveraged this support to navigate changing leadership structures and roles in their organizations and find new career directions and support seeking new jobs following recent upheaval in federal agency positions.
I’ve valued coaching help in navigating dynamics of organizations in growth and in processes of defining goals and priorities,” one fellow said. “I’ve continued to learn more about my strengths and abilities, which I take with me even as [times are] tough.
More opportunities await
We are continuously inspired by the many ways in which Switzer Fellows pursue their goals to advance positive environmental change, whether it’s by sharing research outcomes, developing new skills, building collaborations, or finding a new career path. We’re proud to have supported Switzer Fellows in these ways and more, and look forward to seeing how fellows apply Professional Development Fund grants this year! Learn more about the program and how to apply here.
