Applications Open for ILWA Fellows Program 2026-27 Cohort

The Janet Quinney Lawson Institute for Land, Water and Air is now accepting applications for the ILWA Fellows Program 2026-27 cohort, building on the momentum and success of the program’s inaugural year.

The program brings together faculty and professionals to collaborate on year-long projects with clear policy relevance. Fellows work across disciplines, engage directly with policymakers and develop actionable recommendations that connect research to real-world challenges.

The inaugural cohort was intentionally selected from individuals with existing interests or active projects related to land, water and air policy. In addition to advancing their own work, fellows played a critical role in shaping the program itself — helping refine its structure, offerings and focus.

“Our inaugural fellows didn’t just participate in this program — they helped build it,” said Anna McEntire, managing director of ILWA. “Their willingness to provide feedback, test new ideas and engage with the policy process has been invaluable. We’re incredibly grateful for their leadership and for helping us define what this program can and should be.”

Throughout the year, fellows participated in a range of opportunities, including small-group Q&A conversations with leaders such as Utah House Representative Jill Koford and the executive director of the Utah Department of Environmental Quality, Tim Davis. Fellows were also invited to attend events tied to the release of the Institute’s Report to the Governor and Legislature on Utah’s Land, Water, and Air, providing additional exposure to statewide policy conversations.

The Fellows Program aligns with ILWA’s broader mission to support evidence-based policymaking and strengthen connections between Utah State University and decision-makers across the state. Fellows meet monthly and receive guidance from ILWA staff and leadership with opportunities to integrate their work into ILWA policy products and communications.

Applications for the 2026-27 ILWA Fellows cohort are now open. Future cohorts will be selected through a competitive process, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, readiness for policy engagement and alignment with Utah’s land, water and air priorities. Additional information, including eligibility and application details, is available on the ILWA Fellows Program website.