For those passionate about Indigenous environmental and geographic issues, the Geographies of Indigenous Futures (GIF) Lab at Bemidji State University is always looking for collaborators to do good work in a good way. Built on reciprocity, mentorship, and community-engaged research, the Collaboratory welcomes contributions from undergraduate and graduate students, as well as community partners.

Choose a pathway below to learn how to join:

Undergraduate Researchers

For those interested in getting their feet wet in research, the GIF Lab offers Bemidji State undergraduates opportunities to build skills and gain hands-on experience. Whether joining as a Research Assistant for a specific, grant-funded project or as a Research Apprentice looking to learn the craft of Indigenous geography, undergraduates are a key part of the lab’s collaborative work.

Undergraduate Interest Form

Graduate Associates

The GIF Lab is currently accepting inquiries from prospective Master’s students for the upcoming academic cycle. The lab is an interdisciplinary, mentorship-heavy environment that accepts a small, curated cohort of students seeking a collaborative research experience.

Before Inquiring: Prospective students should read the Advisor-Advisee Guidelines to understand the lab’s mentorship style, what to expect from the advisor, and the responsibilities carried by an advisee. The advisor-advisee relationship is a professional partnership focused on intellectual development, scholarly training, and preparation for diverse career pathways.

How to Inquire: Please do not send a generic email. To ensure all inquiries receive the attention they deserve, prospective students must complete the Graduate Interest Form to share their research alignment and readiness for the MS program.

Graduate Interest Form

Community Partners

For community members and knowledge holders, the GIF Lab is committed to research that serves local and global communities. Community-engaged research must follow cultural protocols, agreements, and expectations of reciprocity, respect, and accountability. Whether there is a project idea, an oral history to preserve, or a community challenge that research might help address, the Collaboratory is eager to explore partnerships. Members do not need to be enrolled at a college or university to join the Collaboratory. Contact us here!

Lab Policies & Culture

Research Ethics

All research conducted by the GIF Lab operates strictly in accordance with university, departmental, and funding-agency policies. More importantly, the lab’s work is grounded in Indigenous methodologies. Projects involving community-based research require appropriate approvals, cultural protocols, and a commitment to reciprocity.

Community Opportunities

The GIF Lab frequently shares opportunities for community engagement and local volunteering in the Bemidji area. Participation in any volunteer activities is entirely optional and has no bearing on a student’s academic standing, lab membership, or access to mentorship.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does the lab recruit PhD students or Postdoctoral fellows? Currently, the GIF Lab focuses on undergraduate research apprenticeships and Master’s-level (MS) mentorship within the Environmental Studies program at Bemidji State University. Because BSU does not offer a PhD program, Dr. Smiles is unable to accept or supervise doctoral students. The lab does not have a standard postdoctoral program, though it may occasionally host project-specific Research Associates if external funding is secured to support community-engaged research.

Is funding available for graduate students? Funding is not guaranteed, but the lab is committed to full transparency regarding financial support. Funding relies on three avenues:

1. Grant-Funded Assistantships: When the GIF Lab secures external research grants, project-specific Research Assistants (RAs) are hired based on skill alignment.
2. Departmental Support: The Environmental Studies program offers Teaching Assistantships (TAs) and other financial aid.
3. External Awards: Dr. Smiles strongly encourages students to apply for external funding appropriate to their field and provides guidance in preparing competitive applications. Funding expectations tied to RA or TA work will be clearly articulated and limited to appropriate duties.

What is the lab’s mentorship style? Dr. Smiles views mentorship as a two-way street, providing high-level, frequent feedback and expecting students to be intellectually engaged, communicative, and respectful. The lab is committed to supporting students’ development as emerging scholars and professionals. Students looking for an advisor who provides regular guidance on research directions, thesis development, and career pathways will feel right at home.

Does the lab director make the final admission decision for graduate students?
While Dr. Smiles advocates for students whose research aligns with the GIF Lab, the final decision rests with the Environmental Studies faculty and the BSU School of Graduate Studies. A decision not to admit is in no way an indicator of the rigor of a project or a student’s worth. Applicants must ensure their official application meets all program requirements by checking the official BSU Environmental Studies Graduate page.