SEPT. 16, 2009 1. Fellowship Development Resources The Office of Grant Development and Projects ( works with the Office.

SEPT. 16, 2009

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Fellowship Development ResourcesFellowship Development Resources

The Office of Grant Development and Projects (www.ohio.edu/research/grantdev) works with the Office of Nationally Competitive Awards (ONCA, www.onca.org) to help promising undergraduate and graduate students compete for national awards.

Fellowships can provide the funding, opportunity, and connections to realize their dreams--both now and in the future.

Contacts: Roxanne Malé –Brune, [email protected] McMills, [email protected]; Lauren McMills, [email protected] Bute, 593-2723

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Fellowship Development ResourcesFellowship Development Resources

Ready to find an award matching your interests and talents?

Start by browsing through a sample of awards that we regularly handle. http://www.onca.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=10&Itemid=26

Then search opportunities more specifically by using the external databases listed below. Cornell University [http://www.gradschool.cornell.edu/?p=132] Search the award database by academic discipline, key word, or deadline. Michigan State University [http://staff.lib.msu.edu/harris23/grants/3gradinf.htm]Find awards listed by academic discipline and eligible population groups. Includes links to additional databases, funding options, and book resources. Yale University [http://studentgrants.yale.edu/search.asp]Search the award database by type of opportunity, eligible population, specific award, and deadline. Or, browse lists of awards sorted by name or deadline. As a bonus, find tips to help you through the application process.

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Basic DefinitionsBasic Definitions

What is a fellowship?

How are fellowships different from grants?

What is a Sponsor?

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NSF Graduate Research Fellowship ProgramNSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program

Application due Nov. 2-12, 2009, depending on field of study Overview:The program recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students in NSF-supported science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines who are pursuing research-based master’s and doctoral degrees in the U.S. and abroad. NSF Fellows are expected to become knowledge experts who can contribute significantly to research, teaching, and innovations in science and engineering. Benefits:Three years of support$30,000 annual stipend$10,500 cost-of-education allowance$1,000 one-time international travel allowanceTeraGrid Supercomputer access

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NSF Graduate Research Fellowship ProgramNSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program

Eligibility:Applicants must be U.S. citizens or nationals, or permanent resident aliens of the U.S.Applicants are expected to have adequate preparation to begin graduate study and research by summer of fall 2010. In most cases, this will be demonstrated by receipt of a bachelor’s degree earned prior to Fall 2010.Individuals are typically eligible to apply:

oDuring the senior year of collegeoAfter graduating from college and prior to entering graduate schooloDuring the first year of graduate schooloPrior to completing the first term of the second year of graduate school

GPA 3.6 or above, unless extenuating circumstances Topic Areas:Interdisciplinary fields of study Mathematical SciencesSocial Sciences PsychologyGeosciences Life SciencesChemistry Physics and AstronomyEngineeringComputer and Information Sciences and Engineering

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Components of an NSF Fellowship ApplicationComponents of an NSF Fellowship Application

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Note, each section must address Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts

What is Intellectual Merit?What is Intellectual Merit?

How important is the proposed activity to advancing knowledge and understanding within its own field or across different fields? How well qualified is the proposer to conduct the project? To what extent does the proposed activity suggest and explore creative, original, or potentially transformative concepts? How well conceived and organized is the proposed activity?Is there sufficient access to resources?

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What are Broader Impacts?What are Broader Impacts?

How well does the activity advance discovery and understanding while promoting teaching, training, and learning? How well does the proposed activity broaden the participation of underrepresented groups (e.g., gender, ethnicity, disability, geographic, etc.)?

oNote, Appalachians and 1st-generation college students are considered underserved groups.

To what extent will it enhance the infrastructure for research and education, such as facilities, instrumentation, networks, and partnerships? Will the results be disseminated broadly to enhance scientific and technological understanding? What may be the benefits of the proposed activity to society?

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Personal Statement - guidelinesPersonal Statement - guidelines

Describe any personal, professional, or educational experiences or situations that have prepared you or contributed to your desire to pursue advanced study in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Describe your competencies and evidence of leadership potential.Discuss your career aspirations and how the NSF fellowship will enable you to achieve your goals.

NSF Fellows are expected to become knowledge experts and leaders who can contribute significantly to research, education, and innovations in science and engineering. The purpose of this essay is to demonstrate your potential to satisfy this requirement. Your ideas and examples do not have to be confined necessarily to the discipline that you have chosen to pursue.

You MUST provide specific details in this essay that address BOTH the NSF Merit Review Criteria of Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts in order for your application to be competitive.

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Personal Statement - tipsPersonal Statement - tips

Motivation: What motivated you to pursue graduate studies/become a researcher? Demonstrate commitment.Leadership Skills: How have you have demonstrated your potential as a leader and a team member? Distinguishing Characteristics – e.g., your intelligence, insight, candor, creativity, and ability to communicate. Intellectual Pursuit: What extraordinary efforts have you made to enhance your knowledge and skills? Transferable Skills & Qualities: What have you learned that you can now apply as an exemplary professional? Career Aspirations and/or Long-range Goals as a researcher. Diversity - How you have applied your knowledge and skills to:

help others support diversityshare scientific knowledge benefit society?

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Personal Statement – example outlinePersonal Statement – example outline

Introduction (3-5 sentences): Make an interesting point about you, your research interests or your vision.

oConvince the reader that you are intelligent, innovative, articulate, dedicated, and uniquely qualified to receive this fellowship. Avoid clichés.

Describe any personal, professional, or educational experiences or situations that have prepared you and contributed to your desire to pursue advanced study in your field. Describe your competencies, team/interdisciplinary skills, and evidence of leadership potential.

oUse tangible examples of your work in research settings, if possible. Discuss your career aspirations and how the NSF fellowship will enable you to achieve your goals. Conclusion: 3-5 sentences, draw an interesting conclusion. Reflect on what you have learned, what your research means, or where you are headed. Bring closure to your essay.

Make sure you address Intellectual Merit (e.g., quality of applicant) and Broader Impacts criteria (e.g., activities benefiting society, mentoring, working with diverse populations) .Source: http://gradschool.missouri.edu/financial/assistantships-fellowships/fellowships/external/nsf-research-fellowship/

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Previous Research- guidelinesPrevious Research- guidelines

Describe any scientific research activities in which you have participated, such as experience in undergraduate research programs, or research experience gained through summer or part-time employment or in work-study programs, or other research activities, either academic or job-related. Explain the purpose of the research and your specific role in the research, including the extent to which you worked independently and/or as part of a team, and what you learned from your research experience. In your statement, distinguish between undergraduate and graduate research experience. At the end of your statement, list any publications and/or presentations made at national and/or regional professional meetings.

If you have no direct research experience, describe any activities that you believe have prepared you to undertake research.

You MUST provide specific details in this essay that address BOTH the NSF Merit Review Criteria of Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts in order for your application to be competitive.

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Previous Research - tipsPrevious Research - tips

For each research project consider the following:Objectives of the project Role: leader, team member, UG or GMethodsFindings/Outcomes (Intellectual Merit)

oHow did research further the knowledge in your field?oImpact on other fields?

Implications (Broader Impacts)o Benefits to greater scientific community/society?o Mentor anyone?o Diversity?

Skills Gained/Lessons/LearnedHow fit with future goals?

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Proposed Research Essay- guidelinesProposed Research Essay- guidelines

In a clear, concise, and original statement, present a complete plan for a research project that you plan to pursue while on fellowship tenure and how you became interested in the topic. Your statement should demonstrate your understanding of research design and methodology and explain the relationship to your previous research, if any.

You MUST provide specific details in this essay that address BOTH the NSF Merit Review Criteria of Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts in order for your application to be competitive.

Format: Hypothesis (or research questions for qualitative social sciences)Research plan (strategy, methodology, and controls)Anticipated results or findings, and literature citations. Note, the literature citations are included in the 2-page limit.

If you have not formulated a research plan, your statement should include a description of a topic that interests you and how you propose to conduct research on that topic.

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Proposed Research Essay- tipsProposed Research Essay- tips

Address the following:How does the research question or hypothesis address a significant problem or need? Have previous studies pointed to unsolved problems, contradictions, trends and emerging issues in this field or interdisciplinary area? Is there adequate background/justification/need for this study? How committed are you to this research? Does you have the knowledge and abilities to lead the research and monitor progress? Is the writing definitive or tentative? Are the proposed methods rigorous and appropriate to the research problem? The process/steps clear? What is the mentor’s field of expertise? How strong is the mentor’s support for this research plan? Is this plan feasible for the time allotted? Adequate equipment, computers and other resources? What are potential pitfalls or limitations of this study? Has a contingency plan been outlined? What is the “value” of this fellowship to the student? What new knowledge and skills will this student acquire? Will this experience support the student’s long range career goals? 16

Proposed Research Essay- tipsProposed Research Essay- tips

What are the realistic implications and broader impacts of this work? Potentially transformative research? Transformative Research. “Transformative Research involves ideas, discoveries, or tools that radically change our understanding of an important existing scientific or engineering concept or educational practice or leads to the creation of a new paradigm or field of science, engineering, or education. Such research challenges current understanding or provides pathways to new frontiers. Characteristics of transformative research are that it: a) challenges conventional wisdom, b) leads to unexpected insights that enable new techniques or methodologies, or c) redefines the boundaries of science, engineering, or education. Applicants are encouraged to submit applications that embody potentially transformative research .

How does your proposal align with NSF’s mission and investment priorities?

ohttp://www.nsf.gov/about/ ohttp://www.nsf.gov/news/priority_areas/

Have you identified a potential graduate school/faculty mentor lab?o If so, state why school, faculty mentor, and laboratory area good fit with your proposed research. 17

Other Fellowship OpportunitiesOther Fellowship Opportunities

See Handouts

AAUW - Women, Have UG degree or Graduate StudentsACS Scholars Program – Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, URM, Chemistry Related FieldsAmerican Meteorological Society – Undergraduate or Graduate Students, Science/EngineeringAmerica Society of Plant Biologists – Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, Plant BiologyDepartment of Energy Computational Science Graduate Fellowship – Graduate Students, Science/Engineering/ComputingEPA STAR Graduate Fellowship – Seniors, 1st year MA or Ph.D. Students, Environmental StudiesGoldwater Scholarship – Sophomores or Juniors, Math/Natural Sciences/EngineeringHertz Fellowship – Seniors, Ph.D. Graduate Students, Applied Physical, Biological/Engineering Science

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Other Fellowship OpportunitiesOther Fellowship Opportunities

See Handouts

Hollings Scholarship – Sophomores, Oceanic/AtmosphericJacob Javits - Seniors, 1st year MA or Ph.D. Students, Financial Need, Arts, Humanities, Social SciencesMerck Science Initiative Scholarship – African American, Juniors, Ph.D. Graduate Students,; Life/Physical Sciences National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship – Seniors, 1st yr Ph.D. Graduate Students, Science/EngineeringSigma Xi- Undergraduate or Graduate Students, Science/EngineeringSMART Fellowship – Undergraduate or Graduate Students, Science/Technology/Engineering/Math

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Study Abroad Fellowship OpportunitiesStudy Abroad Fellowship Opportunities

Fulbright U.S. Student Programhttp://us.fulbrightonline.org/home.htmlOverview: fellowships for U.S. graduating college seniors, graduate students, young professionals, and artists to study abroad for one academic year for study and research abroad. In addition, Critical Language Enhancement Awards are available to grantees for study of critical need foreign languages before their grant period. More than 1,500 Americans receive grants to study abroad with either full or partial support from the Fulbright Program. Fulbright English Teaching Assistantships (ETA) Programhttp://us.fulbrightonline.org/thinking_teaching.htmlOverview: Places U.S. students as English teaching assistants in schools or universities overseas, thus improving foreign students’ English language abilities and knowledge of the United States while increasing their own language skills and knowledge of the host country. ETAs may also pursue individual study/research plans in addition to their teaching responsibilities. Contact: Beth Clodfelter, [email protected]

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Study Abroad Fellowship OpportunitiesStudy Abroad Fellowship Opportunities

Marshall Scholarshiphttp://www.marshallscholarship.org/Overview: Up to forty Scholars are selected each year to study at graduate level at an UK institution in any field of study.Contact: Brandon Bute, 593-2725

Rhodes Scholarshiphttp://www.rhodesscholar.org/Overview: Brings outstanding students from many countries around the world to the University of Oxford.Contact: Brandon Bute, 593-2725

Mitchellhttp://www.us-irelandalliance.org/mitchellscholarships/Overview: Nationally competitive award designed to introduce and connect upcoming generations of future American leaders to the island of Ireland, while recognizing and fostering intellectual achievement, leadership, and a commitment to public service and community.Contact: Brandon Bute, 593-2725

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Study Abroad Fellowship OpportunitiesStudy Abroad Fellowship Opportunities

DAADhttp://www.daad.org/ Overview: The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is a publicly-funded independent organization of higher education institutions in Germany. Our 14 international offices provide information as well as financial support to over 55,000 highly-qualified students and faculty per year for international research and study. Ohio University: Ohio Chemistry and Biochemistry maintains a student and research exchange program with The Department of Chemistry at the University of Leipzig. Both graduate and undergraduate students have spent from 3 months to one year in Leipzig taking classes and conducting research.

Contact: Brandon Bute, 593-2725 or Roxanne Male’-Brune, [email protected]

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Internal Award OpportunitiesInternal Award Opportunities

Provost Undergraduate Research Fund ($1,500)Applications due Sept. 18, 2009http://www.honors.ohio.edu/research_op.htm Student Enhancement Award ($6,000)Applications due Feb. 18, 2010 http://www.ohio.edu/research/sea.cfm

Graduate Student Senate Original Work Grants ($750) Applications due: Fall Quarter 5:00 pm, Monday, September 21, 2009Winter Quarter 5:00 pm, Monday, January 18, 2010Spring Quarter 5:00 pm, Monday, April 12, 2010

Graduate Student Senate Travel Grants ($500, selected by lottery) Applications due: Fall Quarter 5:00 pm, Friday, September 18, 2009Winter Quarter 5:00 pm, Friday, January 15, 2010Spring Quarter 5:00 pm, Friday, April 9, 2010

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