Promoting Undergraduate Research

NSF Graduate Research FellowshipsAmy EckhardtOctober 13, 2005

The NSF Graduate Fellowship

Supports full time work in research based master’s or PhD programs

Three years of support during five year period

Stipend of 30,000 per tenure year

Tuition up to $10,500 per tenure year

The Competition

7758 APPLICANTS IN 2003– 39% were graduating seniors– 55% were 1st or 2nd year graduate students

900 New awards annually

Merit Review Criteria

Intellectual Merit– QPA– Awards/Publications– GREs

Broader Impacts– Integrating research and education– Encouraging diversity– Enhancing scientific and technical understanding– Benefiting society

The Application

Personal/Academic Background

4 Essays– Personal Statement– Research Experience– Broader Impact Statement– Proposed Research Plan

Official Transcripts and GRE scores

Three references – Current knowledge of achievements– Knows you personally and academically

Application Timeline

Take GREs in October/November at latest

November

Late-March award announcement

Tenure begins Fall of the following year.

How Can We Help?

Advertise

Identify

Mentor

Resources for Students

– Faculty Mentors– Other Students– Research Opportunities and Funding

First Year Research Experiences Chancellor’s Undergraduate Research Fellowships Brackenridge Fellowships

2005 NSF Workshop

What • 2 working sessions• Input from former NSF Fellowship Winners• Faculty Technical Reviews

Who• 42 Students

• 36 Seniors or First Year Graduates• 6 Juniors• 6 Disciplines

Future Plans

20 ApplicationsSpring visit from the NSFWorkshop for next year

Where to Find Out More

http://www.nsf.gov

Applications available online ONLY via Fastlane at https://www.fastlane.nsf.gov/a10/A10Main.htm

Amy Eckhardtave@pitt.edu412 624 6881