National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program

1. National Science FoundationGraduate Research Fellowship Program Kristin Beck 9:00 – 9:15: Eat, be merry, wake up! 9:15 – 10:00: Presentation 10:00 – 10:20: Register in FastLane 10:20 – 11:00: Questions, Work on application

2. Overview • What is the NSF Graduate Fellowship program? • Program goals • Eligibility • How to apply • Deadlines • Proposal elements

3. NSF Graduate Fellowship Program Supports outstanding graduate students who are pursuing research-based master’s and doctoral degrees in science and engineering: Computer & Information Science &Engineering Chemistry Physics & Astronomy Engineering Psychology Geosciences Social Sciences Life Sciences STEM Education & Materials Research Learning Research Mathematical Sciences

4. Program Goals • Select, recognize and financially support individuals early in their careers with the demonstrated potential to be high achieving scientist and engineers • Broaden participation in science and engineering of underrepresented groups (women, minorities, persons with disabilities, veterans)

5. Program Offers • Funding for 3 (out of 5 years of graduate school) • Stipend: $34,000/year • Tuition: $12,000/year

6. Eligibility • Earned bachelor’s degree in a science or engineering field prior to Fall 2019 • Awardees must be enrolled in a graduate program the U.S. in an eligible field by Fall 2019 (confirmation due by May 1, 2019) • U.S. Citizenship • Maximum of three years of support, over five years • Announcement date: April 2019 • Individuals may apply as an undergraduate senior, as well as post-baccalaureate (before beginning graduate training); May apply in start of 2nd year of grad. school • Effective as the 2017 competition, graduate students are limited to only one application

7. How to Apply • Must register with FastLane • Need three reference letters by approx. November 6 (submitted electronically through FastLane GRFP Application Module) • Submit the following through the FastLane GRFP Application Module: Personal Information; Education and Other Experiences; Background and Future Goals Statement; Graduate Research Plan Statement; Eligibility Statement; Transcripts; Names & Emails of References

8. Standard Application Information • 8.5” x 11” page size • 12-point font, Times New Roman • 10-point font may be used for references, footnotes, figure captions and text within figures • 1” margin on all sides • Single spaced or greater

9. Proposal Sections • Personal, Relevant Background, and Future Goals • 3 pages • Graduate Research Plan Statement • 2 pages • Page limits include references, citations, charts, figures, images, list of publications and presentations • Eligibility Statement • For applicants who have completed more than 12 months of graduate study and meet the extenuating circumstance requirement • 1 page

10. Proposal Sections • Transcripts • Required for all institutions listed by the applicant in the FastLane GRFP Module • Required from baccalaureate institution and for all graduate work with a start date prior to the Fall 2018 term • Redact personally identifiable information (date of birth, SSN) before uploading • Three Reference Letters • From non-family members • Uploaded by reference • 2 page limit per letter • Should address NSF Merit Review Criteria of Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts, include details explaining nature of relationship,

11. Proposal Sections • Three Reference Letters • From non-family members • Uploaded by reference • 2 page limit per letter • Should address NSF Merit Review Criteria of Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts, include details explaining nature of relationship, comments on the applicant’s potential for contributing to a globally-engaged US science and engineering workforce, applicant’s academic potential and prior research experiences, statements about applicant’s proposed research. • Recommended you provide a copy of your application materials to your reference

12. Review Criteria • What is the potential for the proposed activity to: • Advance knowledge & understanding within its own field or others • Benefit to society or advance desired societal outcomes • Proposed activities suggest and explore creative, original, or potentially transformative concepts • Plan for carrying out proposed activities well-reasoned, well-organized, and based on sound rationale? Plan to assess success? • How well qualified is in the individual or team? • Adequate resources available to carry out the research?

13. Deadlines • October 21 • Geosciences; Life Sciences • October 22 • Computer and Information Science and Engineering; Engineering; Materials Research • October 24 • Social Sciences; Psychology; STEM Education & Learning • October 25 • Chemistry; Mathematical Sciences; Physics and Astronomy

14. How to register in FastLane • We will do it now! • https://www.fastlane.nsf.gov/

15. Personal Statement • 3 Pages: • Introductory paragraph • Personal, Professional, Educational Experiences • Competencies, Team/Interdisciplinary Skills, Leadership • Career Aspirations • Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts • Concluding Paragraph

16. Research Plan • 2 pages • Title • Keywords • Introduction • Hypothesis • Research Plan • Anticipated Results • Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts • References (Literature Citations)

17. Statement Hints • Clearly Label Statement Headings • Keep in mind that NSF does not just seek to fund scientists and engineers; NSF seeks to fund future STEM leaders. • Be yourself. • Use appropriate scientific form (hypothesis, figures, references) in the Graduate Research Statement. • Don't get bogged down in the specifics, or be overly technical. • Develop a consistent theme in both of the statements.

18. Questions & Contact Info Kristin Beck krbeck@nmu.edu 906-227-1893