The Ferguson Family Research Fund:
Application for Graduate Students
The Objective
The Ferguson Family Research Fund is intended to provide mentorship to undergraduate students by graduate students in the Department of Biological Sciences. Funds will be used to provide (1) stipends to undergraduate students while working on projects developed by graduate students and their faculty advisers, and/or (2) a limited amount of research supplies for the project. The goal of the fund is to enable undergraduate students to participate in a research environment, gaining valuable experience that can help them develop into practicing scientists. The hope is that a wide range of undergraduate students will participate in the program, and first-generation students are especially encouraged to apply.
Applications are initiated by graduate students and should include a project proposal that is approved by their major adviser (due date = March 10th). Undergraduate students will then apply to work on the projects that are funded (tentative due date = April 5th).
Budgets submitted by graduate students should describe how many undergraduate students they would like to mentor, keeping in mind that each undergraduate student will receive a stipend of $1,000 per 40 hours of work. The 40 hours could be spread across a month, a week or several weeks, depending on the project's needs. Multiple undergraduates may work on the same project at the same time with each undergrad receiving a stipend. The maximum amount awarded per grant is $3,000 and could include funds for one or more undergraduates. Funds can also be requested for supplies and would count towards the maximum of $3,000. We anticipate that the average funded proposal will be awarded ~$2,500.
The Application Process
Graduate Student Applicants should supply the following via the Jotform APP:
● Due date: March 10th
● Project Description: 1,000-word maximum + References (no limit);
● Timeline: 200-word maximum;
● Need for Research Assistant(s): 200-word maximum;
● Mentorship Plan: 200-word maximum,
(Please describe the ways in which you plan to instruct, supervise, and work with the undergraduate(s) in a way that will impart new skills to the student(s).);
● Budget and Justification for Research Supplies: 100-word maximum;
● Graduate students can submit their application at:
https://form.jotform.com/cphbiogrants/ferguson-family-research-fund