Fellowship Opportunities Applications - patrick-shamberger/PHATE_Lab_Handbook GitHub Wiki
Our incoming group members generally apply to two common fellowships: The DOD NDSEG or the NSF GRFP. Typically Dr. Shamberger will advise if any other fellowship is a better fit (i.e NASA fellowship).
When applying it is important to first consider the type of research expected from the fellowship. NSF GRFP is known for fundamental science research whereas DOD and NASA will expect research that aligns with their interest (applied). Dr. Shamberger will advise on what research to focus on and which proposal is a better fit.
For a better rate of success take note of the deadline and give yourself enough time to devote to one section of the application. For example (NSF GRFP): If the deadline is October 27th, consider starting a month before. The first 2 weeks of September can be devoted to the personal statement. You can start with a version used in your graduate school applications. This is also enough time for Dr. Shamberger to revise it. The next four weeks can be split up to write specific sections of the research proposal.
- week 1:Motivation and Background
- week 2:Intellectual Merit & Broader Impacts
- week 3: Research Objectives & Methods
- week 4: review all materials
Throughout writing the proposal ask senior labmates for editing help. This will ensure that you have a more developed proposal by the time Dr. Shamberger can edit it. Once it has gone through a few edits from the lab then consider having Dr. Shamberger revise it.
For some guidance also consider asking Dr. Shamberger for application examples from previous statements.
Fellowship Opportunities
"open" calls
These are fellowships that are very broad, and do not necessarily have a pre-defined focus DOD NDSEG
"targeted" calls
These are fellowships that typically have to tie in to a particular agency's roadmap or technology plan