Graduate Student Training Enhancement Grants

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Deadline: April 29, 2016

[Please take note, the 2018 RFP is located here.]

Opportunity from the Office of the Vice Provost for Interdisciplinary Studies

Through this new internal funding mechanism, graduate students are encouraged to propose an experience outside of or beyond their core disciplinary training that would enhance or expand their disciplinary training (e.g., an internship, training workshop, or field work opportunity). The goal of this grant competition is to expand the opportunities for graduate students to “step away” from their core research and training, so as to acquire additional skills, knowledge, or experiences that will enhance the approach to their original research. We believe such experiences will lead to better preparation/training, whether for academic positions or other career trajectories.

Proposals would require endorsement from the student’s primary faculty mentor, and a clear explanation of how the experience will contribute to broadening the student’s training, and how it may potentially impact their dissertation research or capstone project. The proposed experience may last for up to one full semester. Funds awarded will be capped at $5,000.

Eligibility

All current graduate students (post-undergraduate, including master’s, professional, and PhD students) in any program at Duke University may propose graduate training enhancement activities.

Proposals

Proposals should be submitted to Hallie Knuffman (hallie.knuffman@duke.edu) in the Office of the Vice Provost for Interdisciplinary Studies by Friday, April 29 at 5:00 p.m. and should include:

  • a brief narrative that articulates the proposed activities, how the experience will contribute to broadening the student’s training, and how it fits with the students’ overall academic, research, and professional plans (no more than 3 pages);
  • a budget plan (up to $5,000), and timeline for use of the funds;
  • a letter or e-mail from the student’s primary faculty mentor in support of the proposed activities.

Review and Selection

Proposals will be reviewed by an ad hoc committee convened by the Vice Provost for Interdisciplinary Studies, to include representation from faculty, deans, institute directors, and graduate students, representing all divisions of knowledge. Decisions will be announced by mid-May 2016 and funds will be awarded as appropriate to the timing of the activities.