Graduate School Newsblog

Author: Shane Niland

National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Support

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The NSF GRFP recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students in NSF-supported science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines who are pursuing research-based master’s and doctoral degrees. This fellowship includes three years of financial support over a five-year fellowship period. Deadlines vary by discipline, beginning on October 19th.

The Graduate School will be hosting interactive workshops for prospective applicants and faculty reference letter writers. All sessions are presented by Lea Marlor, Graduate Academic Coordinator.

  • NSF GRFP Workshop 1: Overview and Tips

    • When: Wednesday, Sept. 23 | 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

    • Details: Overview of fellowship components, eligibility, and strategies for a competitive application.

    • Registration: Register for Workshop 1

  • NSF GRFP Workshop 2: Crafting Your Statements (Content and Organization)

    • When: Monday, Sept. 28 | 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

    • Details: Deep dive into structure, content, and organization for Personal and Research Statements.

    • Registration: Register for Workshop 2

  • NSF GRFP Reference Letter Writer’s Workshop

In addition, the Graduate School will be offering writing support and drop-in office hours in the Library’s exhibit space on the first floor. Here you can get direct feedback and one-on-one writing support for your application materials.

  • Tuesday Schedule: 9/22 (2–3:30 p.m.), 9/29 (3–4:30 p.m.), 10/6 (10–11:30 a.m.), and 10/13 (1–2:30 p.m.)
  • Friday Schedule: 9/18 through 10/16 (9:30–11 a.m.), excluding 10/2.

See the NSF’s Graduate Research Fellowship Program website for more details. Questions? Contact Lea Marlor, NSF GRFP Support Coordinator, at gradschool@mtu.edu.

Additional Information:

 

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Fall 2026 Finishing Fellowship Winners

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The Graduate School is thrilled to announce the winners of the Fall 2026 Finishing Fellowship! This prestigious award recognizes the hard work and dedication of doctoral students in the final stages of their research. By providing financial support and valuable mentorship, the Finishing Fellowship empowers these exceptional scholars to complete their dissertations and make significant contributions to their fields of study. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and are excited to see the impact of their research.

The following students have been selected to receive the 2026 Fall Fellowship:

  • Tamim Adnan
  • Judy Long
  • Nontawat Srisapan
  • Josh Alele-beals
  • Adnan Hilal
  • Fathima Hameed Cherilakkudy
  • Oluwatosin Oyeniran
  • Sepideh Alimohammadi
  • Caleb Rother
  • Lucas Sheppard
  • Ian Norwood
  • Nick Petersen
  • Lior Rosenfeld
  • Travis Wavrunek
  • Sanan Appapillai
  • Ögetay Kayali
  • Ricardo Jaramillo Teran

Learn more about the students listed above on our blog under Fall 2026 Finishing Fellowships.

Finishing Fellowships provide support to PhD candidates who are close to completing their degrees. These fellowships are available through the generosity of alumni and friends of the University. They are intended to recognize outstanding PhD candidates who are in need of financial support to finish their degrees and are also contributing to the attainment of goals outlined in The Michigan Tech Plan. Students who receive full support through a Finishing Fellowship may not accept any other employment. For example, students cannot be fully supported by a Finishing Fellowship and accept support as a GTA or GRA.

Congratulations to all the Fall 2026 Finishing Fellowship winners! We are excited to see what you accomplish in the coming months and years.

Find out more about the Finishing Fellowship and other awards available for graduate students at Michigan Technological University. You can also find additional funding information on our financial information webpage.

 

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Finishing Fellowship Award – Fall 2026 – Sanan Appapillai

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Sanan Appapillai, PhD in Mechanical Engineering-Engineering
Mechanics, 2026

I am incredibly grateful to the Graduate School and the Graduate Dean Awards Advisory Panel for selecting me as a recipient of the Finishing Fellowship. This recognition is a major milestone in my academic career, and I want to extend my deepest appreciation to my advisor, Wei Wei, whose mentorship, encouragement, and invaluable insight have guided me throughout my doctoral research.

I earned my Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering from BSA Crescent Institute of Science & Technology, India, in 2019, and completed my Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering at Ontario Technical University, Canada, in 2023. Following this, I joined Michigan Tech in Fall of 2024 to pursue my PhD under the supervision of Dr. Wei. My dissertation focuses on the design and optimization of high-entropy perovskite thin films for next-generation solar energy applications. Using advanced manufacturing and structural engineering techniques, I systematically explore multi-element cation and anion mixing to enhance the lattice stability and optoelectronic properties of thin-film solar cells. My work spans chemical solution synthesis, microstructural characterization, and the scale-up of lab-scale solar cells into larger, industrially relevant modules using blade-coating technologies. Through my research, I aim to bridge the gap between idealized laboratory discoveries and commercial, mass-producible clean energy solutions.

Alongside my research, I have had the opportunity to contribute to undergraduate education at Michigan Tech by serving as a Graduate Teaching Assistant, leading engineering laboratory sections, and mentoring students

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Finishing Fellowship Award – Fall 2026 – Ricardo Jaramillo

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Ricardo Jaramillo, PhD in Forest Science, 2026

My journey to Michigan Technological University began through a collaboration between Michigan Tech and an Ecuadorian university, an opportunity that allowed me to pursue doctoral studies while contributing to research in my home region. Over the course of my PhD, I have developed a deeper understanding of peatland ecology, hydrology, and restoration, particularly within the unique context of the tropical Andes. Working under the guidance of Rod Chimner and Erik Lilleskov has been an invaluable experience. Their mentorship has not only provided scientific direction and support but has also encouraged me to develop my own research questions and pursue independent ideas, helping me grow as both a researcher and a professional.

My dissertation focuses on addressing key knowledge gaps related to Andean peatlands, ecosystems that are important for biodiversity, carbon storage, and water resources. Through my research, I have been fortunate to visit numerous peatland sites across the Andean region, gaining firsthand experience with the remarkable diversity and complexity of these ecosystems. These experiences have broadened my understanding of peatland functioning and strengthened my commitment to advancing scientific knowledge that is relevant to the environmental challenges and management needs of the region. The opportunity to design and lead my own projects throughout my PhD has been especially rewarding and has greatly enriched my academic and professional development.

What I have valued most about my PhD has been its strong focus on restoration and its direct connection to local communities. My work has allowed me to collaborate with community members, government agencies, and academic institutions to develop and evaluate peatland restoration. Through these partnerships, I have learned the importance of integrating scientific research with local knowledge and stakeholder needs to achieve meaningful conservation outcomes. Receiving this finishing fellowship would provide the support needed to complete my dissertation and finalize the products of my research, enabling me to successfully conclude my PhD and continue contributing to peatland science and restoration in the Andean region.

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