Graduate School Newsblog

Second Century Stewardship 2018 Research Fellowships

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A request for proposals was recently announced for the Second Century Stewardship 2018 Research Fellowships. The Second Century Stewardship initiative is a partnership among National Park Service, American Association for the Advancement of Science, and Schoodic Institute.
Proposals are due October 23. There will be an informational webinar on September 13 at 1pm eastern. Those interested can register here for the webinar.
The goal of the fellowships is to support early-career researchers (assistant professors, postdocs, grad students, researchers at NGOs, etc.) to do research and communication that help NPS and other organizations adapt and respond to changing human-natural systems. The research must be relevant to Acadia National Park, but can include other areas too.
We encourage proposals from researchers in a wide range of disciplines, including natural and social sciences, and proposals that cross disciplines.
Each proposal may request up to a total of $20,000 for research over 1-2 years. The Second Century Stewardship partners will also provide mentorship, communication training and support, and other types of support for each fellow.
Sincerely,
The Second Century Stewardship Team
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Shenandoah National Park Trust Research Fellowship Program Opens for Applications

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Applications for the Shenandoah National Park Trust research fellowship program to facilitate and encourage scientific research in Shenandoah National Park will be accepted from September 15 to October 31, 2017. Funded by the Shenandoah National Park Trust, the grant supports field research in the physical, biological, ecological, social, and cultural sciences. The funding will support projects conducted in the park and help answer questions important to park managers. The grants are managed by Shenandoah National Park and up to $15,000 per grant will be awarded.

Shenandoah National Park offers an ideal natural laboratory in which to study a wide variety of research topics. Important science issues at the park include, but are not limited to, air pollution, water quality, habitat fragmentation, invasive exotic species, rare species conservation, recreation impacts on visitor experiences and natural resources, restoration of disturbed natural and cultural landscapes, protecting our cultural heritage, and an incomplete inventory of the park’s natural and cultural resources. Shenandoah National Park offers a diversity of landscapes across nearly 200,000 acres, including hardwood forest, rocky outcrops, mountain streams, and open meadows.

The research grant program is open to applications from undergraduate and graduate students, college and university faculty, state and federal agency scientists, private-sector research professionals, and others with appropriate backgrounds and credentials. To access the grant application and instructions, go to http://www.nps.gov/shen/naturescience/research-grant.htm. Applications will be accepted from September 15 until October 31, with grant award(s) announcedDecember 15, 2017.

www.nps.gov

Management Specialist

Shenandoah National Park

3655 US Hwy 211 East

Luray, VA 22835

540-999-3500 x. 3300 (office)  540-742-8106 (cell)

sally_hurlbert@nps.gov 

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Formatting 101: New Fall Seminar Series

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Students preparing a dissertation, thesis, or report are invited to a new seminar series this summer designed to answer the questions we most commonly see in the Graduate School.  Faculty and staff who assist students are also welcome to attend.  The general format will be a 30 minute presentation with time for your questions.

Our first seminar will be “Formatting 101: Using the Guide and Template.”  We’ll discuss how you can use the Guide to find the formatting rules, and the template for signature/approval pages.  Additional details:

1. Formatting 101: Using the Guide and Template

  • Date: 09/26/2017
  • Time: 4:05 – 4:55pm
  • Place: Fisher 138 or live stream

2. Formatting 101: Copyright for Dissertations and Theses

  • Date: 10/10/2017
  • Time: 4:05 – 4:55pm
  • Place: Fisher 138 or live stream

3. Formatting 101: How to Check and Fix your Document

  • Date: 10/24/2017
  • Time: 4:05 – 4:55pm
  • Place: Fisher 138 or live stream

Please register to attend on campus or to view the live stream for each of them so that we can plan for your attendance.  Individuals who register for the live stream will receive log in information three hours before the event.

All materials (including video when available) from all Graduate School seminars are archived online.

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Spring 2018 Finishing Fellowship Nominations Open

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Applications for Spring 2018 finishing fellowships are being accepted beginning September 5, 2017 and are due no later than 4pm, October 18, 2017 to Dr. Debra Charlesworth in the Graduate School. Instructions on the application and evaluation process are found online.

Students are eligible if all of the following criteria are met:

  1. Must be a PhD student.
  2. Must expect to finish during the semester supported as a finishing fellow.
  3. Must have submitted no more than one previous application for a finishing fellowship.
  4. Must be eligible for or in Research Mode at the time of application.

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. The Graduate School anticipates funding up to ten fellowships with support ranging from $2000 to full support (stipend + tuition). 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.

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Seminar on Submitting your Dissertation, Thesis, or Report

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Students planning on finishing a dissertation, thesis, or report in fall 2017 or spring 2018 are invited a seminar designed to help students understand the submission process and answer questions about it. Faculty and staff who assist students with submissions are also welcome to attend.

  • When: September 12, 2017 at 4:05 – 4:55 pm
  • Who: Students defending in the fall or spring; faculty and staff who assist students with submission
  • Where: Fisher 138 or online as a live streaming event (please, off campus students only)
  • Register: Off campus/On campus

Once you register, you will receive a confirmation three hours before the event with the location and a reminder of the date and time, or information on how to join us online.

If you are unable to join us, this seminar will be taped and available online after the event.

Information on submitting, formatting, and more can be found online for dissertations and theses or reports.

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Spring 2018 PHF Graduate Assistantship Nominations Open

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Applications for Spring 2018 PHF Graduate Assistantships are being accepted beginning September 5, 2017 and are due no later than 4pm, October 11, 2017 to Dr. Debra Charlesworth in the Graduate School. Instructions on the application and evaluation process are found online.

Students are eligible if all of the following criteria are met:

  1. Must be a PhD student participating in health-related research that is aligned with the PHF’s mission.
  2. Must be eligible for or in Research Mode at the time of application.
  3. Must be 2 years after starting the graduate program at the time of application.
  4. Must not have previously received a PHF Graduate Assistantship.

Priority will be given to students originally from Houghton, Keweenaw, Baraga, or Ontonagon counties. Non-resident students and international students are encouraged to apply if their health research is applicable to health needs and job shortages of our local community (obesity research, rural health, medical informatics, drug delivery and lab testing, physical therapy, etc.).

These assistantships are available through the generosity of the Portage Health Foundation. They are intended to recognize outstanding PhD talent in health-oriented research areas. Applicants should be a catalyst for promoting and improving the overall health of Houghton, Keweenaw, Baraga, and Ontonagon communities through one of the following:

  • health research and technology development
  • health education or preventive and wellness initiatives
  • rural healthcare access, informatics, and assessment of care

Students who receive full support through a PHF Graduate Assistantship may not accept any other employment. For example, students cannot be fully supported by a PHF Graduate Assistantship and accept support as a GTA or GRA.

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Spring 2018 KCP Fellowship Applications Sought

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Applications are being sought for Spring 2018 KCP Future Faculty Fellowships, a program funded by the State of Michigan.  Applications are due no later than 4pm on September 12, 2017.  KCP fellowships provide students up to $20,000 (MS students) or $35,000 (PhD students) to pursue their degrees.  The Graduate School and nominating department must also contribute matching funds to help support the student.

The goal of the KCP Future Faculty Fellowship program is to increase traditionally underrepresented candidates pursuing teaching careers in postsecondary education.

To be eligible, an applicant must:

  • Be a US citizen.
  • Be a Michigan resident (contact the Graduate School for questions).
  • Be accepted into his or her Michigan Tech graduate program of choice.
  • Be planning and able to teach or secure an administrative position in postsecondary education. Fellows who do not obtain such a position after graduation will have the KCP fellowship funds converted to a loan.
  • Not have received another KCP Fellowship award for the same degree level (master’s or doctorate).
  • Not be in default status on any guaranteed student loan and/or a KCP fellowship.

A complete application will include:

  • A 1-2 page statement of purpose written by the student as it applies to the KCP fellowship goals
  • A current resume or curriculum vitae that includes positions held, fellowships received, current funding, and expected funding, if applicable
  • A letter of support from the graduate program (chair, dean, program director, or advisor) detailing:
    • the merit of the candidate.
    • how the student will contribute to the diversity of the program.
    • willingness to provide financial support to supplement the KCP funds
    • the mentoring plan for the student.

Please submit complete applications to the Graduate School, attention Dr. Debra Charlesworth (a single PDF via e-mail to gradschool@mtu.edu is preferred).  The review panel will also consider the candidate’s application to Graduate School and current Michigan Tech transcript (if applicable).

Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be evaluated by a panel consisting of one faculty member from each college or school on the following criteria:

  • Academic merit of the candidate.
  • Ability of the candidate to conduct independent research.
  • Level of commitment to pursuing a career in postsecondary education.
  • Level of support from the graduate program.

A priority will be placed on first time students.

Additional information is available online.

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Seminar to develop a competitive NSF Graduate Research Fellowship application

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The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) solicitation has been published and the NSF GRFP website has been updated. Jessica Brassard and Natasha Chopp from the Research Development Office will be sponsoring a series of seminars as well as a guided Canvas course aimed at advising Michigan Tech students in developing competitive GRFP application packages.

To be competitive, students encouraged to apply will have:

  • a 3.5 GPA or higher

  • research and outreach experience

  • strong faculty references – letters of recommendation will need to be exceptional

Students who already have internal University/department funding are strongly encouraged to apply.  This, in turn, will free up internal funds for less competitive students.

To be eligible for the NSF GRFP, students must:

  • be a US citizen, US national, or permanent resident

  • intend to pursue a research-based Master’s or Ph.D. program in an NSF-supported field

  • be enrolled in an eligible program at an accredited United States graduate institution, with a US campus, by fall 2018

  • have completed no more than twelve months of full-time graduate study (or the equivalent) as of August 1, 2017, or meet the criteria for the extenuating circumstance described in Section IV of the Program Solicitation.

  • meet all other eligibility requirements as set forth in the current Program Solicitation

Award benefits:

  • a three-year annual stipend of $34,000

  • $12,000 cost of education allowance for the cost of tuition

SOLICITATION 16-588

The first information session will be held on Wednesday, September 13 at 5:00 pm in Admin 404 (Graduate School Conference Room). This session will be a general overview of the NSF GRFP.
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Dean’s Award for Outstanding Scholarship Spring 2017

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Recipients—Spring 2017

  • Yunana Ahmed (Rhetoric, Theory and Culture PhD)
  • Samer A. Alokaily (Mathematical Sciences PhD)
  • Shiva S. Bhandari (Physics PhD)
  • Sachin M. Bhosle (Mechanical Engineering PhD)
  • Nicholas W. Bolton (Forest Science PhD)
  • Kyle A.  Brill (Geophysics PhD)
  • Natasha I. Chopp (Data Science MS)
  • Mustafa Gezek (Mathematical Sciences PhD)
  • Pei Hou (Atmospheric Sciences PhD)
  • Caoyang Jiang (Electrical Engineering PhD)
  • Yiping Mao (Biological Sciences PhD)
  • Chelsea J. Nikula (Chemistry PhD)
  • Zichen Qian (Biomedical Sciences PhD)
  • Amir Rezaei (Electrical Engineering PhD)
  • Abbey J. Senczyszyn (Master of Business Administration)
  • Ali Solouk (Mechanical Engineering PhD)
  • Shuo Wang (Mechanical Engineering PhD)
  • Dong Xia (Accounting MS)
  • Wentao Yao (Mechanical Engineering PhD)
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Graduate Student Orientation – Fall 2017

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Michigan Tech looks forward to welcoming our new graduate students at orientation!

  • Tuesday, August 29, 2017 (for Mechanical Engineering students only) register online
  • Wednesday, August 30, 2017 (for all other students) register online

Orientation will introduce students to expectations for graduate students and the basics of responsible conduct for research. Students will also learn about the services available on campus to support their success. Contact the Graduate School with any questions.

Students who are unable to attend one of these sessions may complete an online training and view our online resources to receive the required training.

Schedule and Description

  • 10:30am – 1:00pm: Registration in the Memorial Union Commons (ground floor)
    We’ll have lunch tickets available so you can grab lunch and socialize with other new students.  Use your lunch ticket to purchase food in the Commons.
  • 10:30am – noon – Student Services Fair in the MUB Commons
    Learn about some of the resources available on- and off-campus. You might even get to meet Blizzard T. Husky!
  • 1:00 – 4:30pm: Orientation program in the Memorial Union Ballroom(2nd floor)
    Attend to learn about Michigan Tech policies, and obtain the required Responsible Conduct of Research training

Questions about Graduate School orientation may be directed to the Graduate School

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