research student fellowship

Google PhD fellowship program

Google PhD Fellowships directly support graduate students as they pursue their PhD, as well as connect them to a Google Research Mentor.

Nurturing and maintaining strong relations with the academic community is a top priority at Google. The Google PhD Fellowship Program was created to recognize outstanding graduate students doing exceptional and innovative research in areas relevant to computer science and related fields. Fellowships support promising PhD candidates of all backgrounds who seek to influence the future of technology. Google’s mission is to foster inclusive research communities and encourage people of diverse backgrounds to apply. We currently offer fellowships in Africa, Australia, Canada, East Asia, Europe, India, Latin America, New Zealand, Southeast Asia and the United States.

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Program details

Application status, how to apply, research areas of focus, review criteria, award recipients.

Applications are currently closed.

Decisions for the 2024 application cycle will be announced via email in July 2024. Please check back in 2025 for details on future application cycles.

• Launch March 27, 2024
• Deadline May 8, 2024
• Winner selected by July 31, 2024

The details of each Fellowship vary by region. Please see our FAQ for eligibility requirements and application instructions.

PhD students must be nominated by their university. Applications should be submitted by an official representative of the university during the application window. Please see the FAQ for more information.

Australia and New Zealand

Canada and the United States

PhD students in Japan, Korea and Taiwan must be nominated by their university. After the university's nomination is completed, either an official representative of the university or the nominated students can submit applications during the application window. Please see the FAQ for more information.

India and Southeast Asia

PhD students apply directly during the application window. Please see the FAQ for more information.

Latin America

The 2024 application cycle is postponed. Please check back in 2025 for details on future application cycles.

Google PhD Fellowship students are a select group recognized by Google researchers and their institutions as some of the most promising young academics in the world. The Fellowships are awarded to students who represent the future of research in the fields listed below. Note that region-specific research areas will be listed in application forms during the application window.

Algorithms and Theory

Distributed Systems and Parallel Computing

Health and Bioscience

Human-Computer Interaction and Visualization

Machine Intelligence

Machine Perception

Natural Language Processing

Quantum Computing

Security, Privacy and Abuse Prevention

Software Engineering

Software Systems

Speech Processing

Applications are evaluated on the strength of the research proposal, research impact, student academic achievements, and leadership potential. Research proposals are evaluated for innovative concepts that are relevant to Google’s research areas, as well as aspects of robustness and potential impact to the field. Proposals should include the direction and any plans of where your work is going in addition to a comprehensive description of the research you are pursuing.

In Canada and the United States, East Asia and Latin America, essay responses are evaluated in addition to application materials to determine an overall recommendation.

What does the Google PhD Fellowship include?

Students receive named Fellowships which include a monetary award. The funds are given directly to the university to be distributed to cover the student’s expenses and stipend as appropriate. In addition, the student will be matched with a Google Research Mentor. There is no employee relationship between the student and Google as a result of receiving the fellowship. The award does not preclude future eligibility for internships or employment opportunities at Google, nor does it increase the chances of obtaining them. If students wish to apply for a job at Google, they are welcome to apply for jobs and go through the same hiring process as any other person.

• Up to 3 year Fellowship
• US $12K to cover stipend and other research related activities, travel expenses including overseas travel
• Google Research Mentor
• 1 year Fellowship
• AUD $15K to cover stipend and other research related activities, travel expenses including overseas travel
• Up to 2 year Fellowship (effective from 2024 for new recipients)
• Full tuition and fees (enrollment fees, health insurance, books) plus a stipend to be used for living expenses, travel and personal equipment
• US $10K to cover stipend and other research related activities, travel expenses including overseas travel
• Yearly bursary towards stipend / salary, health care, social benefits, tuition and fees, conference travel and personal computing equipment. The bursary varies by country.

Early-stage PhD students

• Up to 4 year Fellowship
• US $50K to cover stipend and other research related activities, travel expenses including overseas travel

Late-stage PhD students

• US $10K to recognise research contributions, cover stipend and other research related activities, travel expenses including overseas travel
• US $15K per year to cover stipend and other research related activities, travel expenses including overseas travel

Southeast Asia

• US $10K per year for up to 3 years (or up to graduation, whichever is earlier) to cover stipend and other research related activities, travel expenses including overseas travel

Is my university eligible for the PhD Fellowship Program?

Africa, Australia/New Zealand , Canada, East Asia, Europe and the United States : universities must be an accredited research institution that awards research degrees to PhD students in computer science (or an adjacent field).

India, Latin America and Southeast Asia : applications are open to universities/institutes in India, Latin America (excluding Cuba), and in eligible Southeast Asian countries/regions (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam).

Restrictions : All award payments and recipients will be reviewed for compliance with relevant US and international laws, regulations and policies. Google reserves the right to withhold funding that may violate laws, regulations or our policies.

What are the eligibility requirements for students?

All regions

• Students must remain enrolled full-time in the PhD program for the duration of the Fellowship or forfeit the award.
• Google employees, and their spouses, children, and members of their household are not eligible.
• Students that are already supported by a comparable industry award are not eligible. Government or non-profit organization funding is exempt.
• Past awardees from the PhD Fellowship program are not eligible to apply again.
• Grant of the Fellowship does not mean admission to a PhD program. The awardee must separately apply and be accepted to a PhD program in computer science (or an adjacent field) at an eligible institution.
• Grant of the Fellowship will be subject to the rules and guidelines applicable in the institution where the awardee registers for the PhD program.

Nominated students in Africa, Australia and New Zealand, Canada and the United States, East Asia and Europe.

Universities should only nominate students that meet the following requirements:

• Africa: Incoming PhD students are eligible to apply, but the Fellowship award shall be contingent on the awardee registering for a full-time PhD program in computer science (or an adjacent field) within the academic award year of the Fellowship award, or the award shall be forfeited.
• Australia and New Zealand : early-stage students enrolled in the first or second year of their PhD (no requirement for completion of graduate coursework by the academic award year).
• Canada and the United States : students who have completed graduate coursework in their PhD by the academic award year when the Fellowship begins.
• East Asia: students who have completed most of graduate coursework in their PhD by the academic award year when the Fellowship begins. Students should have sufficient time for research projects after receiving a fellowship.
• Europe: Students enrolled at any stage of their PhD are eligible to apply.

Direct applicant students in India, Latin America and Southeast Asia

• Latin America : incoming or early stage-students enrolled in the first or second year of their PhD (no requirement for completion of graduate coursework by the academic award year).

What should be included in an application? What language should the application be in?

All application materials should be submitted in English.

For each student nomination, the university will be asked to submit the following material in a single, flat (not portfolio) PDF file:

• Student CV with links to website and publications (if available)
• Short (1-page) resume/CV of the student's primary PhD program advisor
• Available transcripts (mark sheets) starting from first year/semester of Bachelor's degree to date
• Research proposal (maximum 3 pages, excluding references)
• 2-3 letters of recommendation from those familiar with the nominee''s work (at least one from the thesis advisor for current PhD students)
• Student essay response (350-word limit) to: What impact would receiving this Fellowship have on your education? Describe any circumstances affecting your need for a Fellowship and what educational goals this Fellowship will enable you to accomplish.
• Transcripts of current and previous academic records
• 1-2 letters of recommendation from those familiar with the nominee's work (at least one from the thesis advisor)

Canada, East Asia, the United States

• Cover sheet signed by the Department Chair confirming the student passes eligibility requirements. (See FAQ "What are the eligibility requirements for students?")
• Short (1-page) CV of the student's primary advisor
• 2-3 letters of recommendation from those familiar with the nominee's work (at least one from the thesis advisor)
• Research / dissertation proposal (maximum 3 pages, excluding references)
• Student essay response (350-word limit) to: Describe the desired impact your research will make on the field and society, and why this is important to you. Include any personal, educational and/or professional experiences that have motivated your research interests.
• Student essay response (350-word limit) to: Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes or contributed to group efforts over time. (A leadership role can mean more than just a title. It can mean being a mentor to others, acting as the person in charge of a specific task, or taking the lead role in organizing an event or project. Think about what you accomplished and what you learned from the experience. What were your responsibilities? Did you lead a team? How did your experience change your perspective on leading others? Did you help to resolve an important dispute at your school, church, in your community or an organization? And your leadership role doesn’t necessarily have to be limited to school activities. For example, do you help out or take care of your family?)

Students will need the following documents in a single, flat (not portfolio) PDF file in order to complete an application (in English only):

• Student applicant’s resume with links to website and publications (if available)
• Short (one-page) resume/CV of the student applicant's primary PhD program advisor
• 2-3 letters of recommendation from those familiar with the applicant's work (at least one from the thesis advisor for current PhD students)
• Applicant's essay response (350-word limit) to: Describe the desired impact your research will make on the field and society, and why this is important to you. Include any personal, educational and/or professional experiences that have motivated your research interests.
• Applicant's essay response (350-word limit) to: What are your long-term goals for your pathway in computing research, and how would receiving the Google PhD Fellowship help you progress toward those goals in the short-term?

How do I apply for the PhD Fellowship Program? Who should submit the applications? Can students apply directly for a Fellowship?

Check the eligibility and application requirements in your region before applying. Submission forms are available on this page when the application period begins.

India, Latin America and Southeast Asia: students may apply directly during the application period.

Africa, Australia, Canada, East Asia, Europe, New Zealand, and the United States : students cannot apply directly to the program; they must be nominated by an eligible university during the application period.

How many students may each university nominate?

India, Latin America and Southeast Asia : applications are open directly to students with no limit to the number of students that can apply from a university.

Australia and New Zealand : universities may nominate up to two eligible students.

Canada and the United States : Universities may nominate up to four eligible students. We encourage nominating students with diverse backgrounds especially those from historically marginalized groups in the field of computing. If more than two students are nominated then we strongly encourage additional nominees who self-identify as a woman, Black / African descent, Hispanic / Latino / Latinx, Indigenous, and/or a person with a disability.

Africa, East Asia and Europe : Universities may nominate up to three eligible students. We encourage nominating students with diverse backgrounds especially those from historically marginalized groups in the field of computing. If more than two students are nominated then we strongly encourage the additional nominee who self-identifies as a woman.

*Applications are evaluated on merit. Please see FAQ for details on how applications are evaluated.

How are applications evaluated?

In Canada and the United State, East Asia and Latin America, essay responses are evaluated in addition to application materials to determine an overall recommendation.

A nominee's status as a member of a historically marginalized group is not considered in the selection of award recipients.

Research should align with Google AI Principles .

Incomplete proposals will not be considered.

How are Google PhD Fellowships given?

Any monetary awards will be paid directly to the Fellow's university for distribution. No overhead should be assessed against them.

What are the intellectual property implications of a Google PhD Fellowship?

Fellowship recipients are not subject to intellectual property restrictions unless they complete an internship at Google. If that is the case, they are subject to the same intellectual property restrictions as any other Google intern.

Will the Fellowship recipients become employees of Google?

No, Fellowship recipients do not become employees of Google due to receiving the award. The award does not preclude future eligibility for internships or employment opportunities at Google, nor does it increase the chances of obtaining them. If they are interested in working at Google, they are welcome to apply for jobs and go through the same hiring process as any other person.

Can Fellowship recipients also be considered for other Google scholarships?

Yes, Fellowship recipients are eligible for these scholarships .

After award notification, when do the Google PhD Fellowships begin?

After Google PhD Fellowship recipients are notified, the Fellowship is effective starting the following school year.

What is the program application time period?

Applications for the 2024 program will open in March 2024 and close in May 2024 for all regions. Refer to the main Google PhD Fellowship Program page for each region’s application details.

A global awards announcement will be made in September on the Google Research Blog publicly announcing all award recipients.

How can I ask additional questions?

Due to the volume of emails we receive, we may not be able to respond to questions where the answer is available on the website. If your question has not been answered by a FAQ, email:

Africa: [email protected]

Australia and New Zealand: [email protected]

Canada and the United States: [email protected]

East Asia: [email protected]

Europe: [email protected]

India: [email protected]

Latin America: [email protected]

Southeast Asia: [email protected]

See past PhD Fellowship recipients.

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Stanford GSB Research Fellows Program

The Stanford GSB Research Fellows Program is a two-year, fully-funded predoctoral program that provides a diverse set of fellows with the opportunity to gain research experience and preparation for doctoral studies in business or related fields.

We believe that the keys to strengthening and diversifying the pool of PhD students — and eventually, the faculty pipeline — are the close mentoring relationships and practical research experience that this fellowship provides.

Explore Academic Research Hands-On

Our faculty conduct research on a wide variety of cutting-edge topics. You will get hands-on research experience working with faculty on their research projects.

This fellowship program offers two tracks that allow you to either gain exposure and experience across multiple projects and fields, or work more closely with specific faculty members, over the course of two years.

Rotate between projects with different faculty each quarter based on project availability and your interest.

Dedicated Track

Provide dedicated research support to specific faculty members for the duration of the program.

Decide If a PhD Program Is Right for You

We have designed this program for individuals who are preparing for or considering applying to a PhD program to help inform their decisions about doctoral studies. Fellows are fully immersed in the research environment and receive exposure to our fields of study :

• Operations, Information & Technology
• Organizational Behavior
• Political Economics

Because of our strong belief in the value of diversity in the pursuit of our educational and research missions, we particularly encourage applications from those whose backgrounds and life experiences would bring additional dimensions to their field.

Fiona Sequeira

“As an RF, I’ve forged close relationships with world-renowned faculty through hands-on mentorship and collaboration, contributed value to cutting-edge research projects, honed my data skills, taken useful classes and attended seminars in my field of interest, and learned to think critically and creatively as a rigorous researcher along the way. In addition to exposure to inspiring faculty, I’ve learned from the fantastic Stanford PhD students and my fellow RFs in a supportive and exciting research community. Overall, the program was instrumental to my success in gaining admission to top graduate schools, and I am heading into my PhD program well-equipped to thrive as I pursue my own original research.”

Naasey Kanko Arthur

“Being a [Research Fellow] at the GSB has been a rewarding experience. I have appreciated working on research at different stages and learning the various ways professors approach their research. One of the most valuable aspects of the experience has been building long-term relationships with faculty. I feel more confident that I want to pursue a research career and feel better equipped to do so.”

Sarah McDonald

“The GSB Research Fellows program has been instrumental in my PhD admission success. In the program, I was surrounded by academically-driven peers who were sources of support and motivation. Furthermore, I was fortunate to be mentored by many world-class faculty, equipping me with the necessary skills to excel in a PhD program.”

Find Mentorship & Community

Our program has a tradition of collaboration where faculty, PhD students, and research fellows work alongside each other and are invested in each others’ success. Co-located in cubicle spaces alongside PhD students, you will be guided by renowned faculty mentors who will support your professional growth and be immersed in the supportive community of PhD students.

As members of Pathways to Research and Predoctoral Careers , we are committed to fostering a respectful and inclusive research environment where scholars from diverse backgrounds and life experiences can thrive.

Leveling Up: Enabling More Students to See Themselves as PhDs

Diversifying the pool of phd students will require systemic change, fixing economics’ gender problem, prepare for your future.

We provide a unique opportunity to gain training and education that are valuable for admission to a doctoral program and foundational to a long-term career in academic research. As non-degree students, fellows have access to the wide array of resources and facilities at Stanford University.

You will develop close relationships with faculty, who will guide you as you participate actively in the research process, develop skills, and select courses to round out your transcript. You may also request recommendation letters from the faculty with whom you work.

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Graduate Research Fellowship Program

Individuals can access the application module here

The National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students who are pursuing research-based master’s and doctoral degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and STEM education fields within NSF’s mission . The GRFP provides up to three years of support for the graduate education of individuals who have demonstrated their potential for significant achievements in science and engineering research. The GRFP supports over 100 subfields.

The GRFP encourages applications from underrepresented groups, including women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and veterans, in order to broaden and diversify those participating in science and engineering.

About Graduate Research Fellowship Program

The Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students who are pursuing research-based master's and doctoral degrees in science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) at accredited US institutions .  Refer to the NSF GRFP program page  for guidelines, announcements, and other programmatic information.

Sign in to GRFP module

The GRFP module and supporting systems allow for:

• Applicants  to apply to the GRFP through an online application available in the application module. Applicants can complete, review, and check the status of their application through this module. The annual application period opens in late July each year and closes in mid-October .
• Reference Writers  to submit letters of reference for GRFP Applicants through the Reference Letter Submission (RLS) module in Research.gov. All reference letters must be submitted to NSF by the deadline in October.
• Reviewers  to evaluate assigned applications online based on NSF’s merit review criteria of Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts. Review panels are conducted virtually each year in January.
• Graduate Research Fellows  to manage their Fellowship Status and report the progress of their graduate studies via an annual activity report submitted online in the Fellows module. Fellowship Offers are announced annually in late March/early April.  New Fellows must accept their award and declare their Fellowship Status by the deadline published in the Fellowship Offer letter. Current Fellows are notified by email of the deadline to submit their Annual Activity Report and declare their Fellowship Status.
• GRFP Officials  to manage the activities of Fellows at their institution. Officials approve change requests in Fellowship Status and field of study as well as Fellowship institution transfers through the GRFP Officials module. GRFP Officials are required to submit Completion and Program Expense Reports for  current Fellows  at their institutions each Fall. Officials certify progress and submit Grants Roster Reports for  all Fellows  at their institutions each Spring.

More   information

• GRFP Frequently Asked Questions
• Reference the  GRFP  site for detailed information about program eligibility and application requirements. This site also has information for Reviews and links to the Reviewer Registration site .
• Reference  Account Resources  for help registering, logging in and managing your profile in Research.gov. All GRFP Applicants, Fellows, Reference Writers, Reviewers, and Officials must register and sign in to Research.gov to access their respective functions.
• If these resources have not addressed your needs, please reference the GRFP Contact page .

Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF)

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The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) is a fully funded, eight-week summer residential program that brings 30 talented and motivated undergraduate students from across the country and the world to Stanford Engineering for an immersive research and graduate school preparation experience.

SURF is designed to demystify the admissions process and give scholars a real feel for what it means to conduct research at the graduate level. The program provides students with housing, a meal plan, a travel stipend, and a stipend upon completion of the program. In addition, SURF students will have the opportunity to participate in a robust graduate school preparation program including coding experience, industry visits, excursions around the Bay Area, community-building activities, participation in a research symposium, and a strong mentorship component.

The program aims to build community and create a cohort of future graduate student engineers who can promote diversity of thought and experience within the engineering and science student body. Student engagement in research increases 1) the retention of students in scientific research , 2) student interest in graduate school , and 3) student interest in STEM careers . Since its inception, SURF has been a vehicle for undergraduate students to conduct scientific research and a foundation for them to pursue graduate studies in engineering.

We are committed to advancing a culture of respect, accessibility, inclusion, and empowerment at for all students at Stanford Engineering. We make intentional efforts to outreach and connect with competitive students with demonstrated potential, including those who come from environments with limited access to Research I university programs.

SURF virtual information sessions:

November 2024 @ TBD PT December 2024 @ TBD PT  January 2025 @ TBD PT

See information session slides here

Surf application office hours.

Join virtually in January 2025 @ TBD PT 

Application Information

Program eligibility - applicants must.

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Be currently enrolled full-time in an accredited public or private college or university in the United States or its territories, as recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or be currently enrolled full-time in an accredited international college or university. Full-time community college students in their transfer year are eligible to apply.
• If the applicant is a foreign national enrolled in a college or university internationally or within the United States, they must be first generation (first in their family to attend university in pursuit of a bachelor's degree) and/or from low socioeconomic status. 
• Be in good academic standing with a GPA of 3.0 or better. Note: Applications from students who describe exceptional circumstances in their statement of purpose and/or personal history statement, or who demonstrate a marked progression of improving grades on their transcript, may be considered.
• Demonstrate a committed interest to pursue graduate study toward a  PhD in an engineering field . If you plan on pursuing an MD, JD, MBA, or other non-research-focused advanced degree, this is not the right program for you.
• Have completed at least two semesters/three quarters (or equivalent) and have at least one full semester/quarter remaining of their undergraduate education at the end of the summer program. Priority given to rising juniors (3rd years) and seniors (4th years). Master's students are not eligible. 

In efforts to attract applicants from a variety of life experiences, two application options are available:

• Eligible applicants are encouraged to apply to SURF through the Leadership Alliance's Summer Research Early Identification Program (SR-EIP) *
• Applicants may also apply through the Stanford SURF program application ** 

*Submitting an application through either portal is acceptable. All applications are reviewed thoroughly and holistically regardless of the application portal chosen, and the applicant should not submit their application twice. If you are applying through SR-EIP, you will not be able to submit an optional personal history statement or rank your top 3 SURF 2024 labs. To submit your personal history statement and lab rankings, please email PDF attachments to [email protected] with the subject line: LastName-FirstName-Personal History Statement and Lab Rankings. 

**Undocumented students, DACAmented students, and first generation and/or low income international applicants are eligible to apply and should submit their application through the Stanford SURF Portal . Please note that a valid J-1 Visa (for students living and studying outside the United States) is not a pre-requisite for applying. First generation and/or low income international students with an F-1 Visa who are already living in the United States and studying at a U.S. university are also eligible to apply.

The SURF team conducts a holistic review of all applications and extends initial invitations to top applicants. 

The deadline for both applications (including all letters of recommendation and supporting documents) is February 1 at 11:59pm.   Applicants will be notified of a decision for the program in early March.  

Many questions about the program and application can be answered in our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page .

Application Materials

As part of the application form, applicants must submit the following materials: 

• Resume or CV : 3 pages in length at maximum
• Academic Transcript : Unofficial transcript will suffice; official transcript not necessary.
• Statement of Purpose : The statement of purpose should be an essay crafted to convey your academic and career goals, with an emphasis on your current research interests. In this essay, you should clearly explain your interest for pursuing doctoral level (PhD) training. An interview is not a standard part of the SURF application process. Consider the statement of purpose your opportunity to introduce yourself to a review committee and the chance to answer any information you might share during an interview. Statements should be typed, single-spaced, and 1-2 pages in length. 
• Two Letters of Recommendation : We highly recommend letters from faculty & supervisors who can specifically discuss your academic potential and research preparation for the program.
• Optional Personal History Statement (Strongly Encouraged) : For the optional personal history statement, we invite you to share unique, personally important experiences, demonstrated values, perspectives, or activities that have led you to this point in your academic/professional journey. Please discuss how they have influenced your path in school, inform your approach to science and research, and/or serve as motivation for pursuing your chosen field in engineering. 1000 words max. Note : If you are applying through Leadership Alliance SR-EIP and would like to submit an optional personal history statement, please email a PDF attachment to [email protected] with the subject line   LastName-FirstName-PersonalHistoryStatement. 

Application Resources - Exemplars

In an effort to support applicants in preparing their applications, updated exemplars will be provided in fall 2024. These are not meant to be prescriptive, but rather to offer you examples of what successful statements have looked like in previous years; remember there are many ways to write successful statements. We encourage you to have your statements reviewed by trusted mentors, as well as your college or university's writing center tutors if those are available to you.

For Stanford Labs - Host a Scholar

Thank you for your interest in serving as a lab host for the SURF program. PIs should complete our Lab Host Interest Form to confirm your interest and availability. SUNet ID Authentication is required to access the form.

2024 SURF Lab Host Interest Form

2024 SURF Lab Host Guide and FAQ

Check out our Frequently Asked Questions, or connect with us at  [email protected]

Scholar Spotlights

Learn from our past scholars about SURF!

Sign up to learn more about news, events and opportunities with Stanford Global Health.

Programs in research, global health medical student research fellowship.

This fellowship offers up to two medical students a year funding and support to dedicate one year to global health research.

Fellowship Overview

The Global Health Medical Student Research Fellowship is a joint effort by The Center for Innovation in Global Health (CIGH) and the Stanford Medical Scholars Research Program (MedScholars). In response to increasing interest in global health among incoming and current medical students, this fellowship provides an opportunity for medical students with a genuine interest in global health to gain foundational experience in global health research. This fellowship will offer up to two medical students a year funding and support to dedicate one year to global health research. It will include an on-campus element as well as an extended period of time at a global field site conducting research.

Candidates will apply with a project idea and a faculty mentor, and if accepted, will work with Dr. Michele Barry, Senior Associate Dean for Global Health and Director of the Stanford Center for Innovation in Global Health, and Dr. Steve Luby, Associate Dean for Global Health and Director of Research at CIGH, during their fellowship for additional guidance.

Meet our current fellows

Vongai Mlambo

Research fellow.

Vongai Christine Mlambo, a 4th year medical student, will research “Cost Effectiveness of Cardiac Surgery for Rheumatic Heart Disease” in Rwanda.

“The reason I wanted to become a physician is to expand healthcare infrastructure for non-communicable diseases in Southern Africa,” she says. “I cannot wait to research how this can be done successfully for the treatment of rheumatic heart disease, with local communities in Rwanda driving the agenda. To learn from and work alongside cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons on the ground will be an honor and the takeaways, invaluable.”

Mentor: Yihan Lin

Lillie Reed

Reed, a medical student in the 5th year of her 6-year training, has planned a research project titled Project: Examining a Community-Partnered Participatory Parenting Intervention for Migrant Families at the US-Mexico Border: Impacts on Caregiver and Child Mental Health.

“As someone who has worked in global health in the past, I know it takes a long time to establish connections and do meaningful, community-driven global health work,” she said. “I was also drawn to the intentionality of the fellowship and the longer-term commitment.”

Mentor: Xinshu She

Who is eligible?

• Stanford medical students who have completed MS1 and are eligible to apply for at least 3 full time research quarters of MedScholars
• Demonstrated interest in global health
• Prior research experience preferred but not required
• Prior international work or educational experience preferred

Application Process

Applications are now open! The deadline has been extended to Jan. 21, 2024.

• Students must submit applications for both the Global Health Medical Student Research Fellowship and MedScholars.
•  Applications are now open for the 2024-25 Global Health Medical Student Research Fellowship. The application deadline is January 21, 2024.
• Applications should consist of a resume/CV and essay (no more than one page) describing your interest in conducting international research as a medical student, and an essay about a time you demonstrated flexibility in the face of an unexpected professional or educational setback. You will also be asked about your prior research and international education experience and for a description of the research project, including a note about the faculty mentor you’ve identified for the project. See Faculty Mentors and Research Sites section below for information about identifying a mentor and site . The application must be accompanied by a letter of support from the faculty mentor for the project, and a second letter of reference from a Stanford faculty member. The letters must be uploaded to the application form directly by the faculty.
• Applications will be reviewed, and potential candidates will be interviewed. Final decisions will be communicated in February.
• Since every student’s situation is different, we recommend that you meet with Financial Aid, the Registrar, and your advising dean prior to applying to discuss how this fellowship would fit with their schedule.

Additional application to Med Scholars required If you are selected for the Global Health Medical Student Research Fellowship, MedScholars applications must be submitted by the July deadline. For additional information regarding the MedScholars application, please visit: https://med.stanford.edu/medscholars.html

Faculty Mentors and Research Projects

Students must identify a faculty mentor and a research project prior to applying for the fellowship.

• Ideally, students already have a pre-existing relationship with a professor who is conducting global health research. If you already have a faculty mentor, discuss this opportunity with them.
• If you are not already connected to a faculty member who is engaged in global health work, you can start your search by visiting the Stanford Global Health Research & Activity Map . Search by region or clinical/academic focus area. Once you find a potential mentor, you can email them directly or contact Yosefa at CIGH to request an introduction.
• If you are reaching out to a faculty you do not already have a relationship with, include your CV and your interests and how they align with theirs and include a link to this webpage with information about the Global Health Medical Student Research Fellowship.
• Research activities depend on your interests and the time constraint of three quarters.

Sites where Fellows propose to conduct research must be pre-approved by the Director of Research for CIGH, Dr. Steve Luby, and the Senior Associate Dean for Global Health, Dr. Michele Barry during the application process. All research protocols will need to obtain IRB approval by Stanford.

The fellowship spans one year (4 quarters) as follows:

• Summer Quarter: Fellows must submit MedScholars application by the July deadline. The Fellowship is contingent upon the MedScholars application being accepted.
• Autumn Quarter: Fellowship begins. Fellows will spend this quarter on campus preparing for their global field research. Fellows will enroll in classes related to epidemiology and global health research and they will set up the research project and engage with the faculty mentor and Dr. Luby and Dr. Barry.
• Winter, Spring, and Summer Quarters: Fellows must spend up to three full-time quarters implementing their global health project.

Completion Requirements

Submit a report:

• Use manuscript format (hypothesis, methods, results, citations) with an emphasis on results
• If the research has not been fully completed and a full manuscript is not possible, then a progress report is acceptable as long as the advisor confirms that substantial work has been completed
• If the work is being published, a paper can be submitted in place of the report as long as the student made significant contributions to the paper

Give an oral presentation of the results of the project: Submit an abstract to present research findings at the Stanford Global Health Research Convening or the Stanford Medical Student Research Symposium , or at a regional, national, or an international academic conference

Submit an evaluation of the experience

The report and oral presentation information must be provided to the MedScholars program within 6 months after the end of the fellowship, along with a mentor letter of summary. https://med.stanford.edu/medscholars/completion.html

If approved, students will receive a stipend in the autumn and MedScholars support winter, spring, and summer quarter of the fellowship year. The stipend for autumn quarter will be at the MedScholars rate for the corresponding academic year.

Travel-related expenses will be covered by the fellowship program.

Questions about the fellowship can be directed to Yosefa Gilon, Associate Director for Global Health Education, at [email protected] .

Microsoft Research PhD Fellowship

Region: Global

For eligible students at universities globally pursuing research aligned to Microsoft Research areas of focus.

Update : Microsoft Research has paused our call for proposals/nominations for the 2023 calendar year. We are exploring new avenues to invest in our academic partnerships and bring together students and researchers to collaborate, share knowledge, and pursue new research directions.

To learn more about the recently announced Microsoft Research AI & Society Fellows program , uniting eminent scholars and experts to collaborate on research at the intersection of AI and society, visit our program page .

The Microsoft Research PhD Fellowship is a global program that identifies and empowers the next generation of exceptional computing research talent. Microsoft recognizes the value of diversity in computing and aims to increase the pipeline of talent receiving advanced degrees in computing-related fields to build a stronger and inclusive computing-related research community. We currently offer PhD fellowships in Asia-Pacific, Canada and the United States, EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa), Latin America, Australia and New Zealand.

Over the last two decades, the Microsoft Research PhD Fellowship program has supported over 700 fellows around the world, many of whom have gone on to work at Microsoft. Others have gone on to perform pioneering research elsewhere within the technology industry or accept faculty appointments at leading universities.

See your region for details, instructions, and answers to common questions.

• Asia-Pacific
• Australia & New Zealand
• Canada & United States
• Middle East
• Latin America

We are always looking for the best and brightest talent and celebrate individuality. We invite and encourage candidates to come as they are and do what they love.

The Microsoft Research 2022 Global PhD Fellowship recipients were announced in October 2022. Meet all the 2022 PhD Fellowship recipients on our “ 2022 Fellows ” page or hear about what this opportunity means to a few PhD fellows from around the globe below.

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NSF 101: Graduate and postdoctoral researcher funding opportunities

The U.S. National Science Foundation supports research opportunities and provides stipends for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows and scholars.

There are multiple ways to find these programs, including the funding search on NSF’s website and the NSF Education & Training Application , which is growing its list of opportunities for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars.

To help begin your search, opportunities for graduate students and postdoctoral researchers are listed below. The principal investigator, or PI (a researcher who oversees a project), is often listed on these grants, along with their graduate students or postdoctoral researchers.

Graduate Student 

While funding for graduate students is often included in a PI’s research proposal, the following opportunities are also available for early career researchers. 

• Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement Awards/Grants (DDRI/DDRIG) These programs help fund doctoral research in a variety of fields to help provide for items not already available at the academic institution. The funding provided cannot be used for items such as, but not limited to, tuition, stipends, textbooks or journals. The monetary amount listed in each DDRI/ DDRIG section does not include indirect cost associated with the project. The doctoral student should be listed as a co-PI on the grants with their advisor listed as the primary PI.

Archaeology Program- DDRIG : This program supports doctoral laboratory and field research on archaeologically relevant topics, with the goal of increasing anthropologically focused understanding of the past. Awards provide funding up to $25,000 per awardee.  

Arctic Science Section DDRIG : The Arctic Sciences Section offers opportunities for DDRI proposals in the following programs: Arctic Social Sciences supports research in any field of social science. Arctic System Science supports projects that address the relationships among physical, chemical, biological, geological, ecological, social, cultural and/or economic processes to advance our understanding of the Arctic system. Arctic Observing Network supports projects focused on scientific and community-based- observations; development of in situ or remote sensors and automated systems; design and optimization of coordinated and scalable observation networks; and management of Arctic Observation Network data, data accessibility and data discovery. Awards provide funding up to $40,000 for a maximum of 3 years. 

Biological Anthropology Program- DDRIG : This program supports research on human and non-human primate adaptation, variation and evolution. Awards provide funding up to $25,000 for up to two years.  

Cultural Anthropology Program- DDRIG : This program supports research that is focused on cultural anthropology research, including topics such as: Sociocultural drivers of anthropogenic processes (i.e., deforestation, urbanization); resilience and robustness of sociocultural systems; scientific principles underlying altruism, conflict, cooperation, and variations in culture and behaviors; economy, culture migration and globalization; kinship and family norms. Awards provide funding for up to $25,000 for up to two years.  

Decision, Risk and Management Science DDRIG : This program supports research on decision, risk and management sciences. This includes research in the areas of judgement and decision making; decision analysis and decision aids, risk analysis; perception and communication; societal and public-policy decision making; and management science and organizational design. Awards are for a maximum of 12 months. 

Economics DDRIG :This program provides funding for research focused on improving the understanding of the U.S. and global economy from macroscale to microscale, including all field of economics such as macroeconomics, microeconomics, econometrics, economic theory, behavioral economics and empirical economics.  

Human-Environment and Geographical Sciences Program- DDRI : This program supports basic scientific research about the nature, causes and/or consequences of the spatial distribution of human activity and/or environmental processes across a range of scales. The program welcomes proposals for empirically grounded, theoretically engaged, and methodologically sophisticated, generalizable research in all sub-fields of geographical and spatial sciences. Awards may not exceed $20,000 in direct costs. 

Linguistics Program- DDRI : This program supports research on human language, including syntax, linguistic semantics and pragmatics, morphology, phonetics, and phonology of individual languages or in general. Awards provide up to $12,000 for a maximum of two years. 

Dynamic Language Infrastructure- DDRI : This program supports research on building dynamic language infrastructure, which includes describing languages; digitizing and preserving languages; and developing standards and databases for analyzing languages. Provides funding up to $15,000 for up to two years. 

Graduate Research Fellowship Program This fellowship supports full-time master's or doctoral students earning their degree in a research-based program focused on STEM or STEM education. Students are the primary submitter for the fellowship. Fellows will be awarded a $37,000 stipend and $12,000 cost-of-education allowance for three years of the five-year fellowship. For tips on applying, see our previous NSF 101 article on the fellowship program . 

Non-Academic Research Internships for Graduate Students (INTERN) Supplemental Funding Opportunity   This supplemental funding opportunity is for graduate students funded by active NSF grants. PIs may submit for up to an additional six months of funding to allow students to participate in research internship activities and training opportunities in non-academic settings, such as the following: for-profit industry research; start-up businesses; government agencies and national laboratories; museums, science centers, and other informal learning settings; policy think tanks; and non-profit institutions. Students must have completed at least one academic year of their program. This funding request may not exceed $55,000 per student for each six-month period. A student may only receive this opportunity twice. In addition to the general INTERN opportunity, there are two topic-specific INTERN opportunities: 

Non-Academic Research Internships for Graduate Students in Geothermal Energy Supplemental Funding Opportunity : This opportunity is provided by NSF in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. It maintains the same funding levels and requirements as the general INTERN program; however, funding may only be used for gaining knowledge, skills, training and experience in geothermal energy and technology.  

• Research Internships for Graduate Students at Air Force Research Laboratory Supplemental Funding Opportunity : This funding opportunity is for students supported on an active NSF grant to intern at a Air Force Research Laboratory facility. AFRL has several potential technology directorates available for students at locations across the U.S.: Aerospace Systems (Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio), Information (Rome, New York), Materials and Manufacturing (Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio), Directed Energy (Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico), Munitions (Eglin Air Force Base, Florida), Sensors (Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio), Space Vehicles (Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico), 711th Human Performance Wing Training (Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio). 

Mathematical Sciences Graduate Internship This summer internship is for doctoral students in mathematical sciences through a partnership between NSF and Oak Ridge Institute for Science and E ducation. It provides students who are interested in academic and non-academic careers with the opportunity to learn how advanced mathematics and statistical techniques can be applied to real-world problems. Participants in the internship will receive a stipend of $1,200 per week during the 10-week internship. In addition, there is travel reimbursement for up to $2,000 for those who live more than 50 miles away from their hosting site. 

NSF Research Traineeship Program Graduate students can apply for this traineeship through their institutions, if available. These topics can range across the scientific spectrum. Current projects can be found by state . 

Research Experiences for Graduate Students Supplemental Funding These awards provide additional funding for graduate students with mentors who have an active NSF grant. Currently funding is available through the following programs:  

Cultural Anthropology provides up to $6,000 per student for research activities. 

Human Environment and Geographical Sciences at Minority Serving Institutions and Community Colleges provides up to $7,000 per student for research activities. 

Postdoctoral Scholars 

Astronomy and Astrophysics Postdoctoral Fellowship This fellowship supports research investigating a field within astronomy or astrophysics for up to three years. The stipend is $75,000, with a fellowship allowance (i.e., expenses for conducting and publishing research, fringe benefits) of $35,000. 

Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences Postdoctoral Fellowship This fellowship supports postdoctoral fellows in atmospheric or geospace sciences. Atmospheric science includes topics such as atmospheric chemistry; climate and large-scale dynamics; paleoclimate climate; and physical and dynamic meteorology. Geospace science focuses on aeronomy, magnetospheric physics and solar terrestrial research. This fellowship provides up to 24 months of support. The stipend is $70,000 per year, with a fellowship allowance of $30,000.  

Earth Science Postdoctoral Fellowship This program supports the study of structure, composition and evolution, the life it supports and the processes that govern the formation and behavior of Earth’s materials. Researchers are supported for up to two years at the institution of their choice, including institutions abroad. The stipend is $65,000 per year, with a fellowship allowance of $25,000 per year.  

Mathematical and Physical Sciences Ascending Postdoctoral Research Fellowships

This program supports postdoctoral fellows performing impactful research while broadening the participation of members of groups that are historically excluded and currently underrepresented in mathematical and physical sciences. This fellowship can last between one and three years. The stipend is up to $70,000 per year, with a fellowship allowance of $30,000 per year. 

Mathematical Sciences Postdoctoral Research Fellowships This fellowship has two options:  

• The Research Fellowship provides full-time support for any 18 months within a three-year academic period.  
• The Research Instructorship provides a combination of full-time and half-time support over a period of three academic years, which allows the fellow to gain teaching experience. Both options receive up to $190,000 over the fellowship period. The full-time stipend is $5,833 per month and the part-time stipend is $2,917 per month. In addition, the fellow will receive $50,000 in two lump sums ($30,000 in the first year and $20,000 in the second year) for fellowship expenses.  

Ocean Sciences Postdoctoral Research Fellowships This fellowship supports research in topic areas such as: biological oceanography, chemical oceanography, physical oceanography, marine geology and geophysics, ocean science and technology. This two-year fellowship with a stipend of $67,800 for the first year and $70,000 for the second year, with a fellowship allowance of $15,000 per year.  

Office of Polar Programs Postdoctoral Research Fellowships This fellowship supports postdoctoral research in any field of Arctic or Antarctic science. This two-years fellowship, with a stipend of $67,800 for the first year and $70,000 for the second year, with fellowship expenses of $15,000 per year.  

Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Biology The Directorate of Biology offers a fellowship for postdoctoral researchers in one of three areas: 

• Broadening Participation of Groups Underrepresented in Biology. This area requires a research and training plan that is within the scope of the Directorate for Biology and that enhances diversity within the field.  
• Integrative Research Investigating the Rules of Life Governing Interaction between Genomes, Environment and Phenotypes. This area aims to understand higher-order structures and functions of biological systems. Research should use a combination of computational, observational, experimental or conceptual approaches. 
• Plant Genome Postdoctoral Research Fellowships. This area has a broad scope and supports postdoctoral training and research at the frontier of plant biology and of broad societal impact. Highly competitive proposals will describe interdisciplinary training and research on a genome wide scale. The fellowships are for 36 months and have a stipend of $60,000 per year, with a research and training allowance of $20,000 per year. 

SBE Postdoctoral Research Fellowships This fellowship supports postdoctoral research in the social, behavioral and economic sciences and/or activities that broaden the participation of underrepresented groups in these fields. Funding is up to two years and has two tracks available:  

• Fundamental Research in the SBE Sciences. This track supports research focused on human behavior, interaction, social and economic systems. 
• Broadening Participation in SBE Sciences. This track aims to increase the diversity of post-doctoral researchers in the social, behavioral and economic sciences. In addition to the research proposal, these applications should also answer the question: “How will this fellowship help broaden or inform efforts to broaden the participation of underrepresented groups in the United States?” The stipend for this program is $65,000 per year (paid in quarterly installments) and the research and training allowance is $15,000 per year. 

SBIR Innovative Postdoctoral Entrepreneurial Research Fellowship This fellowship supports postdoctoral researchers at start-up companies through the Small Business Innovation Research program. By recruiting, training, mentoring, matching and funding these early-career scientists, this fellowship addresses the need of doctoral-level expertise at small, high-tech businesses. The base stipend is $78,000 per year with optional individual health and life insurance, relocation assistance (company dependent), professional conference travel allowance, and professional development funds.  

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Education Individual Postdoctoral Research Fellowship This fellowship is for postdoctoral researchers to enhance their research knowledge, skills, and practices of STEM education research. If the fellowship is granted, the fellow is expected to remain affiliated with the host organization and PI sponsoring them. The fellowship can last up to two years with an annual stipend of $70,000, with fellowship expenses of $15,000.  

Multilevel 

CyberCorps® Scholarship for Service This program is for students earning their associates, bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree in cybersecurity. A stipulation of the program is that the recipients must work after graduation in a cybersecurity mission of the federal, state, local or tribal government for an equal amount of time as the scholarship's duration. It will provide full tuition and fees plus a stipend of $27,000 per academic year for undergraduates and a stipend of $37,000 per academic year for graduate students, in addition to a professional allowance of $6,000 for all levels. 

NSF-NIST Interaction in Basic and Applied Scientific Research This supplemental funding request is for NSF-supported researchers to collaborate with researchers at a National Institute of Standards and Technology facility. It can be used for travel expenses and per diem associated with on-site work at NIST. It is available for NSF-supported PIs, co-PIs, postdoctoral scholars, graduate and undergraduate students and other personnel associated with the research. PIs should contact their NSF program director for their award before applying. 

This extensive list shows the ways in which NSF helps train the next generation of STEM researchers. If you are interested in learning more about any of these programs, reach out to contacts listed on the award webpages.  

If you are interested in awards for high school students, undergraduates and post-baccalaureate scholars, check out our previous NSF101 for more information! 

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To provide predoctoral individuals with supervised research training in specified health and health-related areas leading toward the research doctoral degree (e.g., PhD).

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• NOT-OD-21-052: Reminder – Requesting Extensions for Early Career Scientists Whose Career Trajectories Have Been Significantly Impacted by COVID-19
• NOT-OD-21-049: Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Stipends, Tuition/Fees and Other Budgetary Levels Effective for Fiscal Year 2021

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NSF funds a large number of research opportunities for undergraduate students through its REU Sites program. An REU Site consists of a group of ten or so undergraduates who work in the research programs of the host institution. Each student is associated with a specific research project, where he/she works closely with the faculty and other researchers. Students are granted stipends and, in many cases, assistance with housing and travel. Undergraduate students supported with NSF funds must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States or its possessions. An REU Site may be at either a US or foreign location.

By using the web page, Search for an REU Site , you may examine opportunities in the subject areas supported by various NSF units. Also, you may search by keywords to identify sites in particular research areas or with certain features, such as a particular location.

11 Knights Earn NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Recognitions for 2024

The U.S. National Science Foundation Fellowship helps students continue research-based master’s and doctoral degrees at accredited U.S. institutions.

By Ryan Randall | May 23, 2024

Five Knights have earned the most prestigious STEM research fellowship in the United States. Another six have earned honorable mentions for the award.

Five UCF alums have received U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowships (GRF), which supports outstanding graduate students in STEM disciplines who are pursuing research-based master’s and doctoral degrees at accredited U.S. institutions. The five-year fellowship includes three years of financial support with an annual stipend of $37,000 and a cost of education allowance of $16,000 to the institution. Each award is valued up to $159,000.

“This is a campuswide achievement that could not be possible without the support of faculty like [Associate Professor of Writing and Rhetoric] Laurie Pinkert, and other academic support offices such as Honors Research and Academic Advancement Programs,” says Morgan Bauer, director of the Office of Prestigious Awards in UCF’s Burnett Honors College.

The Knights who are named fellows are:

Laurie Agosto ’19 Applied sciences alum with a biology minor College of Undergraduate Studies College of Sciences

Saoulkie Bertin ’23 Interdisciplinary studies alum with a medical anthropology minor and anthropology of global health certificate Burnett Honors College College of Undergraduate Studies College of Sciences

Stephen Staklinski ’20 Biomedical sciences alum Burnett Honors College College of Medicine

Andres Torres ’08 Aerospace engineering alum College of Engineering and Computer Science

Stephanie Washburn ’24 Psychology alum with a statistics minor Burnett Honors College College of Sciences

Those who received honorable mentions are:

Rachel Cooper Psychology doctoral student College of Sciences

Michael Kwara ’22 Mechanical engin eering alum; mechanical engineering master’s student Burnett Honors College College of Engineering and Computer Science

Andrea Mullin Psychology student Burnett Honors College College of Sciences

Fahad Nabid ’23 Aerospace engineering alum Burnett Honors College College of Engineering and Computer Science

Sachin Shah ’22 Computer science alum Burnett Honors College College of Engineering and Computer Science

Nyle Siddiqui Computer science doctoral student College of Engineering and Computer Science

For some graduates, such as Bertin and Washburn, the journey to the fellowship was assisted through their involvement with the Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program, a U.S. Department of Education program that aims to increase the attainment of doctoral degrees by students from underrepresented segments of society.

Through the McNair Scholars Program, Bertin conducted summer research at John Hopkins University and participated in a global health internship in Puerto Rico while she earned a degree in interdisciplinary studies at UCF.

In 2021, Bertin led a point-of-sale task force in promoting a healthier and tobacco-free county through a collaboration between UCF and the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) in Orange County. For her work, she received the FDOH Health Equity Hero Award, which recognizes public health individuals in the community. The work also led to a thesis in 2023 examining the culture of local activist groups in Central Florida and their influence nicotine-related policy change, using data collected through participant observation and semi-structured interviews with activist group members, key actors, and nicotine users in Volusia County and Orange counties.

As an incoming global and sociocultural sciences doctoral student at with Florida International University, she will further her research interests at the intersection of climate change and the intricate interplay of government and industry policies concerning food, tobacco/nicotine, and their health implications.

“I like community-engaged research, so [I] definitely [have done] a lot of volunteering in the community [and] I know that can help inform my research in the long term,” Bertin says.

While at UCF, Washburn, a psychology major with a specialization in neuroscience, mainly investigated identity research, which examines how one’s characteristics can ultimately shape resiliency and adaptation in the face of trauma. In particular, her work explored identity’s impact on executive functions, which are dominated by the prefrontal cortex and consist of planning and time organization.

Her research led her to studying at MIT, as well as a TEDx talk, titled The Kaleideoscope of You . As part of the GRF, she has been accepted to the University of Florida, where she’ll be a doctoral candidate in psychology and will focus on furthering her research on Alzheimer’s disease.

“As populations get older, we’re striving for keeping them independent and we don’t really know how. That drove me more toward the aging side of things,” Washburn says. “My grandmother also passed away with Alzheimer’s disease, so there’s a personal motivation as well, in addition to the fascination with neuroscience.”

The McNair Scholars Program not only provided students like Bertin and Washburn with research opportunities, but also support and guidance to apply for the NSF fellowship, ultimately taking their studies even further.

“For me, I needed something outside to push me and empower me to apply, and that was my mentor, [Associate Professor of Anthropology] Shana Harris,” Bertin says. “She and the director of the McNair program, [Michael Aldarondo-Jeffries], told me ‘I think you’d be a good fit.’ Now, if there’s an opportunity and I don’t think I fit, I shrug it off and apply because the worst thing they can say is ‘no.’ Not applying is an automatic no.”

Those interested in the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship program and other opportunities, please reach out to the Office of Prestigious Awards at [email protected] .

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Pegasus magazine.

For a decade, UCF-based nonprofit Limbitless Solutions has transformed kids’ lives through bionic limbs. 

2024 NFS Graduate Research Fellowship Program announces awardees and honorable mentions

Twelve boilermakers from the College of Science are honored  

The National Science Foundation ( NSF ) has announced the 2024 Graduate Research Fellowship Program ( GRFP ) which included 20 awardees and 12 honorable mentions from Purdue University.  Of the pool of innovators, the Purdue University College of Science students stood out with ten awardee offers and two honorable mentions:  

Awardees:  

• Katie Wilson: Applied Math major with EAPS and CS minors; Field of study : Geosciences - Computationally Intensive Research  
• Abigail Haydee Soliven : Chemistry (ACS), Honors College with distinction, and a minor in English; Field of study : Chemistry - Chemical Catalysis  
• Meenakshi McNamara : Physics and Math major; Field of study : Mathematical Sciences - Quantum Information Science  
• Brady R Layman : Chemistry graduate student in Professor Jeffrey Dick’s laboratory; Field of study : Chemical Measurement and Imaging  
• Mikail Habib Khan : CS, with Mathematics minor; Field of study : Comp/IS/Eng - Formal Methods, Verification, and Programming Languages  
• Daniel Miroslav Hristov : Chemistry and Honors College; Field of study : Chemistry - Chemical Structure, Dynamics, and Mechanism  
• Stephanie Sara DeLancey : Chemistry with Psychology minor; Field of study : Chemistry - Undergraduate American Chemical Society accredited  
• Addison Curtis : EAPS graduate student; Field of study : Geosciences - Geochemistry  
• Grace Crim : Chemistry and Electrical Engineering, minor in Biological Sciences; Field of study : Engineering - Electrical and Electronic Engineering  
• Haleigh Brown : EAPS graduate student Field of study : Geosciences and Astrobiology  

Honorable Mentions:   

• Mariana Blanco-Rojas : EAPS graduate student  
• Sara Cuevas-Quiñones : Physics and EAPS major  

The purpose of the NSF GRFP is to help ensure the quality, vitality, and diversity of the scientific and engineering workforce of the United States. A goal of the program is to broaden participation of the full spectrum of diverse talents in STEM. The five-year fellowship provides three years of financial support inclusive of an annual stipend of $37,000.  

To learn more about GRFP or to apply for future awards, current students at the undergraduate and graduate level can check the NSF GRFP resources webpage . The College of Science is proud of our students who are driven to instigate the next giants leaps in STEM and look forward to following their research into their five-year fellowships term.  

Learn more about some of the students who were offered the fellowship below.    

Katie Wilson :   

“I am about to graduate from Purdue with a bachelor’s degree in applied math and minors in computer science and EAPS at Purdue. I fell in love with atmospheric science at Purdue, specifically clouds, and am excited to continue my education on the topic in grad school. At Purdue, I have been deeply involved in the Women in Science Program as a mentee, mentor, and team leader, from which I have made so many fun memories and impactful relationships. Being awarded the GRFP changed my future and opened exciting opportunities for me. Because of it, I am now able to pursue research in a field that I am passionate about without having to stress much over funding, something that greatly influenced my graduate school decision. I am very grateful for the opportunity to prove myself and make discoveries with my research as a woman in science. My plans for the GRFP are to go to the University of Wisconsin-Madison and get my master’s through their Atmospheric and Oceanic Science Research Program. I plan to do research on cloud microphysics/aerosols to learn more about factors that affect cloud properties and how this impacts climate change using numerical models and remote sensing data.”  

Haleigh Brown :   

“I am a computational astrobiologist working within the PHAB lab under Associate Professor Stephanie Olson at Purdue’s Earth Atmosphere and Planetary Sciences department. Broadly my work involves using numerical climate models and machine learning to better understand exoplanet habitability. I have wonderful peers and mentors helping me achieve my goals and I am thrilled to have the support of the NSF GRFP as well. I am eager to take advantage of the new tools accessible to me now due to the NSF and I am confident this will aid in my ability to contribute great work within my field.”  

Mikail Habib Khan:   

“I'm a senior in Purdue Computer Science, working on Programming Languages research with some Physics Education work on the side. I want to eliminate incidental complexity from software engineering to make programming more productive and accessible. For fun I like skating, reading sci-fi/fantasy, and playing video games. I worked with Associate Professor Tiark Rompf on CS research and Professor Sanjay Rebello for physics. Assistant Professor Ben Delaware has also given me a ton of advice and told me to apply for the GRFP in the first place. To me, the GRFP means that I'll have more freedom to pursue my interests in grad school. I won't have to worry about finding a funded project, and I might be able to leverage it to more easily find visiting scholar positions. I'm starting a PhD at CMU, where there are a ton of advisors I'd love to work with. I might work on WebAssembly, Program Synthesis, or Verification.”  

Abigail Soliven  

“I am a senior earning my degree in chemistry on the ACS track and a minor in english. When not in the lab, I spend my time involved on campus or reading, soaking up sunshine, and making playlists. The NSF GRFP is a vote of confidence in my abilities as a researcher and the impact I can make in my field as a graduate student and beyond. Through the GRFP, I will be able to focus entirely on my work and advancing chemical knowledge by knowing I have the financial support and resources to be creative and inventive. I am pursuing a PhD in organic chemistry at UC Berkeley post-graduation from Purdue. Boiler up and go bears!”  

Stephanie DeLancey  

“I am graduating from Purdue with a BS  degree in chemistry (ACS) and a minor in psychology. I have worked in the Ren lab for three and a half years, studying iron-based organometallic complexes with applications in the catalysis and materials fields. I look forward to starting my PhD at UNC Chapel Hill in the fall where I will continue to pursue research themes rooted in sustainable chemistry. Being awarded an NSF GRFP was an incredible honor that greatly validated my potential as a researcher. I am so grateful to have been recognized by a prestigious institution and provided the financial support to pursue my research goals with greater freedom and focus in grad school. However, receiving this honor has also made me all the more thankful for my mentorship in the Ren group that shaped me into the scientist I am today.  Starting this summer, I will begin working towards my PhD in inorganic chemistry at UNC Chapel Hill. I hope to conduct impactful research with relevance to energy storage and conversion, potentially with the CHASE Solar Hub at UNC. I cannot wait to start my next chapter knowing the NSF GRFP will allow me to more freely explore these interests.”  

Grace Crim  

“I am majoring in biochemistry (Department of Chemistry) and electrical engineering. During my time at Purdue, I have been involved in research, WISP, WIE, and SWE, as well as first-generation student honors and ambassador programs. I am passionate about interdisciplinary research and involving multiple STEM communities to solve big research problems. The GRFP is an accomplishment that everyone in research recognizes. I learned about the prestige of the NSF GRFP in sophomore year, when the graduate student I was doing research under won the award herself. I was lucky to have incredible research advisors that helped me through learning about the fellowship application process and graduate school as a whole. Coming from financial need, having the financial freedom to pursue research without worrying about funding is a relief. My plans are to pursue a PhD in electrical and computer engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology. My goal is to design micro-scale sensors with biological processes and chemical detection in mind, specifically for wildlife monitoring and astrobiology. Lab on a chip technology is new and promising. I am hoping to diversify applications of this tech ethically and responsibly to help fields other than ECE. My PhD will consist of a lot of time in the semiconductor cleanroom and collaborating with researchers from other universities and national labs in many different fields. Purdue has prepared me well for this type of research and I can't wait to get started!”  

Daniel Hristov  

“I am originally from Knoxville, TN with backgrounds from Bulgaria and Puerto Rico. I have been completing research with Professor Julia Laskin’s group the past four years working with electrochemistry and mass spectrometry-based techniques to better understand the fundamentals of ions and charged interfaces. I really enjoyed working with my graduate mentor, Hugo and having meaningful discussions about the molecular dynamics of our systems. I am truly grateful to the valuable mentoring provided by Dr. Hugo Samayoa and Professor Julia Laskin, and the scientists I interned for at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Dr. Grant Johnson and Dr. Venky Prabhakaran, that allowed me to broaden horizons in my projects and think critically about results. This award has meant a great amount not only to myself as a scientist, but every scientist who has mentored and supported me throughout my four years. I will start my PhD in physical chemistry in the fall at the University of California Berkeley.”  

Addison Curtis:  

“I am a queer, disabled geologist currently working towards my master’s in earth science. My research in the Thermochronology @ Purdue Lab under Assistant Professor Marissa Tremblay focuses on using radioactive isotopes in specific minerals to determine the ages and thermal histories of rocks in the North Cascades, WA to better understand regional tectonic changes about 50 million years ago! Outside of my research, I am extremely passionate about geoscience education and increasing representation for both disabled and Queer individuals in geology and academia as a whole. I am extremely grateful to have received the NSF GRFP to support me through the rest of my graduate school career. I am honored to join a cohort of other Fellows and continue to strive for excellence in both science and outreach. Graduate school is difficult for anyone but especially for someone who holds my identities, so having this support helps to relieve some of that pressure. It is also extremely validating and encouraging to receive such an award, showing that despite my additional challenges, I am still an intelligent, capable scientist with potential to significantly impact my field. Since I am currently a master’s student, I plan on using the GRFP as support in my future PhD program. While I don’t know where I will be going next, this award allows me to be able to pursue the specific research that I am interested in at another institution without having to worry about the logistics of future funding.”   

Meenakshi McNamara  

“I am graduating with a math and physics double major, and I plan to become a professor someday. I am passionate about conducting research in these fields, as well as helping build community as I have been doing through club leadership and mentoring programs. In my free time, I love to read, write, and draw. You may also find me rock climbing or playing board games with friends. I am honored to have been awarded the NSF GRFP. Winning this fellowship means that the committee felt that I have the potential to become a strong graduate student and researcher, and this is very meaningful because my goal is to have a research career. Further, communicating pure math research well can be difficult, and I certainly learned important skills during the application process. Thus, it was amazing to see that these efforts paid off and I have more confidence in my ability to communicate about my research and apply for similar things in the future.”  

About the College of Science  

Purdue University’s College of Science is committed to the persistent pursuit of the mathematical and scientific knowledge that forms the very foundation of innovation. More than 350 tenure-track faculty conduct world-changing research and deliver a transformative education to more than 6,000 undergraduates and 1,750 graduate students. See how we develop practical solutions to today’s toughest challenges with degree programs in the life sciences, physical sciences, computational sciences, mathematics, and data science at www.purdue.edu/science .  

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Six Stanford graduate students are among this year’s recipients of the Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans , a merit-based program for immigrants and children of immigrants.

The Stanford students are among 30 outstanding scholars to receive the fellowship, selected for their achievements and their potential to make meaningful contributions to the United States across fields of study. They each will receive up to $90,000 in funding to support their graduate studies at institutions across the country.

Established in 1997, the fellowship program has provided more than $80 million in funding to students studying in a range of fields, from medicine and the arts to law and business.

Following are the 2024 Paul & Daisy Sorors Fellows from Stanford.

Sara Bobok (Image credit: Courtesy PD Soros Fellowships)

Sara Bobok and her family immigrated to the United States from Hungary when she was 2, seeking greater economic opportunity. She is pursuing a JD at Stanford Law School and a master’s degree at Stanford Graduate School of Education.

An advocate for children, Bobok spent high school summers volunteering at a Transylvanian orphanage and dedicated school years to fundraising and organizing donation drives for the children. At Harvard University, she studied social studies with a minor in mathematical sciences to better understand the historical, political, and economic roots of inequality.

Bobok has interned with the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia, researched bail reform at Harvard Law School, designed civic engagement policy with Boston’s then-City Council President Michelle Wu, and served as a strategist for Hungary’s Momentum party. She also spearheaded a project on Hungarian child trafficking prevention, supporting the very orphanages that inspired her work, and served as director of the tutoring program for the Association to Benefit Children, a youth aid organization in East Harlem, New York. She aspires to be a lawyer, educator, and advocate.

Sharon Loa (Image credit: Courtesy PD Soros Fellowships)

Sharon Loa was born in Puente Piedra, Peru. At age 6, she and her mother relocated to Missoula, Montana. At Stanford, she is pursuing an MD/PhD in cancer biology.

At 16, Loa became a certified pharmacy technician, which led her to wonder how drugs behaved in cells and what effect they had on a patient’s body. Her interest in medicine led her to the University of Montana, where she studied biochemistry. There, Loa worked on research leading to the discovery of three novel protein structures using X-ray crystallography in Professor Klara Briknarova’s lab. Loa also restructured and transformed her university chemistry courses by creating training programs and mentorship opportunities.

After college, Loa received the National Institutes of Health Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program Fellowship at the Mayo Clinic. There, she established programs for postbaccalaureate fellows and underrepresented students entering medical schools.

She is on a mission to pioneer diagnostic methods to improve identification and treatment of diseases, deliver compassionate and equitable care, and shape the next generation of physicians through inclusive and innovative education.

Malavika Kannan (Image credit: Courtesy PD Soros Fellowships)

Stanford senior Malavika Kannan was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and grew up in Central Florida in a tight-knit community of Indian immigrants, including her parents, who emigrated from South India. After completing her bachelor’s degree in comparative studies in race and ethnicity this year, she will pursue a Master of Fine Arts in fiction.

Growing up, Kannan became increasingly aware of the impacts of gun violence, police violence, and racism on her community. In high school, she and her classmates organized a school-wide walkout against gun violence. Kannan also worked with such organizations as March For Our Lives, the Women’s March, and Giffords.

Kannan’s experiences as an organizer influenced her writing, an art form she views as inherently political, imaginative, and community oriented. Her writing on identity, culture, and politics has appeared in The Washington Post , Teen Vogue , Refinery29 , and San Francisco Chronicle . She’s also the author of the young adult novel All the Yellow Suns . She intends to become a novelist and professor of literature.

James Occean (Image credit: Courtesy PD Soros Fellowships)

James Occean was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and immigrated to the U.S. at age 10. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in bioinformatics at Johns Hopkins University. This fall, he will begin a PhD program in cancer biology at Stanford, supported by the fellowship.

Occean earned a BS in biomedical sciences from the University of South Florida, where he was a first-generation college student. There, he conducted epidemiological research to identify predictors and risk factors for intimate partner violence among women in his native country. He also researched how trauma exposure increases susceptibility to psychiatric disorders and studied genetic and epigenetic mechanisms that underlie post-traumatic stress disorder.

After college, Occean earned a postbaccalaureate fellowship at the National Institute on Aging at the National Institutes of Health. In Payel Sen’s lab, he investigated how changes in epigenetic modifications and chromatin drive mammalian aging and related decline. He also contributed to several peer-reviewed publications, secured over $140,000 in research grants for his work on DNA hydroxymethylation, and received the Early Career Scholar award from the American Aging Association.

Akshay Swaminathan (Image credit: Courtesy PD Soros Fellowships)

Akshay Swaminathan was born in Wood-Ridge, New Jersey, to immigrants from Tamil Nadu, India. At Stanford, he is an MD candidate and is pursuing a PhD in biomedical data science. He is also a Knight-Hennessy Scholar.

After finding an online community of polyglots in high school, Swaminathan developed pedagogical techniques that helped him learn over 10 languages. At Harvard College, he used languages to connect with and serve others. He was executive director of Refresh Bolivia, a global health nonprofit, where he helped build a primary health care clinic serving Indigenous residents in Cochabamba. He led Harvard Chinatown ESL, a program offering free English classes to adult Chinese immigrants. He also published five textbooks to teach English to Chinese speakers. He is the founder of Start Speaking, which helps language learners improve fluency.

As a data scientist, Swaminathan builds data-driven tools for patients, clinicians, and policymakers. At Flatiron Health, he developed methods to analyze observational clinical data to support FDA decision-making. At the virtual mental health company Cerebral, he helped deploy a suicide detection system that served over 500,000 patients across the U.S.

At Stanford, Swaminathan is developing approaches to safely and effectively use artificial intelligence to deliver health care. He plans to become a physician, combining data science and medicine to strengthen health systems in low-resource areas.

Evelyn Wong (Image credit: Courtesy PD Soros Fellowships)

Evelyn Wong was born in East Los Angeles, California, to Teochew-Vietnamese refugees. At Stanford, she is pursuing an MD/PhD in biophysics and is a Knight-Hennessy Scholar.

A first-generation college student, Wong graduated from Harvard University, where she studied neuroscience and Spanish literature. As an undergraduate, she received the Herchel Smith Fellowship for her thesis project at the MIT McGovern Institute, developing a next-generation protein sequencing platform. Beyond academics, she mentored young refugees in Boston and worked in free clinics serving undocumented and recently incarcerated individuals. She founded the nonprofit CovEducation, which provides programs and services to bridge academic achievement gaps. As a Marshall Scholar, Wong earned an MPhil from the Division of Medicine at University College London, where she optimized existing neurotechnologies to understand cortical brain function.

At Stanford she is developing flexible electrodes to record neural signals from deep, hard-to-reach structures in the mammalian brain. She is a co-director of the Stanford Asylum Collaborative, providing medical and psychological evaluations to support individuals seeking asylum in the United States. Wong aspires to a career as a physician-neuroengineer, working at the intersection of asylee health and neurotechnology to tackle technical and structural barriers to neuropsychiatric care.

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• 5 students selected as 2024 Sustainability Summer Research Fellows
• CPH graduate finds her path through public health, receives several honors
• 14 students awarded CURE Fellowships

LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 23, 2024) —  Five students from the University of Kentucky have been selected for the Sustainability Summer Research Fellowship program.

As a learning institution, UK engages in sustainable practices by collaborating with faculty, staff and students across all colleges and departments. The Sustainability Research Fellowship is a collaborative program coordinated by the Office of Undergraduate Research and sponsored by the UK Student Sustainability Council (SSC) and UK Sustainability . The fellowship’s goal is to support and promote sustainability-related undergraduate research endeavors. The program launched in 2014 and has supported 53 undergraduates.

“Sustainability research is important because the resources at our disposal are typically limited, and their utilization can often lead to undesirable consequences. Therefore, it is our duty to manage these resources responsibly and to employ scientific methods to achieve the most effective outcomes,” said Luis Silva Nunes, an electrical engineering and Lewis Honors College freshman working with Christopher Crawford, Ph.D., in the Department of Physics and Astronomy in the College of Arts and Sciences .

Students selected as Sustainability Research Fellows received a $5,000 stipend to support their research endeavors during the Summer 2024 term. Fellows engage in a research project under the guidance of a mentor.

“Sustainability research is incredibly important not only for its clear connection to pressing climate issues, but also due to its necessary role in the development of more equitable, ecological and endurable communities,” said Erica Smith, an architecture and Lewis Honors College junior. “While projects on a large, worldwide scale are certainly crucial to the adaptation of our environments for a more sustainable and just future, the visibility of research done in a variety of implementable scales is equally important for the advancement of local communities and services.” Smith is working with mentor Daniel Vivian, Ph.D., in the College of Design ’s Department of Historical Preservation.

Students will present their research at the Summer Research Symposium on Aug. 27, 2024, Sustainability Showcase on Oct. 23, 2024, and the Showcase of Undergraduate Scholars in April 2025.

The 2024 Sustainability Research Fellows:

• Katie Christensen , agricultural and medical biotechnology and Lewis Honors College sophomore; Mentor: Kendall Corbin, Ph.D., Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. Project: “Mighty Microbes: The discovery of antibiotic producing bacteria from maize.”
• Luis Nunes , computer science and Lewis Honors College freshman; Mentor: Christopher Crawford, Ph.D., College of Arts and Sciences. Project: “Development of Sustainable Real-Time Lossless Data Compression Algorithms on FPGAs for Sensor Waveforms.”
• Safiyah Sadek , neuroscience senior; Mentor: Cassandra Gipson-Reichard, Ph.D., College of Medicine. Project: “The Impact of E-Cigarette Vapor Toxins and Pollutants on Estrogen and Interactions with Microglia within the Brain Reward Pathway in Female Rats.”
• Cooper Samuelson , agricultural and medical biotechnology and Lewis Honors College junior; Mentor: Kenton Sena, Ph.D., Lewis Honors College. Project: “Examining the effects of urban forest restoration on carbon pools and infiltration rates.”
• Erica Smith , architecture and Lewis Honors College junior; Mentor: Daniel Vivian, Ph.D., College of Design. Project: “Transit for All: Design Strategies for Improving Public Transportation in Lexington, Kentucky.”

As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.   

In 2022, UK was ranked by Forbes as one of the “Best Employers for New Grads” and named a “Diversity Champion” by INSIGHT into Diversity, a testament to our commitment to advance Kentucky and create a community of belonging for everyone. While our mission looks different in many ways than it did in 1865, the vision of service to our Commonwealth and the world remains the same. We are the University for Kentucky.   

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Engineering Alumna Earns Prestigious NSF Graduate Research Fellowship

Stanford Memorial Church (By  Yuval Helfman  for AdobeStock)

Ashley David has always been a competitor. She was a Florida State University track team member while getting her bachelor’s in biomedical engineering at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering in 2023. She is now an engineering graduate student at Stanford University.

After earning numerous research awards, David’s latest investigation was rewarded with a fellowship from the National Science Foundation’s Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) . She will receive a stipend of $37,000 for three years (within a five-year fellowship period) and a $16,000 allowance for educational expenses such as tuition and fees.  

“Receiving the fellowship was exciting and it is rewarding to see my work pay off,” David said. “I started my Ph.D. program at Stanford shortly after graduating from FSU, which gave me time to thoroughly explore my research area (human skin) and develop a solid proposal. This funding will give me greater independence and creativity in my research, enabling me to pursue unique experiments and explore new areas that might otherwise have been out of reach.”

As an undergraduate, David worked in the Polymers for Advanced Energy and Sustainability Lab under Daniel Hallinan , an associate professor in chemical and biomedical engineering at the joint college. 

“I study how molecules move through the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin and explore how cosmetics and other factors like UV radiation affect it at a molecular level.”

“Ashley worked on what I consider the most novel project in my group, studying thermal diffusion in polymer electrolytes,” Hallinan said. “She is well deserving of this prestigious award due to her exceptional drive and passion to be the best and do the best work that will positively impact the world. We are proud of her achievement!”

David reflected on her time at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering.

“Joining Dr. Hallinan’s Lab during my junior year sparked my initial interest in research,” she said, “and it’s where I learned to use lab tools like the FTIR-ATR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) and wrote my first first-author paper, recently published in the Journal of Physical Chemistry B .”

“Dr. Hallinan and Dean De encouraged me to present my research at various conferences such as AIChE, the Electrochemistry Society and the FSU President’s Showcase,” she continued. “These experiences helped me become skilled at presenting and explaining my work and provided valuable networking opportunities. I met many industry and academic professionals who offered advice on graduate school and more.”

David’s research at Stanford focuses on human skin and its critical role in various biological processes. She is using some of the tools she used in Hallinan’s lab, like the FTIR-ATR, to closely examine molecular changes in lipids and proteins in her research. 

“Skin is the body’s first line of defense, protecting us from external elements, regulating our body temperature and preventing dehydration,” David said. “I study how molecules move through the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin and explore how cosmetics and other factors like UV radiation affect it at a molecular level.”

David says that understanding these processes may open doors to developing more effective and personalized skincare products and treatments to boost skin health and protection. The research may give more insight into the biomechanical properties of the organ and may lead to innovative approaches to drug delivery and how medications are administered through it. So, what’s next for David? Her new life in Northern California has given the alumna her share of adventures. She spends her weekends exploring San Francisco, hiking in national parks and visiting the beach. She said her favorite place so far has been Big Sur. 

“Since starting my summer research, I’ve focused on two main projects: comparing the stratum corneum of male vs female skin and studying how the skin’s structure changes when emulsions are applied,” David said. “The next step is to finalize my data and hopefully prepare it for publication or presentation at a conference soon. After graduating from Stanford, I aim to either start my own company focusing on sustainable skincare or pursue a position in research and development at a leading skincare company.”

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Alliance for African Partnership

Student Research Fellowship

  Alliance for African Partnership (AAP) and  African Studies Center (ASC) 

Student research fellowship application.

AAP and ASC are pleased to announce our  Student Research Fellowship . This award supports: 

• MSU graduate students’ travel to any African country for research. 
• Graduate students from AAP’s ten African consortium members to travel to MSU for research. 
• MSU graduate students’ travel in the US to present their research on Africa at an academic conference.

Eligibility

AAP and ASC recognize that graduate students can have limited opportunities to apply for grants and fellowships to conduct international research and to access funds for conference travel to disseminate their research results. To address this issue, AAP and ASC have established the  Student Research Fellowship .   

Eligibility requirements for this opportunity are as follows: 

• All applicants  must be a graduate student currently enrolled in a degree-granting program  at one of AAP’s ten African university consortium members  or at MSU. 
• MSU applicants for research funds  must secure affiliation with an African university, institution, or organization for the time in which they will conduct their research and in the country to which they are traveling. 
• Applicants from the ten AAP African university consortium members  must be supervised by an academic at their home institution who is collaborating with an MSU faculty member. The student must be hosted by the MSU faculty member/department. 
• All applicants for research funds  must successfully complete their university requirements related to doing research (e.g., approved research plans, ethical conduct of research (or IRB) training and approvals, etc.).
• All fellowship recipients  must return to their home university as registered students in the semester or term following the award. 
• All fellowship recipients  must be in good academic standing, and priority will be given to underrepresented students and those with demonstrated financial need. 
• All fellowship recipients  must write and submit a report (3 to 5 pages) on their research and experiences within one month of their return from the research trip or conference travel. The report template will be provided to students upon their award.
• Each research fellowship will be up to $2,000, awarded for travel and/or fieldwork expenses. 
• Each conference travel fellowship will be up to $1,000 and will be on a reimbursable basis. 
• Applicants for research and conference travel fellowships should specify all other funding sources, if applicable. 
• For students from AAP consortium members, funds will be provided to the MSU host faculty member to pay for travel costs directly. 
• For students from MSU, funds will be provided either via the home department or via another method; AAP and ASC will work with students on a case-by-case basis on fund transfer.  

Selection Process

The Student Research Fellowship is administered by AAP or ASC, depending on the category of funds requested. Winners are determined by a Selection Committee with members appointed by AAP and ASC Directors. The timeline is as follows: 

• Applications are accepted on a rolling basis from February 2 through May 31, 2024, subject to funding availability. The application process may close early if all funds are awarded before May 31, 2024.
• All funding must be transferred to recipients by  June 14, 2024 .

Application Process

Research funding.

Applicants must complete an online application that includes the following documents. *Please note that some documents require a template that is provided below. Click the following link to access the application:  https://msu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6MAD0o6N8U9lfb8

1) Cover letter . Within the cover letter please include the following information: a. Explain interest in the fellowship and how it furthers your scholarly interests b. Describe the research topic and its significance c. Outline the activities proposed for this trip d. Identify the expected outputs from these activities and this trip and how they contribute to your degree program e. Provide names, roles, and description of faculty members involved in the project f.  Identify the university department and/or college that you will collaborate or affiliate with g. Provide dates to be spent in country/region

2) Two-page Curriculum Vitae or Resume

3) Transcript

4) Budget Please use the budget template 5) Letter from faculty member or individual at the host institution who will supervise your work.

For students from AAP Consortium member institutions:  The letter must be from the MSU faculty member (on their department’s letterhead) who has agreed to host you during your research trip to MSU. Please use the host letter template

For MSU students:  The letter must be from an individual at the institution you will be affiliated with (on the institution’s letterhead) during your research trip. Please use the host letter template

AAP and ASC will contact the relevant host faculty/organization as part of the selection process.

6) Letter of recommendation

The application must include one letter of recommendation from your advisor or supervisor. The letter must discuss the value of your project and the quality of your work. *The person who writes the letter of recommendation must email the letter directly to  aap(at)msu.edu .

Conference travel funding

Applicants must complete  an online application on the African Studies Center website .

Student Research Fellowship funds are now available

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Graduate students win Dissertation Completion Fellowship Awards

Graduate students Wayne Water Vigil Jr. and Giulia Alboreggia have each won a Dissertation Completion Fellowship Award. The award, given by the UCR Graduate Division , is given to doctoral students for up to two quarters.  

Vigil Jr. and Alboreggia are the first two graduates with doctoral degrees from the Biophysics Graduate Program , directed by Roya Zandi , a professor of physics and astronomy. 

Vigil Jr. who works with Russ Hille , a distinguished professor of biochemistry , has won the award for the spring quarter and will receive $10,000. He plans to use the award money to pay his rent while completing his dissertation work. 

Vigil Jr. will graduate next month with a doctoral degree in biophysics, after which he will start a postdoctoral appointment at UCR. He was drawn to the new Biophysics Graduate Program because he “liked the idea of trailblazing something that hadn’t been done before.” 

“There’s a familiarity in the unknown,” he said.

Vigil Jr. is a self-proclaimed “desert rat from the mountains of New Mexico.” A first-generation college student, he worked full time as an emergency medical technician during his high-school and undergraduate years. He received his dual-major from the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology: one degree in chemical engineering with a minor in chemistry and the second a degree in biomedical sciences. 

“I have been beyond fortunate in my time here at UCR, from getting an amazing mentor, Dr. Hille, who has been nothing short of phenomenal,” he said. “I got to travel to Europe to present my research in 2021 and received the Science of Sustainability Fellowship last year. All the ups and downs have made for a wild time here at UCR and I’m glad the coin-flip that brought me down to Riverside landed heads and not tails.”

Vigil Jr. has two pet rabbits.

“One uses her five pounds of fluffy might to terrorize me given the opportunity,” he said.

Alboreggia works with Maurizio Pellecchia , a professor of biomedical sciences and the Daniel Hays Endowed Chair in Cancer Research in the School of Medicine . She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Insubria in Italy.

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From steel engineering to ovarian tumor research

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Ashutosh Kumar is a classically trained materials engineer. Having grown up with a passion for making things, he has explored steel design and studied stress fractures in alloys.

Throughout Kumar’s education, however, he was also drawn to biology and medicine. When he was accepted into an undergraduate metallurgical engineering and materials science program at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, the native of Jamshedpur was very excited — and “a little dissatisfied, since I couldn’t do biology anymore.”

Now a PhD candidate and a MathWorks Fellow in MIT’s Department of Materials Science and Engineering, and a researcher for the Koch Institute, Kumar can merge his wide-ranging interests. He studies the effect of certain bacteria that have been observed encouraging the spread of ovarian cancer and possibly reducing the effectiveness of chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

“Some microbes have an affinity toward infecting ovarian cancer cells, which can lead to changes in the cellular structure and reprogramming cells to survive in stressful conditions,” Kumar says. “This means that cells can migrate to different sites and may have a mechanism to develop chemoresistance. This opens an avenue to develop therapies to see if we can start to undo some of these changes.”

Kumar’s research combines microbiology, bioengineering, artificial intelligence, big data, and materials science. Using microbiome sequencing and AI, he aims to define microbiome changes that may correlate with poor patient outcomes. Ultimately, his goal is to engineer bacteriophage viruses to reprogram bacteria to work therapeutically.

Kumar started inching toward work in the health sciences just months into earning his bachelor's degree at IIT Bombay.

“I realized engineering is so flexible that its applications extend to any field,” he says, adding that he started working with biomaterials “to respect both my degree program and my interests."

“I loved it so much that I decided to go to graduate school,” he adds.

Starting his PhD program at MIT, he says, “was a fantastic opportunity to switch gears and work on more interdisciplinary or ‘MIT-type’ work.”

Kumar says he and Angela Belcher, the James Mason Crafts Professor of biological engineering, materials science and of the Koch Institute of Integrative Cancer Research, began discussing the impact of the microbiome on ovarian cancer when he first arrived at MIT.

“I shared my enthusiasm about human health and biology, and we started brainstorming,” he says. “We realized that there’s an unmet need to understand a lot of gynecological cancers. Ovarian cancer is an aggressive cancer, which is usually diagnosed when it’s too late and has already spread.”

In 2022, Kumar was awarded a MathWorks Fellowship. The fellowships are awarded to School of Engineering graduate students, preferably those who use MATLAB or Simulink — which were developed by the mathematical computer software company MathWorks — in their research. The philanthropic support fueled Kumar’s full transition into health science research.

“The work we are doing now was initially not funded by traditional sources, and the MathWorks Fellowship gave us the flexibility to pursue this field,” Kumar says. “It provided me with opportunities to learn new skills and ask questions about this topic. MathWorks gave me a chance to explore my interests and helped me navigate from being a steel engineer to a cancer scientist.”

Kumar’s work on the relationship between bacteria and ovarian cancer started with studying which bacteria are incorporated into tumors in mouse models.

“We started looking closely at changes in cell structure and how those changes impact cancer progression,” he says, adding that MATLAB image processing helps him and his collaborators track tumor metastasis.

The research team also uses RNA sequencing and MATLAB algorithms to construct a taxonomy of the bacteria.

“Once we have identified the microbiome composition,” Kumar says, “we want to see how the microbiome changes as cancer progresses and identify changes in, let’s say, patients who develop chemoresistance.”

He says recent findings that ovarian cancer may originate in the fallopian tubes are promising because detecting cancer-related biomarkers or lesions before cancer spreads to the ovaries could lead to better prognoses.

As he pursues his research, Kumar says he is extremely thankful to Belcher “for believing in me to work on this project.

“She trusted me and my passion for making an impact on human health — even though I come from a materials engineering background — and supported me throughout. It was her passion to take on new challenges that made it possible for me to work on this idea. She has been an amazing mentor and motivated me to continue moving forward.”

For her part, Belcher is equally enthralled.

“It has been amazing to work with Ashutosh on this ovarian cancer microbiome project," she says. "He has been so passionate and dedicated to looking for less-conventional approaches to solve this debilitating disease. His innovations around looking for very early changes in the microenvironment of this disease could be critical in interception and prevention of ovarian cancer. We started this project with very little preliminary data, so his MathWorks fellowship was critical in the initiation of the project.”

Kumar, who has been very active in student government and community-building activities, believes it is very important for students to feel included and at home at their institutions so they can develop in ways outside of academics. He says that his own involvement helps him take time off from work.

“Science can never stop, and there will always be something to do,” he says, explaining that he deliberately schedules time off and that social engagement helps him to experience downtime. “Engaging with community members through events on campus or at the dorm helps set a mental boundary with work.”

Regarding his unusual route through materials science to cancer research, Kumar regards it as something that occurred organically.

“I have observed that life is very dynamic,” he says. “What we think we might do versus what we end up doing is never consistent. Five years back, I had no idea I would be at MIT working with such excellent scientific mentors around me.”

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40 Facts About Elektrostal

Written by Lanette Mayes

Modified & Updated: 21 May 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

Elektrostal is a vibrant city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia. With a rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving community, Elektrostal is a city that has much to offer. Whether you are a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about different cultures, Elektrostal is sure to captivate you.

This article will provide you with 40 fascinating facts about Elektrostal, giving you a better understanding of why this city is worth exploring. From its origins as an industrial hub to its modern-day charm, we will delve into the various aspects that make Elektrostal a unique and must-visit destination.

So, join us as we uncover the hidden treasures of Elektrostal and discover what makes this city a true gem in the heart of Russia.

Key Takeaways:

• Elektrostal, known as the “Motor City of Russia,” is a vibrant and growing city with a rich industrial history, offering diverse cultural experiences and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
• With its convenient location near Moscow, Elektrostal provides a picturesque landscape, vibrant nightlife, and a range of recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for residents and visitors alike.

Known as the “Motor City of Russia.”

Elektrostal, a city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia, earned the nickname “Motor City” due to its significant involvement in the automotive industry.

Home to the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Elektrostal is renowned for its metallurgical plant, which has been producing high-quality steel and alloys since its establishment in 1916.

Boasts a rich industrial heritage.

Elektrostal has a long history of industrial development, contributing to the growth and progress of the region.

Founded in 1916.

The city of Elektrostal was founded in 1916 as a result of the construction of the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Located approximately 50 kilometers east of Moscow.

Elektrostal is situated in close proximity to the Russian capital, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.

Known for its vibrant cultural scene.

Elektrostal is home to several cultural institutions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries that showcase the city’s rich artistic heritage.

A popular destination for nature lovers.

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and forests, Elektrostal offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.

Hosts the annual Elektrostal City Day celebrations.

Every year, Elektrostal organizes festive events and activities to celebrate its founding, bringing together residents and visitors in a spirit of unity and joy.

Has a population of approximately 160,000 people.

Elektrostal is home to a diverse and vibrant community of around 160,000 residents, contributing to its dynamic atmosphere.

Boasts excellent education facilities.

The city is known for its well-established educational institutions, providing quality education to students of all ages.

A center for scientific research and innovation.

Elektrostal serves as an important hub for scientific research, particularly in the fields of metallurgy , materials science, and engineering.

Surrounded by picturesque lakes.

The city is blessed with numerous beautiful lakes , offering scenic views and recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

Well-connected transportation system.

Elektrostal benefits from an efficient transportation network, including highways, railways, and public transportation options, ensuring convenient travel within and beyond the city.

Famous for its traditional Russian cuisine.

Food enthusiasts can indulge in authentic Russian dishes at numerous restaurants and cafes scattered throughout Elektrostal.

Home to notable architectural landmarks.

Elektrostal boasts impressive architecture, including the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Elektrostal Palace of Culture.

Offers a wide range of recreational facilities.

Residents and visitors can enjoy various recreational activities, such as sports complexes, swimming pools, and fitness centers, enhancing the overall quality of life.

Provides a high standard of healthcare.

Elektrostal is equipped with modern medical facilities, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare services.

Home to the Elektrostal History Museum.

The Elektrostal History Museum showcases the city’s fascinating past through exhibitions and displays.

A hub for sports enthusiasts.

Elektrostal is passionate about sports, with numerous stadiums, arenas, and sports clubs offering opportunities for athletes and spectators.

Celebrates diverse cultural festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal hosts a variety of cultural festivals, celebrating different ethnicities, traditions, and art forms.

Electric power played a significant role in its early development.

Elektrostal owes its name and initial growth to the establishment of electric power stations and the utilization of electricity in the industrial sector.

Boasts a thriving economy.

The city’s strong industrial base, coupled with its strategic location near Moscow, has contributed to Elektrostal’s prosperous economic status.

Houses the Elektrostal Drama Theater.

The Elektrostal Drama Theater is a cultural centerpiece, attracting theater enthusiasts from far and wide.

Popular destination for winter sports.

Elektrostal’s proximity to ski resorts and winter sport facilities makes it a favorite destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

Promotes environmental sustainability.

Elektrostal prioritizes environmental protection and sustainability, implementing initiatives to reduce pollution and preserve natural resources.

Home to renowned educational institutions.

Elektrostal is known for its prestigious schools and universities, offering a wide range of academic programs to students.

Committed to cultural preservation.

The city values its cultural heritage and takes active steps to preserve and promote traditional customs, crafts, and arts.

Hosts an annual International Film Festival.

The Elektrostal International Film Festival attracts filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of films.

Encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

Elektrostal supports aspiring entrepreneurs and fosters a culture of innovation, providing opportunities for startups and business development.

Offers a range of housing options.

Elektrostal provides diverse housing options, including apartments, houses, and residential complexes, catering to different lifestyles and budgets.

Home to notable sports teams.

Elektrostal is proud of its sports legacy, with several successful sports teams competing at regional and national levels.

Boasts a vibrant nightlife scene.

Residents and visitors can enjoy a lively nightlife in Elektrostal, with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Promotes cultural exchange and international relations.

Elektrostal actively engages in international partnerships, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic collaborations to foster global connections.

Surrounded by beautiful nature reserves.

Nearby nature reserves, such as the Barybino Forest and Luchinskoye Lake, offer opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the region’s biodiversity.

Commemorates historical events.

The city pays tribute to significant historical events through memorials, monuments, and exhibitions, ensuring the preservation of collective memory.

Promotes sports and youth development.

Elektrostal invests in sports infrastructure and programs to encourage youth participation, health, and physical fitness.

Hosts annual cultural and artistic festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal celebrates its cultural diversity through festivals dedicated to music, dance, art, and theater.

Provides a picturesque landscape for photography enthusiasts.

The city’s scenic beauty, architectural landmarks, and natural surroundings make it a paradise for photographers.

Connects to Moscow via a direct train line.

The convenient train connection between Elektrostal and Moscow makes commuting between the two cities effortless.

A city with a bright future.

Elektrostal continues to grow and develop, aiming to become a model city in terms of infrastructure, sustainability, and quality of life for its residents.

In conclusion, Elektrostal is a fascinating city with a rich history and a vibrant present. From its origins as a center of steel production to its modern-day status as a hub for education and industry, Elektrostal has plenty to offer both residents and visitors. With its beautiful parks, cultural attractions, and proximity to Moscow, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this dynamic city. Whether you’re interested in exploring its historical landmarks, enjoying outdoor activities, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Elektrostal has something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in the Moscow region, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Elektrostal.

Q: What is the population of Elektrostal?

A: As of the latest data, the population of Elektrostal is approximately XXXX.

Q: How far is Elektrostal from Moscow?

A: Elektrostal is located approximately XX kilometers away from Moscow.

Q: Are there any famous landmarks in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to several notable landmarks, including XXXX and XXXX.

Q: What industries are prominent in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal is known for its steel production industry and is also a center for engineering and manufacturing.

Q: Are there any universities or educational institutions in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to XXXX University and several other educational institutions.

Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal offers several outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking in its beautiful parks.

Q: Is Elektrostal well-connected in terms of transportation?

A: Yes, Elektrostal has good transportation links, including trains and buses, making it easily accessible from nearby cities.

Q: Are there any annual events or festivals in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including XXXX and XXXX.

Elektrostal's fascinating history, vibrant culture, and promising future make it a city worth exploring. For more captivating facts about cities around the world, discover the unique characteristics that define each city . Uncover the hidden gems of Moscow Oblast through our in-depth look at Kolomna. Lastly, dive into the rich industrial heritage of Teesside, a thriving industrial center with its own story to tell.

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