NSF Graduate Research Fellowship

PhD Plus is excited to support UVA doctoral students applying for the National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) in 2024. Although applications are due in mid-October, we want to ensure that you have as much time as possible to strengthen your materials.

UVA applicants have access to virtual workshops, mini-writing retreats, feedback sessions, and online materials designed to help you strengthen your application by providing insight into the entire process—from drafting your materials to understanding the national review. To help you plan and set goals over the summer and fall, please refer to the PhD Plus - 2024 GRFP Preparation Timeline which includes a month-by-month breakdown of the PhD Plus workshops and events, as well as tips, important reminders, and deadlines.

If you have questions about any of the events below or would like to discuss any of the information we covered, please email Sam Lake or Kelly Oman

PhD Plus - Understanding the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program & How to Get Started

Wednesday, May 22, 3:30-4:30 (on Zoom)

This one-hour workshop introduces applicants to the NSF GRFP. The virtual session will include an overview of the fellowship program and application elements, review the eligibility requirements, highlight the support UVA provides for applicants, and help participants take the first steps toward preparing their applications. 

SEE RECORDING OF THIS EVENT AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE.

PhD Plus - Fellowship Workshop Series

This summer workshop series supports doctoral students who are planning to apply for graduate or postgraduate fellowship opportunities. Participants gain insight into what reviewers are looking for, develop a better understanding of what made past applications successful, begin drafting application materials that highlight individual experiences and strengths, receive small group feedback on personal and research statement ideas, and more. This series is applicable to students in ANY field.

Students who are planning to apply for the NSF GRFP this fall are strongly encouraged to participate. Graduate students who participate in three or more sessions AND participate in a Peer Feedback Session (or one-on-one meeting with a member of the PhD Plus team) and receive feedback on a fellowship application will be eligible to receive a credential on their transcripts. 

REGISTRATION CLOSED - FOR ACCESS TO VIDEOS AND RESOURCES FROM THIS SERIES, PLEASE EMAIL Kelly Oman ([email protected]) and Sam Lake ([email protected]).

 

PhD Plus - GRFP Fall Bootcamp

Join us for a condensed version of our summer Fellowship Workshop Series focused on the NSF GRFP on Tuesday, August 20, from 1:00 – 3:30 pm. The Bootcamp provides insight into what reviewers are looking for, a chance to break down and understand the strengths of past applications, small group feedback on your personal and research statement ideas, and more. 

REGISTRATION CLOSED - FOR ACCESS TO VIDEOS AND RESOURCES FROM THIS SERIES, PLEASE EMAIL Kelly Oman ([email protected]) and Sam Lake ([email protected]).

 

PhD Plus - Mini-Writing Retreats

Need time to work on your GRFP or other fellowship application? Do you like to write in a group setting? Join our Mini-Writing Retreats! Each session will start with a brief welcome and some helpful tips, but the focus of the session will be on writing—turning your ideas and draft materials into a final application. Sam Lake and Kelly Oman, Assistant Directors of Research Communication, will be there to answer questions and provide feedback on your draft materials.
 
These events will be held in person (New Cabell Hall, Conference Room 552). Snacks and beverages will be provided. 

All interested participants are asked to register 24 hours before the event so we can ensure you receive the instructions and any updates prior to the event. 

REGISTER HERE

PhD Plus - Virtual Office Hours

Have a few specific fellowship or grant writing questions or want to get some personalized feedback? Then join us during the PhD Plus drop-in virtual office hour sessions we will host this fall. These office hours will be held virtually via Zoom, on the dates and times listed below. Please feel free to drop in as your schedule allows. Sam Lake or Kelly Oman, Assistant Directors of Research Communication, will be there to answer questions and offer some immediate feedback on your work, if you desire. Click on the date(s) below to learn more and access the Zoom meeting link.

You can also schedule a meeting to discuss your application by visiting the PhD Plus Advising webpage

PhD Plus - GRFP Application Review "Speed Dating"

To continue our support for UVA graduate students applying for the GRFP, PhD Plus will be hosting an application review “Speed Dating” event in late September (23-27). Participating students will submit their near-final professional and research statements to a panel of reviewers consisting of a previous faculty member reviewer, GRFP-winning postdoc or PhD student, and an OGPA staff member. During the event, students will meet individually with the panel for up to 20 minutes to discuss their application materials, receive feedback, and ask the panelists questions. 

Requirements

To be eligible to participate, students must submit their near-final professional and research statements and a recent CV (2-3 pages max; only for reviewer reference) to PhD Plus before the event. We will send an online form for participants to upload their materials after registering.
 
  • Participants must be eligible and planning to apply for the fellowship this year.
  • Near-final materials must be submitted to PhD Plus (via Qualtrics) by 10:00 am on Thursday, September 19
  • Students must be able to participate virtually in the event during the scheduled week. Specific dates and times TBD based on the availability of reviewers and participants.

REGISTER HERE

PhD Plus - Collab Online Resources

Videos, worksheets, and other resources for NSF GRFP preparation are available on this UVA Collab site (open to everyone at UVA). 

PhD Plus Advising & Contact Information

Did you know that PhD students can schedule an appointment with any member of the PhD Plus program to discuss questions about their career or professional development? These are great opportunities to get 1-on-1 feedback and advice on any type of communication, receive support on fellowship and grant applications, learn about internships and experiential learning opportunities, and more. Learn more by visiting the PhD Plus Advising webpage. 

If you have questions about the NSF GRFP or support PhD Plus provides UVA students, please do not hesitate to contact us.

 

Samuel J Lake, Ph.D.

Assistant Director of Research Communication

Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs

[email protected]

 

Kelly Oman, Ph.D.

Assistant Director of Research Communication

Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs

[email protected]

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