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 2023. 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 - 2023 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.

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

This one-hour workshop on Wednesday, May 30 introduced applicants to the NSF GRFP. The virtual session included an overview of the fellowship program and application elements, review the eligibility requirements, highlight the support UVA provides for applicants, and helped participants take the first steps toward preparing their applications. 

You can view a recording of this workshop at the bottom of this webpage.

Download a PDF copy of the presentation

PhD Plus - Fellowship Workshop Series

This four-part summer workshop series was designed to support graduate students who are planning to apply to graduate or postgraduate fellowship opportunities. Over four 90-minute sessions, participants gained insight into what reviewers are looking for, developed a better understanding of what made past applications successful, began drafting application materials that highlight their individual experiences and strengths, received small group feedback on their personal and research statement ideas, and more. This series is applicable to students in ANY field.

  • Session 1 (June 21, 3:00 pm): Deconstructing Fellowship Announcements & Evaluation Criteria
  • Session 2 (July 5, 3:00 pm): Research and Personal Statements: Crafting Your Stories
  • Session 3 (July 19, 3:00 pm): Revising and Refining, Coaching Letter Writers
  • Session 4 (week of August 14, hybrid option): Peer Feedback Sessions

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 will be eligible to receive a credential on their transcripts. 

UVA students can access recordings of the first 3 sessions on Collab (see below). If you have questions about this series or would like to discuss any of the information we covered, please email Sam Lake or Kelly Oman

PhD Plus - GRFP Fall Bootcamp

PhD Plus hosted a condensed version of our summer Fellowship Workshop Series that was focused on the NSF GRFP on Tuesday, August 15. The Bootcamp provided insight into what reviewers are looking for, a chance to break down and understand the strengths of past applications, receive small group feedback on their personal and research statement ideas, and more. 

Prior to the event, attendees were asked to reflect on 4-6 personal experiences and stories they could include in their statements and watch recorded panel discussions.

UVA students can access a recording for this event on Collab (see below). If you have questions about the Bootcamp or would like to discuss any of the information that was covered, please email Sam Lake or Kelly Oman

Download a PDF copy of the presentation

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, Assistant Director of Research Communication, will be there to answer questions and provide feedback on your draft materials.
 
These events will be held in person in New Cabell Hall, conference room 552, from 2:00 - 4:30 pm on the dates listed below. Snacks and beverages will be provided for in-person attendees. 

All interested participants are asked to register 24 hours before the event so we can ensure to ensure they 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, from 3:00 - 4:30 pm on the dates listed below. Please feel free to drop in as your schedule allows. Sam Lake, Assistant Director 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 during the final week of September (25-29). 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. 

All interested participants must register using the link below before 5:00 p.m. on Monday, September 18.

Requirements

To be eligible to participate, students must submit their near-final professional and research statements and a recent CV to PhD Plus before noon on Sept. 20. 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.
  • Participants must register prior to 5:00 pm on Sept. 18
  • Near-final materials must be submitted to PhD Plus (via Qualtrics) before 12:00 noon on Sept. 20
  • Students must be able to participate virtually in the event during the week of Sept. 26-29. Specific dates and times TBD based on the availability of reviewers and participants.

 

    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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