PhD Plus is excited to support UVA doctoral students applying for any graduate research fellowship or Scholarship program. Although many applications are due in the fall semester, we are available to support students throughout the year and 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 weeks or months before the deadline. Please download a copy of the PhD Plus - Fellowship Application Checklist which includes a month-by-month breakdown of the how you can begin preparing to apply for upcoming programs, as well as tips and important reminders.
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 graduate research and postgraduate fellowship programs, including the NSF GRFP are strongly encouraged to participate. Graduate students who participate in three or more sessions are 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 - Science Policy Fellowship Workshop
PhD Plus and the Science Policy Initiative at UVA hosted a half-day workshop in July 2023 for graduate students interested in pursuing science policy internship and fellowship opportunities. The 2.5-hour event included an overview of the different types of science policy opportunities (seasonal internships to postgraduate fellowship programs), a panel discussion featuring UVA alums, tips on how to get started, and more.
Students who are planning to apply for state and national Science Policy Fellowship, including AAAS, COVES, Knauss, Mirzayan, and other external programs, are encouraged to watch the recording and invited to schedule a one-on-one meeting with a member of the PhD Plus program as they begin to draft their application.
UVA students can access the workshop recording on Collab (see below). If you have questions about this workshop or want to discuss any of the information we covered, please email Sam Lake or Kelly Oman.
PhD Plus - Mini-Writing Retreats
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 - Collab Online Resources
Videos, worksheets, and other resources for graduate research and science policy fellowship 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 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
Kelly Oman, Ph.D.
Assistant Director of Research Communication
Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs