AMS Project Proposal Information Session

Friday, February 1, 20133:00pm Ho Science Center 238

Presented by: Steve Wright & Renee CopperwheatOffice of National Fellowships and Scholarships Colgate University

Bekah Ward ’13- Rwanda

Next deadline: Monday, March 4, 2013

What is it?Students in the Alumni Memorial Scholars program may be awarded a grant up to $5,000 to undertake a unique research or academic study experience on or off campus.

Melissa McKenzie ‘12- Japan Dong Ding ‘12- China

Eric Taber ‘13"Road Development Along the Annapurna Trekking Circuit, Annapurna Region, Nepal"

Eric travelled to Nepal to investigate the relationship between development, the trekking industry, and conservation practices within the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA). 

Eligibility • AMS students currently enrolled at Colgate University

• Be in good academic and personal standing

• Student can be of any class year although the final opportunity for a senior to submit a proposal is fall of their senior year for a winter break or spring semester experience.

• Students may receive more than one AMS Project Proposal Award during their time at Colgate- combined proposals may not exceed $5,000

• Proposals should reflect relevant academic preparation.

Richard Merkhofer '12- Mali

Proposals may be for:

• Independent study or research▫On-campus or off-campus▫Often times during winter break, spring break or

summer break; on occasion during academic semester

▫Can support an independent project or experience while on a study group

▫Can extend travel & research after a study group• Internship or Experience that furthers academic

goals • Academic work outside of the formal curriculum

and programs at Colgate• Attendance at an academic conference

Ashley Johnson ’13- New Haven, CT

Normally funding cannot be used for:•Projects or costs normally funded through

Colgate programs or financial aid•Coursework at another institution•Projects that receive Colgate course

credit•Projects that take place in any country

with a U.S. State Department Travel Warning (see http://travel.state.gov )

How to get a project ideaIf you are struggling to find inspiration for a proposal, try the following:

▫ Review the past experiences of other AMS students

▫ Think about your favorite academic subjects and classes. Is there anything you would like to learn more about first-hand?

▫ When reading for your classes, consider whether the readings leave you with any unanswered questions.

▫ Discuss your project ideas with your peers.

▫ Schedule a meeting with your advisor

▫ Contact faculty members who work in the fields

you’re most interested in exploring. They may have

ideas, existing projects, or contacts you’ll find useful

Tyler Coolman ’11- Costa Rica

The Application Process1. Review application materials and handouts

2. Schedule a meeting to discuss proposal ideas with Steve Wright (call 315-228-6224)

3. Submit a full proposal by March 4, 2013

4. Projects are reviewed by the AMS Colgate Review Committee

5. Students are notified via email of their decision within several weeks

6. If awarded a grant, complete additional forms as requested

Meghan Healey ’11- Cambridge, Massachusetts

Application Checklist• 1 Page Application

• Abstract (up to 250 words)

• Project Proposal (approx 4-6 pages)

• 2 Recommendation letters from faculty

• Transcript (s)

• Detailed Budget

• Addendums (if needed)

Applications for Summer or Fall 2013 projects are due on Monday, March 4, 2013 to Renee via email (rcopperwheat@colgate.edu)

Margaret Swaney ’11- Germany

Application Components•Application Form

•Abstract▫Briefly outline your project, its academic merits, and how you will benefit from it as a student. This should be no more than 250

words.

•Transcript▫Submit an unofficial or official transcript,

accessible online or through registrar’s office

Gretl Lam ’12 - India

Application Components cont.

• Proposal▫This is where you describe the proposed project

or experience and its academic merits. Typically these proposals are 4-6 pages long, double-spaced

▫Sections required are: Objectives Methodology Itinerary & Timeline Travel, Health, and Safety Proposal Outcomes Qualifications & Reference Materials Faculty Involvement Significance of the Award and Educational Outcomes Funding Statement

Jenna Weber ’10- Peru

Application Components cont.

•Letters of Recommendation▫Review “Requesting Letters of Recommendation” ▫Faculty recommendations should address the

following: Significance of the student’s project How the student has prepared for the project

Relevance to the student’s major, academic interests, or future goals and plans

Quality of work that might be expected Student’s ability to work independently Knowledge of the country and organization

Sara Zurmuhlen ‘10- Uganda

Application Components cont.

•Budget▫Use the budget worksheet and be as detailed as possible. ▫Also attach a budget explanation on how you calculated your budget estimates and what sources you used to collect your data (prices for flights, lodging, etc)

Karen Alley ‘12- New Zealand

Kelsie Anson ‘13Budget advice: “It is also important to allow yourself some wiggle room in budgeting for any extra fees like the exit fee that I was charged in the airport to leave the country, or currency exchange rates.”

Kelsie, a molecular biology major from Wyoming, traveled to Honduras to work in the La Bendicion clinic, learn about hyperbaric medicine, and to study the situation of the Miskito lobster divers.

"The Real Cost of Your Lobster Dinner: Lobster Diving on the Miskito Coast, La Ceiba and Puerto Lempira, Honduras"

When you return… • Submit a Project Summary (4 pages)• Itemized budget report with receipts for all

funding• You will be asked to give a public presentation at

an AMS Research Symposium during the semester following your award

Ashley Johnson ‘13 presenting her project at our

symposium 11/16/12

Next deadline: Monday, March 4, 2013