Below are a list of questions and answers relating to the KBS LTER Graduate Fellowships.
If you have any further questions, please contact Dr. Nameer Baker, KBS LTER Science Coordinator.
1. How do the 2023-2024 Fellowships differ from recent past years?
This year we plan to award ten (10) fellowships of $6,500 each. In the past, we have awarded one full year fellowship and a small number of summer fellowships, but this is now our fourth year offering more fellowships.
2. Is my research eligible for the fellowships?
We require that you are interested in, or are currently conducting research in association with the KBS LTER Program. In all cases your proposal should be broadly relevant to LTER research. Proposals should specify what will be accomplished during the fellowship period and how that relates to thesis research. You can apply if you are currently, or have been previously part of the LTER Program.
3. How competitive are the fellowships?
The fellowships are competitive, but there is a good chance of success with a well-crafted proposal. In the last four years we have received 49 applications and have made 35 awards.
4. What can the fellowships pay for?
The fellowships are awarded as stipends. These funds count as taxable income and can be used to pay for tuition, health insurance, and research related expenses including sampling and analysis, and conference attendance.
5. Are there examples of previously successful proposals online?
No, but please see projects of past awardees, including links to lightning talks from all of our 2020-2021 awardees. Contacting them and discussing their successful proposals could be helpful; sending your proposal drafts to senior colleagues for review may also be beneficial.
6. Can I submit a proposal if I am not currently enrolled at MSU?
No, you must be currently enrolled at MSU to be eligible for the fellowships.
7. Do I need to have passed my written comprehensive exam to apply for the fellowships?
No, fellowships are open to Masters and PhD students.
8. Do I have to be part of the KBS LTER Program to apply for a fellowship?
No, we require only that you are interested in, or are currently conducting research in association with the KBS LTER Program. In all cases your proposal should be broadly relevant to LTER research. Proposals should specify what will be accomplished during the fellowship period and how that relates to thesis research. You can apply if you are currently, or have been previously part of the LTER Program.
9. Does my advisor need to be part of the KBS LTER Program?
No, there is no need for your advisor to be part of the LTER program.
10. Do I need to submit a reference letter?
No, but in your proposal please include the names of three references, indicating who is your primary degree adviser.
11. Is there a specific format required for the proposal document (e.g., font sizes and type, page margins, word count, etc.)?
No, but please make sure text and any tables and graphs are clear and readable. Please also submit all required information as a single pdf file.
12. Can a reference list be sent separately?
No, if references are used, please limit the number and include the list within the limits of the proposal; one page for all fellowships.
13. How are the proposals evaluated and by whom?
Proposal evaluation includes an appraisal of the quality of the science; it’s relevance to LTER research, the projects’ feasibility with respect to time and funds, and overall clarity. Proposals will be evaluated by Prof. Nick Haddad, KBS LTER Principal Investigator, and Dr. Nameer Baker, KBS LTER Science Coordinator.
14. If my proposal is successful, will I become part of the KBS LTER Program?
Yes. Your name will be listed on the graduate student list, and added to a small number of relevant mailing lists. You’ll also be expected to attend and participate in KBS LTER events such as the All Scientists Meeting and Investigators Tour, typically held each year in the Fall. Dr. Nameer Baker, KBS LTER Science Coordinator, will keep you updated on these events.
15. Do I need to complete a report?
Yes. All fellowships require a written report to be sent to Prof. Nick Haddad, KBS LTER Principal Investigator immediately after the award period, and noted in the award letter. The report should include an overview of your accomplishments as well as any problems that you faced in meeting your proposal goals. We also require a blog post to be sent during or after the award period to Dr. Elizabeth Schultheis, KBS LTER Education & Outreach Coordinator.
16. Do I need to publish papers from the fellowship?
No, but any presentations or publications that were helped by the funding must acknowledge fellowship funding.
17. Do I need to be resident at KBS to complete the fellowship?
No, there is no need for you to be resident at KBS. However, you’d be very welcome to sign up for any KBS summer graduate courses that interest you, including the Eminent Ecologists Series as part of the KBS graduate program.
18. Can I apply if I have been awarded a KBS LTER Graduate Fellowship in the past?
Yes, you are welcome to apply, but there will be strong preference given to those that have not previously been awarded a fellowship, with the intent of providing opportunity to as diverse of a pool as possible.