Ag Sciences Global in the College of Agricultural Sciences is excited to announce the offering of its Undergraduate International Research Competitive Grants Program. This program serves as an opportunity for undergraduate students enrolled in the International Agriculture minor who are looking to conduct research in an international setting.

Eligibility

Eligibility is restricted to undergraduate students who are enrolled in the International Agriculture (INTAG) minor. We welcome applications to conduct research in any country (or countries) outside of the United States on a wide variety of topics related to the agricultural sciences. Funds may not be used to support study abroad experiences and any research funded by this program must be entirely independent of study abroad activities.
Note: Students who receive funding once under this program are not eligible to apply again.

Due Dates and Funding Decisions

Electronically submit (in one PDF file) your application to Dr. Noel Habashy, Ag Sciences Global: noel@psu.edu .
Application Submission Deadline: Friday, November 15, 2019 and March 20, 2020

Application Package

Application packages should include the following items, in order, and be emailed as one PDF file to Noel Habashy (noel@psu.edu).

  1. Cover Page: Includes: Title of proposal; Applicant information (name, email address, phone number, PSU ID, declared or intended major); Signature of applicant and major advisor.
  2. Abstract: Limit to 200 words and present on a separate standalone page. This will be used for outreach purposes so should be clearly written in common language. If selected for funding, this abstract will be uploaded to the CAS Ag Sciences Global and INTAG minor websites.
  3. Proposal: Limit the body of the proposal to 2-pages, single-spaced, 12-font Times New Roman, 1-inch margins. Graphs and images do not count towards this word limit. Proposals that do not adhere to the page-count will not be considered for funding. (Note: Cover page, Abstract, Budget, Budget Justification, Citations, and two-page Curriculum Vitae/Resume do not count toward this page limit.) Please use the following headings in your proposal:
    1. Project Rationale: Introduce your research problem.
    2. Background Information: Selectively review literature of your research subject.
    3. Description of Proposed Research: Include research questions, methodology, and timeline.
    4. Impact of Research: Discuss the contribution that your research will make to the international community, the Penn State community, the International Agriculture minor, and yourself.
  4. Budget: Expenditures can include, but are not limited to: field and/or lab supplies, survey tools/equipment, travel to/from research site, lodging, and software for data analysis. Proposals for research data collection and/or preliminary site visits will be considered. Travel to attend scientific meetings and/or conferences is an unallowable expense. Please keep in mind that all expenditures must occur within the award timeframe. Awarded funds must be used by June 30, 2020. No extensions will be granted. Maximum amount of an award is $1,500. The Ag Sciences Global anticipates offering up to four awards this year depending on strength of proposals received.
  5. Budget Justification: Include as a separate page, a narrative paragraph(s) explaining briefly the rationale for each budget item requested.
  6. References: Any references to materials published on-line or in print should be properly cited in the proposal and listed in a references section.
  7. Curriculum Vita (résumé): Two-page maximum.

Review Criteria

Proposals will be reviewed and evaluated based on the following criteria:
• Importance and clarity of research problem
• Quality of background information that frames and contextualizes the proposal
• Ability of proposed methods to achieve project objectives
• Value of the research for the 1) international community; 2) Penn State community; 3) International Agriculture minor; 4) applicant
• Clarity of expression - writing style and proposal organization
• Appropriateness of budget for proposed research activities

Deliverables

A report (MS Word or PDF) of 1000-1500 words describing the findings of this research is due via email to Dr. Noel Habashy (noel@psu.edu) at the start of the Fall semester, no later than August 31, 2020. Extracts of the report may be used by the OIP for newsletter articles or published on the OIP website. Students still at Penn State may be invited to present their findings in an International Agriculture class in the fall semester.
Note: The call for applications will also be available in the Spring if funds remain.

Any Questions? Please contact Dr. Noel Habashy (noel@psu.edu).

Ag Sciences Global

Address

106 Agricultural Administration Building
University Park, PA 16802

Ag Sciences Global

Address

106 Agricultural Administration Building
University Park, PA 16802