Undergraduate International Research Competitive Grants Program 2019-2020

This program provides an opportunity for undergraduate students enrolled in the International Agriculture (INTAG) minor to conduct internationally-oriented research. The Office of International Programs (OIP) in the College of Agricultural Sciences is excited to announce the offering of its Undergraduate International Research Competitive Grants Program for 2019-2020. 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 Application Package Application packages should include the following items, in order, and be emailed as one PDF file to Noel Habashy (noel@psu.edu). 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. 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 International Programs and INTAG minor websites. 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: Project Rationale: Introduce your research problem. Background Information: Selectively review literature of your research subject. Description of Proposed Research: Include research questions, methodology, and timeline. 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. 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 Office of International Programs anticipates offering up to four awards this year depending on strength of proposals received. Budget Justification: Include as a separate page, a narrative paragraph(s) explaining briefly the rationale for each budget item requested. References: Any references to materials published on-line or in print should be properly cited in the proposal and listed in a references section. 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).