Information Sessions Available on STEM, Summer Research, Environmental Service Opportunities
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 3, 2014) — The University of Kentucky Office of Nationally Competitive Awards is offering three information sessions about awards, scholarships, fellowships and internships during the month of November. Students pursuing undergraduate studies in STEM fields; wanting summer research opportunities; or looking for opportunities related to the environment, should plan to attend.
Nationally competitive scholarships and fellowships are awards that are funded by sources independent of UK. These sources include non-profit groups, government agencies and companies. Criteria for scholarships vary but generally include academic performance, financial need, community affiliations and specific attributes important to the sponsoring organization
The first information session will take place at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5, at 213 Funkhouser Building. Director of the Office of Nationally Competitive Awards, Pat Whitlow, is holding a session titled STEM Scholarships for Undergraduate Study. This session will focus on the Astronaut Scholarship and the Goldwater Scholarship. The Astronaut Scholarship recognizes sophomores and juniors in engineering, natural or applied science, or mathematics fields who intend to pursue research or advance their field upon completion of their final degrees. The Goldwater Scholarship covers eligible expenses for undergraduate tuition for sophomores and juniors who intend to pursue research careers in engineering, natural or applied science, or mathematics fields. Students intending to pursue a practice in professional medicine are not eligible for these awards.
The second information session, Summer Research Opportunities, will take place at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12, at 213 Funkhouser Building. Whitlow will provide more information about funding opportunities to pursue research during the summer months. The session will focus on three potential opportunities. Specifically, this session will focus on the National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates, Amgen Scholars, and UK Office of Undergraduate Research Summer Research Grants. The National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experiences for Undergraduates funds student research at sites across the U.S. Each student applies for a specific research project in an area funded by the NSF where he/she works closely with the faculty and other researchers at that site. The Amgen Scholars Program provides financial support and a hands-on research experience at a participating university for undergraduates in science and biotechnology. UK Office of Undergraduate Research provides Summer Research Grants to enable students in any discipline to conduct research at the lab of their choice during the summer.
The third information session is titled Environmental Opportunities and will take place at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, at 213 Funkhouser Building. At this program, Whitlow will discuss funding opportunities related to the environment. The Udall Scholarship awards sophomores and juniors who have demonstrated a commitment to careers related to the environment.
Space is limited for all of the November information sessions. Students interested in attending should register at https://uky.az1.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_5v7mXNjhW7zvVJj. If you have questions contact Jennifer N. Strange at jennifer.strange@uky.edu.
Part of the Academy of Undergraduate Excellence within the Division of Undergraduate Education, the UK Office of Nationally Competitive Awards assists current UK undergraduate and graduate students and recent alumni in applying for external scholarships and fellowships funded by sources (such as a nongovernment foundation or government agency) outside the university. These major awards honor exceptional students across the nation. Students who are interested in these opportunities are encouraged to begin work with the Office of Nationally Competitive Awards well in advance of the scholarship deadline.
MEDIA CONTACT: Whitney Hale, 859-257-8716; whitney.hale@uky.edu