Nuclear Science and Security Consortium NSSC- MSI Summer Research Fellowship Program Announcement Purpose Meeting the security needs of our nation and preventing proliferation of weapons of mass destruction requires a concerted effort including involvement of our best scientists. The purpose of this program is to encourage participation of talented students from Minority Serving Institutions (MSI) in National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) mission- relevant science by joint partnerships with the Nuclear Science and Security Consortium (NSSC). The program will serve as a pipeline for talented individuals leading to research careers at the U.S. National Laboratories. The goal of the NSSC is to educate and transition new scientists and engineers into nuclear science and security jobs in U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) labs and other federal employment. NSSC- MSI summer research fellows will gain first- hand experience in a research environment through faculty- mentored research projects studying nuclear and particle physics, nuclear chemistry/radiochemistry, nuclear instrumentation, radiation detection concepts and techniques, nuclear engineering, simulation, algorithms, and modeling to advance the state- of- the- art for nuclear nonproliferation applications. Eligibility The summer research fellowship program is open to any currently registered undergraduate students of at least Junior standing and currently registered graduate students from a qualifying Minority Serving Institute (MSI). Applicants must be US citizens to apply. The program involves partnership with at least one NSSC member from a participating NSSC university or national laboratory. MSI applicants must establish collaboration with one of the participating NSSC universities prior to submission of their application and a letter of commitment from the sponsoring NSSC member must be submitted at the time of the application deadline. A list of participating faculty and national laboratory members can be found on the NSSC website http://nssc.berkeley.edu. ADDRESS PHONE FAX WEB 2150 Shattuck Avenue, Suite 230, Berkeley, CA 94704 510.643.2065 510.664.9078 nssc.berkeley.edu
2 Details of Award Awards will be made to the NSSC partnering institutions hosting summer fellows from MSI institutions. We anticipate giving approximately 5 undergraduate and 5 graduate awards of up to $8000 per fellow depending on the student s academic standing. Students will be expected to commit eight to ten weeks of time in the host institution s research group. The award will cover travel, housing and living expenses during the time spent at the host institution. The summer fellowship program is a full time commitment; holding another job during the fellowship is not allowed. Application Format To apply for the NSSC- MSI Summer Research Fellowship, a student must provide all of the information requested on application forms. The complete application package consists of: Student Application Form CV or Resume Official Transcripts Essay Two Letters of Reference Faculty Member Nomination Form A Letter of Commitment from the Sponsoring NSSC Member Selection Criteria Summer fellowship awards will be based on the applicant s academic merit and the degree to which participation in the program will further their educational goals. Application Due Date and Submission Details Applications for the NSSC- MSI Summer Research Fellowship Program are due on February 2, 2015 to NSSC management at nssc_info@berkeley.edu. Please note: applications must be complete to be considered for funding. Questions? Please contact NSSC management: nssc_info@berkeley.edu.
Nuclear Science and Security Consortium NSSC- MSI Summer Research Fellowship Program Expectations Expectations of the students receiving the NSSC- MSI Summer Research Fellowship 1. Student stays in good standing with the host institution. 2. Student is responsible for travel, housing and living expenses. 3. Student is expected to submit a final report during their last week at the host institution. The report should contain goals of the research project, summary of project activities or materials and methods to achieve those goals and an evaluation/results of the project. It should have a cover page and be at least 3 pages long in content, contain tables and figures and include a reference section. It should also list any publications and presentations resulting from this work. The cover page should include a research title, name of awardee, name of MSI, name of NSSC host institution, project date, and name of host mentor and their signature. Expectations from the NSSC- MSI Summer Research Fellowship Mentor 1. To ensure that the student benefits this program, it is necessary that they perform at least 80% of the work on- site. The host mentor may need to assign someone in their group to train the student directly on a daily basis and have a list of tasks that need to be accomplished daily or weekly, depending upon each applicant's organizational skills. It may be necessary to have the awardee submit a brief weekly report to the mentor to ensure they are performing the work expected and they are receiving the training needed from the program. 2. Review the final report and sign it if it is acceptable. ADDRESS PHONE FAX WEB 2150 Shattuck Avenue, Suite 230, Berkeley, CA 94704 510.643.2065 510.664.9078 nssc.berkeley.edu
Nuclear Science and Security Consortium NSSC- MSI Summer Research Fellowship Program Student Nomination Form to be completed by a faculty member Student s Last Name: Student s First Name: Student s Major: Classification: Undergraduate Junior Senior Other Graduate: Indicate the year student entered graduate school: Student s Email Address Student s Citizenship If the student is not a U.S. citizen, they are not eligible for this program. How long have you known the student? In what capacity do you know the student: Name of Faculty Member: Institution: Title: Department: Street Address: City: State: Zip Code: Telephone Number: Name of Sponsoring NSSC Member: Email Address: Name of NSSC Member s Institution: A letter of commitment from the sponsoring NSSC member must be submitted at the time of application. In 2 pages or less, tell us why this student should be selected to participate in the program. ADDRESS PHONE FAX WEB 2150 Shattuck Avenue, Suite 230, Berkeley, CA 94704 510.643.2065 510.664.9078 nssc.berkeley.edu
2 Faculty Advisor Certification: I certify that the statements made in this application are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. Signature: Date: Name of Faculty Member at MSI Institution: Name of MSI institution: BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH A. Education: Include steps from baccalaureate through postdoctoral training. Institution Degree Year(s) B. Research and professional experience: List positions in chronological order. Organization Title Year(s)
3 Due Date and Submission Details Applications for the NSSC- MSI Summer Research Fellowship Program are due on February 2, 2015. The Student Nomination Form can be emailed in PDF form to NSSC management at nssc_info@berkeley.edu or mailed to: Nuclear Science and Security Consortium 2150 Shattuck Avenue, Suite 230 Berkeley, CA 94704 Questions? Please contact NSSC management: nssc_info@berkeley.edu.
Nuclear Science and Security Consortium NSSC- MSI Summer Research Fellowship Program Student Application to be completed by the student Application Deadline February 2, 2015 Complete application package consists of: Student Application Form CV or Resume Official Transcripts Essay Two Letters of Reference Faculty Member Nomination Form A Letter of Commitment from the Sponsoring NSSC Member Complete application package should be emailed in PDF form to: NSSC management nssc_info@berkeley.edu Official Transcripts should be mailed to: Nuclear Science and Security Consortium 2150 Shattuck Avenue, Suite 230 Berkeley, CA 94704 ADDRESS PHONE FAX WEB 2150 Shattuck Avenue, Suite 230, Berkeley, CA 94704 510.643.2065 510.664.9078 nssc.berkeley.edu
2 NSSC- MSI Summer Research Fellowship Program Student Application Form PERSONAL INFORMATION Title (Mr./Ms./Mrs.): First Name: Middle Name: Last Name: Suffix (Sr., Jr., II, III): Date of birth (mm/dd/yyyy): Citizenship: If you are not a U.S. citizen, you are not eligible to apply for the NSSC- MSI Summer Fellowship Email address: Primary phone number (including area code): Cell phone number: Home phone number: Current address Until what date do you expect this contact information to be valid (mm/dd/yyyy): Permanent address Ethnicity: Hispanic/Latino African American/Black (not Hispanic origin) Native Alaskan or American Indian Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander Asian White (not of Hispanic origin) Other (please indicate your ethnicity)
3 CURRENT SCHOOL INFORMATION Name of Undergraduate Institution: Address of Undergraduate Institution What is your current status: Undergraduate Junior Senior Other Graduate (indicate the year you entered graduate school): What is your declared major as an undergraduate? If undeclared, indicate undeclared and list anticipated major. Undergraduate GPA: Name of Graduate Institution: Address of Graduate Institution What is your major as a graduate student? Graduate GPA: Selected applicants will receive a stipend for a full- time commitment of 8-10 weeks. The stipend of up to $800 per week is based on applicant s academic standing and is to be used for travel, housing and living expenses. Dates of stipend payments are based on host institution s payment policies. Please attach a current CV or resume that shows educational background and work experience (not to exceed two pages). REQUIRED ESSAY Describe your academic and career goals. Discuss your motivations for getting involved in the NSSC- MSI Research Fellowship Program and how this work contributes to your education and to the development of your future plans. What challenges have you had to overcome in your academic career? Is your current grade point average reflective of your abilities? If not, please explain. This section should not exceed 2 pages.
4 REFERENCES At least two letters of reference must be received by the application deadline. A nomination form from a faculty member does not count as one of the reference letters. Please list the name and contact information of your referees: Referee #1 Title (Prof./Dr./Mr./Ms./Mrs.): University/College: First Name: Middle Initial: Last Name: Department: Phone number: Email Address: Referee #2 Title (Prof./Dr./Mr./Ms./Mrs.): University/College: First Name: Middle Initial: Last Name: Department: Phone number: Email Address: Referee #3 Title (Prof./Dr./Mr./Ms./Mrs.): University/College: First Name: Middle Initial: Last Name: Department: Phone number: Email Address:
5 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS In addition to the formal application form, the following are required from the student: The student s current CV or resume that shows educational background and work experience (not to exceed two pages); Official transcripts and/or other official documents of complete undergraduate and/or graduate school record to date; A statement of the applicant's research interests, future education and career plans, and reasons for applying for this fellowship (not to exceed two pages); At least two letters of recommendation from professors or others familiar with an applicant's academic credentials; A nomination form from a faculty member endorsing the student s participation in the program; A letter of commitment from the sponsoring NSSC member; The student agrees to commit 8 to 10 weeks in the sponsoring member s research group; and The student agrees not to hold another job during the NSSC- MSI Summer Research Fellowship program. REVIEW CRITERIA A selection committee consisting of the NSSC Program Director, Executive Director, Deputy Executive Director, and scientists will review applications and select award recipients. Applicants will be selected on the basis of their GPA, their demonstrated interest in furthering their scientific education and pursuing a career in nuclear engineering, and their interest in and ability to perform in a national laboratory or federal agency. APPLICANT CERTIFICATION I certify that I am a citizen of the United States and that I am a full- time student at the university during the period for which this application/proposal is made. I certify that the statements made in this application are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. Signature: Date:
Nuclear Science and Security Consortium NSSC- MSI Summer Research Fellowship Program Reference Letter Student s Last Name: How long have you known the student: Name of Faculty Member: Organization: Student s First Name: In what capacity do you know the student: Title: Department: Street Address: City: State: Zip Code: Telephone Number: Email Address: Please rate the applicant's academic performance relative to others at the same level in your department. Please do not exceed more than ½ page in this section. ADDRESS PHONE FAX WEB 2150 Shattuck Avenue, Suite 230, Berkeley, CA 94704 510.643.2065 510.664.9078 nssc.berkeley.edu
2 Please comment as to personal characteristics such as motivation, maturity, etc., as these relate to the applicant's potential in his or her chosen field. Please stress both weak and strong points. Please do not exceed more than ½ page in this section. Summary Evaluation: Please give your overall evaluation of this applicant's suitability for the NSSC- MSI Summer Research Fellowship by comparing the applicant with a representative group of students in the same field who have approximately the same amount of training and experience. Truly Exceptional - equivalent to the very best you have known Outstanding - comparable to the best student in the current class, highest 5% Above Average - ability easily identifiable and has uncommon drive and maturity, next highest 5% Average - upper 50% Below Average - lower 50% Not Applicable - inadequate opportunity to observe Referee s Certification: I certify that the statements made in this application are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. Signature: Date: Due Date and Submission Details Applications for the NSSC- MSI Summer Research Fellowship Program are due on February 2, 2015. A Reference Letter can be emailed in PDF form to NSSC management at nssc_info@berkeley.edu or mailed to: Nuclear Science and Security Consortium 2150 Shattuck Avenue, Suite 230 Berkeley, CA 94704 Questions? Please contact NSSC management: nssc_info@berkeley.edu.