1. NSF GRFP Workshop Sept 16, 2016 Dr. Julia Fulghum (jfulghum@unm.edu)
Special Assistant to the Dean for Graduate Education, College of Arts & Sciences
Information presented at this meeting will be posted to the A&S Research Website

2. NSF GRFP Development
Today – overview of components, comments from current awardee
Contact potential references
Start thinking about personal and research statements
Set up on-line application
Request Transcript(s)
Wed, Sept 23rd 5:00-6:00 – Panel with UNM Faculty who serve as NSF GRFP reviewers
Next meetings – Structured peer review? Walk-in feedback?

3. The Basics
3 years of support at $34K/yr with cost-of-education allowance of $12K/yr to the institution
Have 5 years to use the 3 years of support
2000 GRFPS will be awarded
Seniors planning to go to grad school, 1st year grad students and 2nd year students with < 12 months of graduate study are eligible
Must be US Citizen, US National or Permanent Resident
Seniors do not need to know which graduate program they will be attending
Extensive list of Eligible Fields of Study (nsf15597 GRFP)

4. Submission
Submitted directly to NSF, does not go through UNM Office of Sponsored Programs
Set up on-line application early so you can pick and notify references
is a step-by-step guide to the on-line application process
Application deadlines are field-dependent and range from Oct 26- Oct 30
Letters are due by Nov 5th for all fields

5. Components
Personal, Relevant Background and Future Goals Statement (3 pages)
Graduate Research Plan Statement (2 pages)
3 Reference Letters (minimum)
Academic Transcripts

6. Letters of Reference
Minimum of 3 required but up to 5 references can be listed. Do so if at all possible!
Pick references who can speak to different aspects of your accomplishments and plans.
Contact references early (NOW!), make sure they are aware of the info available on the GRFP site and provide them with information about what you are planning to propose and/or copies of your statements
If you write about an experience (research, classroom, etc) that has been important in determining your goals, make sure you have a letter from someone who can speak to this

7. Merit Review Criteria
Intellectual Merit: The Intellectual Merit criterion encompasses the potential to advance knowledge
Reviewers evaluating applications submitted to the Graduate Research Fellowship Program may consider the following with respect to the Intellectual Merit Criterion: the potential of the applicant to advance knowledge based on a holistic analysis of the complete application, including the Personal, Relevant Background, and Future Goals Statement, Graduate Research Plan Statement, strength of the academic record, description of previous research experience or publication/presentations, and references. Holistic review is a flexible, individualized way of assessing an applicant's interests and competencies by which balanced consideration is given to experiences, attributes, and academic achievements and, when considered in combination, how the applicant has demonstrated potential for significant research achievements in STEM and STEM education.

8. Merit Review Criteria
Broader Impacts: The Broader Impacts criterion encompasses the potential to benefit society and contribute to the achievement of specific, desired societal outcomes.
Reviewers may consider the following with respect to the Broader Impacts Criterion: the potential of the applicant to benefit society and contribute to the achievement of specific, desired societal outcomes based on a holistic analysis of the complete application, including by personal experiences, professional experiences, educational experiences and future plans.

9. Statements
Keep in mind that NSF does not just seek to fund scientists and engineers; NSF seeks to fund future STEM leaders. Show leadership potential, passion, motivation for a STEM career, and initiative in your past research and other experiences.
Be yourself.  Remember that the GRFP recognizes individuals based on their demonstrated potential for significant achievements in science and engineering. 
Use appropriate scientific form (hypothesis, figures, references) in the Graduate Research Statement.
Don't get bogged down in the specifics, or be overly technical. Instead of elaborate details on theory, focus on the rationale for your studies and the existing literature as it supports your proposed work.
Develop a consistent theme in both of the statements, weaving together your personal story with your academic and career plans and past experiences to make a compelling case why NSF should award you the fellowship.

10. Personal Statement
Find a way to get the reviewers attention – a compelling story, an observation that changed your perspective
Statement should reflect your “voice”
Statement should contribute to both the Intellectual Merit and the Broader Impacts
This is the place to demonstrate you are/will be a STEM leader
If you introduce your research interests here, you have more space to develop future plans in the Research Statement

11. Research Statement
The level of specificity expected depends on your current status. Seniors should have a research area of interest, 1st year grad students should be able to be more specific
References count in the length, so just use the essential ones necessary for specific points.
If you have published in the area, definitely reference yourself!
If you are a senior, make sure potential Grad Schools you mention are appropriate for your proposed research area
If you are a 1st or 2nd year grad student, make sure it is apparent that UNM is the right place for your work
Assume the reviewer is a general expert in the broad area but not necessarily an expert in your specific field
The Personal and Research Statements should be in the same “voice”. The Research Statement may be more technical, but it should be obvious that the same person wrote both.