The 2022 stengl-wyer scholars competition WILL open in late 2021.  CHECK back for updates.

>>> DOWNLOAD THE 2021 STENGL-WYER FELLOWSHIPS RFA <<<

The Stengl-Wyer Graduate Fellowship funds doctoral candidates pursuing dissertation research in the area of diversity of life and organisms in their natural environments. These fellowships are limited to a single year of funding. 2021 Stengl-Wyer Graduate Fellowship recipients will receive the following:

• A 12-month stipend of $34,000;
• Full tuition and fees for one year;
• Health insurance; and
• A $2,000 allowance that may be used to cover research and travel expenses.

ELIGIBILITY & QUALIFICATIONS

Eligible applicants must be in candidacy for a doctoral degree in a CNS graduate program. They must demonstrate an outstanding record of academic distinction and evidence of scholarly achievement, as evidenced by first- or sole- authored publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals, oral presentations at national or international scientific meetings, or other comparable achievements. Successful applicants must demonstrate a record of scholarship as well as independence and creativity in their proposed research projects. Preference will be given to applicants whose proposed projects broaden the scope of research in CNS, while being highly relevant to the Stengl-Wyer Endowment’s mission to explore the Diversity of life and organisms in their natural environments.

EXPECTATIONS OF AWARDEES

Stengl-Wyer Graduate Fellows are expected to devote themselves full-time to research and scholarship. Fellows may not serve as Teaching Assistants during their fellowship tenure. They must reside locally and be regularly present on campus (unless fieldwork or other research-related activities require their absence).

Although the bulk of the students’ time will be devoted to their own research, analysis, and/or writing, each Fellow is expected to make a contribution towards public science communication in the general area of biological diversity. Suitable contributions will typically require less than one week of time for preparing and carrying out the activity. For example, this might be a talk in the “Science Under the Stars” sequence or organizing a table at “Explore UT” or a similar event.

APPLICATION COMPONENTS

All application documents should be formatted using 1-inch margins and no smaller than 11-point font. Recommended fonts are Arial, Georgia, Helvetica and Times New Roman. The following documents are all required and must all be submitted by the application deadline:

• Research Project Description (2 pages maximum): Summarize the progress of the proposed research project to-date and describe the research activities that will be undertaken during the fellowship year.
• Short-form Curriculum Vitae (1 page): Provide a list, including dates and appropriate citations for all publications, talks and presentations at conferences, or talks at other Provide a list of research, academic, and professional awards and honors, including dates. Provide a list of outreach and other activities that demonstrate evidence of scientific creativity, productivity, and commitment to leadership and service.
• Academic Transcript (no page limit): Provide a UT-Austin graduate transcript. An unofficial copy from the Office of the Registrar or from a Program Graduate Coordinator is permitted.
• Research Adviser Letter of Support (2 pages maximum): The applicant’s dissertation research adviser must submit a letter describing the accomplishments of the applicant and their potential for development as an independent scientist. The letter should be submitted confidentially per the submission instructions

APPLICATION SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

Applications must be submitted through CompetitionSpace, UT-Austin’s online submission interface. To apply:

• Click the “Apply Now” button at the top right of this page or go to https://utexas.infoready4.com/#competitionDetail/1831627.
• Click the “Apply” button on the CompetitionSpace page.
• This will take you to a login screen. External applicants should create an interface account by clicking the “Register” button toward the bottom of the page. Follow the instructions to create an account. Applicants with an existing UT EID and password should login using the “University of Texas Web Login” button.
• You will be taken to an online applications form. Complete the form and upload the required submission materials (as described above) and click “Submit Application” at the bottom of the page. You also have the option to save a draft and return to continue your application.

Applicant required documents should be combined and uploaded as a single pdf. This includes the Research Project Description, Short-form CV and Academic Transcript.

The Research Advisor Letter of Support must be submitted by the applicant’s research adviser via email to the Stengl-Wyer Endowment Program Directors at swe@austin.utexas.edu and must be received by the application deadline of April 14, 2021. Letters of support should remain confidential, and the applicant must not be copied on this email. The applicant is responsible for communicating submission instructions and deadline to research advisor.

AWARD NOTIFICATION:

Announcement of awardees: Spring of 2021

Award Start Date:  September 1, 2021

Award End Date:  Aug 31, 2022

Number of Awards: Up to four (4) Stengl-Wyer Graduate Fellowships will be awarded per year.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Program questions should be directed to the Stengl-Wyer Endowment Program Directors: swe@austin.utexas.edu

Application submission interface questions should be directed to CNS Strategic Research Initiatives: CNS_SRI@austin.utexas.edu

The form and timing of Stengl-Wyer Graduate Fellowship awards is subject to change in subsequent years.

The content of this announcement is relevant only for Spring 2021 awards.

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.