Clare Boothe Luce Undergraduate Research Scholar Program

The Clare Boothe Luce Undergraduate Research Scholars program supports women majoring in chemistry, physics, mathematics, and statistics at Kenyon College. The aim is to equip high-potential women for success in graduate school and academic careers through engagement in mentored research, networking, and career preparation initiatives.

Program benefits

Each selected scholar receives a $7000 stipend for participating in mentored research Spring-Summer-Fall 2018 ($1000 for research during the spring and fall semesters, and $5000 for the summer session). Scholars earn 0.25 units of credit each semester and receive special mentoring and preparation for graduate school and academic careers via seminars, networking events, and one-on-one advising. Additionally, mentor-scholar teams receive $1000 for research funds to support special computing equipment, software, materials, conference attendance, or travel for each research project.

Program activities

Scholars engage in research throughout their appointment, beginning in the spring semester (Spring 2018). In addition, scholars participate in special seminars to prepare them academically and professionally. Topics include reading primary literature, scientific writing and oral communication, ethics, and preparation for graduate school and career options.

Expectations

Scholars are expected to engage in research an average of 4-5 hours per week during the academic year of their appointment (Spring and Fall 2019) and full-time (40 hours per week) for 10 weeks during the summer (Summer 2019). Scholars are also expected to attend designated workshops and seminars. Faculty mentors are expected to participate in faculty development workshops and attend seminars with the scholars. At the conclusion of the project, the mentor-scholar team presents their work at the fall Summer Research poster session during Family Weekend or in the spring at the Celebration for High Impact Practices.

Eligibility

• Female, U.S. citizen
• Sophomore or Junior
• Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, or Statistics major (or intended major)
• Planning on pursuing graduate school or an academic career 

Application process

Applicants need to complete an online application by October 1, 2018. The application includes four parts:

1. Personal statement: Explain why you are interested in being a Clare Boothe Luce Research Scholar and the potential impact it would have on your future goals (250-500 words).
2. Research proposal: Provide a description of the proposed work, prepared in collaboration with your faculty mentor. This description should address the significance of your project, relevant background information, and specific project activities and goals (~1500 words).
3. Budget justification: A short description of how the student-faculty team intends to use the $1000 in research funds (i.e. equipment, materials, travel, etc.). Please be as specific as possible with estimated costs for each item.
4. Letter of support from faculty mentor. The letter should address the student’s motivation for graduate study and her qualifications and potential for research success.

PLEASE NOTE:

By submitting an application, you give us permission to add your transcript to the application for review. Research projects can be inter- or multidisciplinary so long as they include a significant component in physics, mathematics, statistics, computer science, or chemistry, and the student meets the eligibility requirements. Follow-up interviews with student-faculty teams will be conducted during the weeks of October 9th and 16th. Up to six scholars will be selected in the first year of the program based on a sound, well-motivated, clearly articulated proposal with incremental goals that provide growth opportunities for prospective scholars. Clare Boothe Luce Research Scholars will be announced by November 1, 2017. Sophomores who successfully complete the program may apply for a second year.

Information for Faculty

Faculty who are working with or know of a student eligible for this program are encouraged to reach out and invite them to apply for this program. Faculty of scholar-mentor teams will receive a $3000 summer stipend and many opportunities to learn more about best practices for mentoring females in the sciences.

Submission page for the Letter of Support from the faculty mentor

Summary of key deadlines

• Student Application and Letter of Support from faculty mentor: October 1, 2018
• Joint student-faculty interviews: month of October
• Notification of Awards: November 1, 2018
• Project dates: January 14, 2019 - December 13, 2019 (includes 10 weeks of summer research at Kenyon)