Sandra H. Harpole February 6,2012
Dr. George Hazzelrigg ◦ Competitive Proposal Writing ◦ Dr. Elizabeth VanderPutten ◦ Why This is Such a Great Time to be in Education ◦
NSF’s most prestigious award for assistant professors Funds academic career development of new faculty – not a research award Based on a developmental plan ◦ “well argued specific proposal for activities that will build a firm foundation for a lifetime of integrated contributions to research and education”
Five-year award with minimum award of $400,000 Designed to provide stable support at level and duration to build foundation for a lifetime of integrated contributions to research and education Very competitive – about 400 of 3,000 proposals are funded each year Deadline: July each year
What is your expertise? Your interests? What are your life/career goals? What are your resources? Do you have a strategic plan? ◦ Where are you now? ◦ Where do you want to be in 5, 10, 20 years? ◦ How do you get there?
Innovative, researchable project sufficient for five years of work Built on existing literature with strong potential to contribute to that literature Has appropriate methodologies for research questions Reflects expertise and passion of principal investigator
Brings excitement of research to education Is consistent with mission and goals of the university Is innovative but builds on the work of others Is doable Reflects the expertise as well as limitations of principal investigator Is capable of being evaluated
90% work with graduate students to submit peer reviewed papers. Only 8% work with graduate students who have internships in business. Almost 80% involve undergraduates in research with 6% of the students getting industrial internships. About 50% work with K-12 teachers or students
Have a strategic plan Build on your strengths Differentiate your proposed research from your PhD. Thesis work and other sponsored research Perform thorough literature search and exploratory research before writing proposal ◦ Journal articles (update with personal contact) ◦ NSF Grant Proposal Guide Establish and maintain your contacts
Read, critique and use research about STEM education ◦ Science, Nature, Journal of Research in Science Teaching, professional societies Read some National Research Council’s Synthesis work in education ◦ How People Learn ◦ Adding It Up ◦ Knowing What Students Know ◦ Scientific Research in Education ◦ Learning Science in Informal Environments
Read the request for proposals (RFP) carefully Contact program directors early Don’t make the research and education proposed too broad or too narrow. Write to the reviewers ◦ What is the research about (research objective)? ◦ How will you conduct the research (technical approach)? ◦ Can you do it (you and your facilities)? ◦ Is it worth doing (intellectual merit and broader impact)?
Work with others Develop budget based on the research and education plan ◦ Do not ask for too much or too little money Follow the guidelines carefully Have someone review your proposal Proof and proof again Prepare IRB if human subjects are involved
Sandra H. Harpole