Deadline: 7 February 2025
The Pathfinder Fellowship program provides travel funds to graduate students in hydrology and related sciences to make an extended trip to enhance their research by adding a field site to conduct comparative research, collaborating with a research group, or working with researchers on adding an interdisciplinary dimension to a project.
Funding Information
- Fellowships are awarded to cover travel costs of up to a maximum of $5,000.
- Fellowship funds may not be used to purchase supplies or equipment or to support travel by others (e.g. advisors or other project personnel). Support for this Fellowship will be provided on a reimbursement basis in accordance with the CUAHSI Travel Policy. One-third of the budgeted funds may be requested as an advance to cover large initial expenses.
Eligibility Criteria
- Graduate students enrolled in a U.S.-based college or university are eligible to receive a Pathfinder Fellowship.
Review Criteria
- The proposal will be evaluated based on five aspects: Background, Research Plan, Applicant Training, Data Management Plan, and Broader Impacts. Applicants should consider the following questions while preparing their proposals:
- The degree to which the proposed activities at the second site are required to address the research question being posed. Could this research be carried out “closer to home” or without the travel?
- Are the proposed activities at the second site sufficient to address the research question?
- Does the student have the necessary background knowledge/training/experience to take full advantage of this activity?
- Is the level of effort appropriate for the proposed timeline?
- Will additional resources be required to fully integrate this experience? If so, is there evidence that the student and mentors are aware of and have planned for this?
- Does the relationship with the mentor at the second site appear to be sufficiently robust to provide the opportunity for a meaningful and successful interaction?
- Will the Data Management Plan be effective in preserving and disseminating resulting data products?
- Are the broader impacts of the applicant’s work clearly outlined and explained?
Application Requirements
- The Pathfinder Application consists of:
- 2-page CV
- A research statement (recommended 3 – 5 pages) describing the proposed research
- A one-page proposed budget, including justification
- Letter of Endorsement/Commitment from the Applicant’s Advisor
- Letter of Collaboration/Commitment from the Proposed Host.
For more information, visit CUAHSI.
