2024–2025 application is CLOSED

Each year the Wyoming Space Grant Consortium (WSGC) awards fellowships to undergraduate students attending the University of Wyoming or one of Wyoming’s community colleges to provide the student with the opportunity to do “real” research. Undergraduates who are interested in science, math, engineering and technology careers gain valuable experience participating in research projects, while non-science majors broaden their educations with a research experience. The principle objective of the program is to provide students with a positive and rewarding research experience. Research projects can be conducted during the academic year, summer, or both. Women and students from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.

ELIGIBILITY

• Students should be enrolled and in good standing at the University of Wyoming or one of Wyoming’s community colleges
• Students must be U.S. citizens
• Faculty supervisors must have active status and/or plan to be on-site and readily available to the students

AWARD

• Funding requests can be made up to a maximum of $5000
• Funding is intended to be used for student hourly wages at a rate of $12.00/hour while working on the research project (timesheets will be submitted). It is critical that the hours projected for student work are realistic considering other commitments the student might have.
• If the full $5000 is not needed for hourly wages, then funding for supplies or travel necessary for the project can be requested
• Funding may NOT be used for: tuition to attend special institutes or off-campus programs, international travel, advisor salary, page charges, or equipment purchases costing more than $1000
• Projects may begin in June and must must be completed by the end of the following May (unless other arrangements are made in advance). Any amount of money that remains unspent by the end of May of the following year will be relinquished!

APPLICATION SUBMISSION

Completed applications must be submitted through the ONLINE APPLICATION FORM prior to the deadline. You should receive an e-mail confirming receipt of your application within two business days. If you do not receive this confirmation please contact our office.

There are three parts required for a complete application:

1. Online Application Form
2. Proposal Document (Instructions) – Must be uploaded with the online application form. Please write for a general audience!
3. Letter of Recommendation – Must be submitted by the advisor directly to the Wyoming Space Grant office, either by e-mail (wsgc@uwyo.edu) or via this online form.

Examples of past proposals that were funded: Example 1, Example 2, Example 3, Example 4

AWARD SELECTION CRITERIA

• View the Reviewer Grade Sheet
• Proposals must be well written and include the following elements:
  1. Strong scientific justification
  2. Clear set of goals
  3. An evaluation mechanism which determines successful completion of the goals
  4. Detailed timeline for achieving the goals outlined
  5. Expected duties/responsibilities of the student
  6. An outlined budget for the project
  7. A connection to the strategic missions of one or more of NASA’s Mission Directorates
• Consideration will be given to the strength of the advisor’s recommendation
• Proposals that include matching by non-federal funds that can be documented are given priority

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

• Proposals for research in any science, technology, engineering, or math field will be accepted
• Proposals with goals that are more closely aligned with NASA’s National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program objectives, and/or the strategic missions of one or more of NASA’s Mission Directorates, may be given preference over those with no NASA relevance
  • NASA Science
  • NASA Science Plan 2020-2024
  • NASA Strategic Plan 2022
  • NASA Strategy for STEM Engagement 2020-2023

EXPECTATIONS

• Fellowship recipients are expected to keep WSGC informed of their progress with monthly report surveys
• A final report survey is required and must be submitted in a timely manner following the completion of the fellowship
• The student awardee should participate in publication of any research results. WSGC must be informed of any publications resulting from our funding.
• The student should plan on giving a public presentation on their fellowship project. This can include a presentation at the UW Undergraduate Research Day during the Spring semester. Participation in professional scientific meetings is also strongly encouraged. (View examples of the 2021 research talks here!)
• Students must participate in a minimum of 5 hours of public science outreach activities during the fellowship year. This can include activities like: Science Fair judging, Women in STEM volunteering, Science Kitchen outreach activities, High-Altitude Balloon Program outreach activities, mentoring students, helping with summer science camps, etc.

QUESTIONS?

E-mail:  wsgc@uwyo.edu
Phone:  (307) 766-2862 or (307) 766-2987

View Past Recipients