Does proposed research have to have biomedical applications?

No. The HHMI grant program aims to support faculty-mentored undergraduate research in all areas of the biological sciences and other disciplines as they relate to biology. The proposed research need not have biomedical applications.

Do applicants have to be students in the College of Chemical & Life Sciences?

No. Any undergraduate student at the University of Maryland, College Park may apply, provided they meet the minimum GPA, credit and course requirements and are proposing to engage in faculty-mentored research in biology or a related discipline. In the past we have awarded fellowships to students from the Colleges of Engineering, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Behavioral and Social Sciences and Health and Human Performance, in addition to Chemical & Life Sciences.

Do faculty mentors have to be in the College of Chemical & Life Sciences?

No. Mentors can be in any college. The research they propose to supervise must be in chemical sciences, life sciences or a related field, however.

Can a faculty mentor have more than one HHMI fellow at a given time?

Yes. Many current mentors have more than one HHMI Undergraduate Research Fellow in their laboratories. Students benefit from a collaborative atmosphere and being able to interact with other lab members.

Must the research proposal be based on the student's original idea?

It can be, but it is not required. It is up to the faculty mentor and student to work out how much input the student has into the design of the research project. Many students pick their projects from a selection of projects proposed and designed by the mentor. Students with previous research experience may have a larger role in conceiving and designing projects.

Can I use the fellowship to do off-campus research (e.g., at NIH, Walter Reed, etc.)?

The fellowships are intended to support research mentored by our campus faculty. In most cases, the research is conducted on campus. In some instances the primary research site of the faculty member is off campus. In such cases, the student may conduct his/her research at that site.

How many fellowships are awarded each semester?

We aim to award about 20 fellowships each semester, for a total of 40 per year. In the most recent competition (Spring 2005), 12 new fellowships were awarded and 5 current fellows received extensions of their awards.

What are the most important factors in determining which proposals get funded?

The most important factor in making funding decisions is the quality of the research proposal. The proposal is reviewed by at least two faculty reviewers who rank applications based upon the clarity, feasibility and scientific importance of the proposed research and the academic aptitude of the applicant. Successful proposals contain a clear description of the research methodology to be used and significance of the proposed work for advancing knowledge in the field. The student's academic and research record is also factors into the decision. Applicants who have a strong academic record and evidence of previous research experience (especially those who have already established a productive working relationship with their proposed mentor) are more likely to receive fellowship support because these factors bode well for the successful completion of their proposed project.

If I fail to get funding the first time I submit an application, can I submit a revised application for the next competition?

Yes. After funding decisions are made, unsuccessful applicants may request a summary of the reviewer comments. This should aid them in preparing their revision. The Associate Director is also available to meet with applicants to help them prepare a more successful application.

What are the most common reasons that proposals don't get funded?

Some of the most common reasons are:

• The applicant does not meet the minimum GPA, credit or course requirements
• Research methods are not described (or so poorly described that it gives the impreion that the applicant does not understand the techniques to be used)
• The proposal is confusing, disorganized or vague
• There are no references to other relevant research and no evidence that the applicant understands how the proposed project will extend current knowledge in the field
• The proposed project is not feasible (e.g., too much work is proposed)
• The proposed project is insignificant (e.g., replicates past work in the lab, is solely descriptive rather than hypothetico-deductive, is a screening project or "fishing expedition", is training in techniques only)

Are the fellowships renewable?

Yes. After the first year of funding, applicants may renew these awards one or more times for periods of up to one year, until they graduate. The deadline for requesting a renewal is the regular applcation deadline (November 1 and March 1).

How is the stipend paid?

Your stipend award is placed in an account for your use. It is paid as an hourly wage at a rate of $7.50 for each hour that you work on your project. You keep track of your hours worked on an electronic time sheet (http://www.timesheets.umd.edu) that must be submitted at two-week intervals.

If I use up my stipend before the end of my fellowship term can I get more funding?

No. The amounts awarded are calculated using an average of 10-15 hours per week during the academic year and about 30 hours per week during the summer. If you work more hours than this, you may run out of funds before the end of your fellowship year. Once the stipend account is out of funds the only way to get more HHMI fellowship funding is to apply for a renewal at the time of the next competition. If your award was for one year, you may not apply for a renewal until near the end of the one-year period.

Can I use the summer dormitory housing allowance to live off-campus?

No. We have a special arrangement with Resident Life that allows us to cover the cost of dormitory housing using an interdepartmental transfer of funds. The program does not offer funding for off-campus housing. Public/private partnership housing (e.g., South Campus Commons, Courtyards) is considered off-campus housing.

I have received a fellowship but am now considering changing research topics and/or mentors. Do I have to give up my fellowship?

No, as long as you find a new research mentor and continue to do research in chemical or life sciences or a related field. You do not need to prepare a new proposal. Please contact the HHMI Associate Director if you are considering such a change.