Proposed Research Plan Format & Evaluation Criteria

Please develop a proposal that clearly explains your research and/or teaching plan. The bolded items are required components of the plan. General Instructions When preparing your application use clear concise English. Terms not universally known should be spelled out with the appropriate abbreviation in parentheses the first time it is used. The abbreviation may be used from that point forward. Print the application single-sided and single-spaced. The text font should be Arial (10 or 12 pt.). The font size for headings should be 14 pt. or 16 pt. Margins should be set to one inch (1) on all sides. The font color should be black. Please ensure that all graphs, charts, photographs, etc. are clearly photocopied. Please be sure to include page numbers on the bottom (right or center) of each page of the plan Do not attach additional or supplemental documents. 1) Abstract OR Executive Summary: Please limit to one half (1/2) of a page. 2) Proposal: Please limit to 4 - 8 pages. The proposal should: a) Clearly explain the project objectives, b) Describe the methods that will be used to conduct it, c) Give timelines for the project, and d) List the anticipated outcomes and benefits of participation. Please Note: This is not a grant submission; technical/specialized vocabulary should be limited. . 4) Conclusion: Please limit your conclusion to one page.

The total length of the proposed research/teaching plan should not exceed five (5) pages.

2008 2009 NSTI Application

Application Evaluation Criteria

Reviewers are asked to use all available relevant information such as the general application, curriculum vitae, the proposed plan of research and/or teaching plan, endorsements, and optional letters of recommendation to determine if this applicant should receive an award. Applicants are evaluated in relation to the essential criteria outlined below. Points are assigned for each criterion up to the total amount allowable for that criterion. Points will be totaled for an overall score. Applicant Ability, Experience, & Training Applicants are evaluated based upon his/her current research interests, publications, presentations, academic training, work history, and achievements (awards, fellowships, scholarships, etc.). Does the applicant possess or can the applicant easily obtain the skills required to meet his/her objectives? Proposed Plan of Research and/or Teaching The research plan is evaluated upon the clarity of the research objectives, originality of the project, and/or the feasibility of the approach. Can the objectives reasonably be completed during the fellowship tenure? Are the institutional resources, facilities, equipment, etc. adequate to support the applicants proposal? Project Description Reviewers rate the originality of the proposed project. Does the applicant clearly define the subject of study, problem, or issue? Does the proposal present a convincing case for the significance of the activity? Does the project lie within the scope of the NSTI-SFF? Methods/Procedures Reviewers rate the feasibility of the approach. Does the applicant present an appropriate method of carrying out his/her project plan? Research Objectives Reviewers rate the clarity of the research objectives. Can the objectives reasonably be completed during the fellowship tenure? Facilities Has the applicant selected the appropriate host scientist to perform the desired research plan? Are the institutional resources, facilities, equipment, etc. adequate to support the applicants proposal? Benefits of Participation Based upon all the relevant and available information, reviewers rate the value of the potential accomplishments to NASA The Host/Home Minority Institution The Applicant Letters of Endorsement & Recommendation The degrees to which the letters support the applicants proposal are also evaluated. Do the letters speak the appropriateness of the proposal and/or qualifications of the applicant to meet his/her objectives? Does the applicant have the support of his/her home institution? Endorsement Letter 1: President, Chancellor, or Provost Endorsement Letter 2: Department Head or Dean Endorsement Letter 3: Proposed NASA Center Point of Contact Recommendation Letters (optional, up to 2)

2008 2009 NSTI Application

Application Check List

Included ()

REQUIREMENT

Maximum Page Allowance

Online Application via www.uncfsp.org (including Curriculum Vitae upload)

Mail in documents:

Proposed Plan of Research

Endorsement Letter 1
President, Chancellor, or Provost

Endorsement Letter 2
Department Head or Dean

Endorsement Letter 3
NASA Center Point of Contact

Letter of Reference 1 (Optional)

Letter of Reference 2 (Optional)

Applicant Organization Certification

2008 2009 NSTI Application

Applicant Organization Certification

Dean or Department Head

Name: Position Title: Department Tel: E-mail Address: Fax:

Mailing Address (office/mail code, street, city, state, zip code)

By my signature below, I certify that:

1. 2. 3.

The applicant meets the eligibility requirements as outlined in program documentation. The statements herein are true, complete, and accurate to the best of my knowledge. The applicant has the full support of the Minority Institution. Should the applicant be offered a NSTI fellowship position, he/she will be permitted to return to the home institution in a teaching, research, and/or administrative capacity after his/her fellowship tenure.

Signature of the Authorized Organization Official:

Date:

2008 2009 NSTI Application