Research/Grant Series

The Research/Grant Series consists of workshops, discussion groups, speakers, and other events that will be of interest to graduate students who are interested in conducting original research. We are interested in expanding this series; if you have ideas for topics, please send your suggestions to graduate.studies@uta.edu. 

Research Series At-A-Glance

How to Prepare a Strong NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Application

This live online workshop, presented by guest speaker Lucy Deckard, will cover the following information:

• Who is eligible and what do you get?
• What is NSF looking for?
• How do you write a strong research plan statement (with exercises)?
• How do you write a strong personal background and future goals statement (with exercises)?
• How can you get strong references?
• Q & A

Please note: This workshop focuses on the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program, which is available to eligible U.S. Citizens, Nationals, and Permanent Residents. View the full NSF GRFP applicant eligibility criteria here.

This event has already occurred. To access a recording of this workshop, please e-mail graduate.studies@uta.edu.

About the speaker:

Consultant Lucy Deckard worked in research development at Texas A&M University for 8 years, most recently serving as Associate Director of the university's Office of Proposal Development. 

She has helped to develop and write successful proposals to NSF, NIH, the Department of Education, the Department of Defense, and other agencies and foundations, including proposals for large institutional and center-level grants. 

In addition, she directed the university's New Faculty Initiative, helping new faculty to jump start their research by helping them to identify funding opportunities, develop a strategy for pursuing funding, understand funding agencies, and learn how to write competitive proposals. 

Before joining Texas A&M, she worked as a research engineer in industry for 16 years, obtaining funding from DoD, DARPA and the Department of Energy.

Previous Events in this Series

Poster Presentation Workshop

Are you attending a conference and would like to learn the best ways to communicate your research to the public? Presented by Dr. Raymond Jackson, Associate Dean of the Graduate School, this workshop is designed to introduce you to the best practices for poster presentations. 

Intro to Pivot 

Pivot is a subscription-only database of funding opportunities that is available to UT Arlington graduate students. It is an indispensable tool for managing deadlines, finding research collaborators, and creating a personal profile. In this workshop, you will learn how to create/claim your Pivot profile, perform searches targeted to your research interests and discipline, and set up an email digest so you stay up-do-date on the latest funding opportunities for which you are eligible.

Introduction to Qualtrics

Does your research include surveys? Attend this workshop to learn the basics of Qualtrics and how it can make creating, distributing, and analyzing data easier.

Introduction to Research Design

Are you interested in beginning a research project? Not sure how to organize your research so that the process is orderly, focused, and reproducible? This workshop will look at the best practices in beginning and constructing your research project so your study is accurate and contributes to your field in a substantial way. Also, if you plan to apply for the I Engage Mentoring Program this workshop will help you construct a summer research experience for your mentee. 

How to Find and Compete for Graduate Fellowships (Hands-on Workshop)

This workshop, presented by guest presenter Lucy Deckard, will cover the following information:

• Why apply for graduate fellowships?
• What types of graduate fellowships are available?
• How do I identify fellowships that fit my situation?
• How do I apply for a graduate fellowship?
• What are the common attributes of successful applications, and what mistakes should I avoid?

This event has already occurred. If you would like to access a recording of this workshop, please e-mail graduate.studies@uta.edu.

Getting Started - How to Compete for Funding as an Independent Researcher 

This workshop is for graduate students who plan to pursue grant funding to support their research as either faculty or researchers in industry. Guest presenter Lucy Deckard will cover:

• Developing your research agenda
• Identifying and getting to know potential funders
• Positioning yourself for success
• Planning your project
• Grantsmanship

About the speaker:

Consultant Lucy Deckard worked in research development at Texas A&M University for 8 years, most recently serving as Associate Director of the university's Office of Proposal Development. 

She has helped to develop and write successful proposals to NSF, NIH, the Department of Education, the Department of Defense, and other agencies and foundations, including proposals for large institutional and center-level grants. 

In addition, she directed the university's New Faculty Initiative, helping new faculty to jumpstart their research by helping them to identify funding opportunities, develop a strategy for pursuing funding, understand funding agencies, and learn how to write competitive proposals. 

Before joining Texas A&M, she worked as a research engineer in industry for 16 years, obtaining funding from DoD, DARPA and the Department of Energy.