Faculty Recognition & Funding Opportunities – February 15, 2016

posted February 15, 2016

RECOGNITION

Diane Harriford, Professor of Sociology, was appointed as the inaugural Member Liaison of the National Women's Studies Association (NWSA). This NWSA Governing Council position acts as a dedicated point of contact for member concerns and issues within NWSA, and brings to the attention of staff and/or the Governing Council any issues that may arise. Diane is currently Treasurer of NWSA, and has been a member of the organization since 1997. Established in 1977, NWSA promotes and supports the production and dissemination of knowledge about women and gender through teaching, learning, research and service in academic and other settings. The Association has more than 2,000 individual and 350 institutional members working in varied specialties across the United States and around the world.

Congratulations to all recipients of Faculty Conversations support for Spring 2016! If you wish to participate, simply contact the organizer(s) of the Conversation(s) that interest you:

Roberta Antognini, Associate Professor of Italian, will be joined by a number of colleagues from other departments and programs to discuss translation as practice and its status at Vassar. The main goal of the conversation would be to answer to the following questions: How is translation considered at Vassar? Is there institutional support? Are scholarly and literary translations considered as scholarly work? How “invisible” are we as translators?

Lisa Brawley, Senior Lecturer in Urban Studies and Director of American Studies, will join others for a conversation about facilitation design: to exchange ideas, resources, and techniques about deepening the meaningful participation of diverse stakeholders from any group; to learn how to bring group process “design problems” to think through with others; to explore the interplay between facilitation and “Design Thinking.”

Tracey Holland, Interim Director of International Programs, will bring together faculty from the sciences and language departments to discuss language and science studies in study abroad programs.

Barry Lam, Associate Professor of Philosophy, will join other faculty members across the curriculum and Tom Pacio, Interdisciplinary Arts Coordinator for the “Creative Arts Across Disciplines” (CAAD) initiative, to share work and thereby advance faculty audio-narrative research and production, and to think about strategies for bringing this form of production to the classroom outside of Film Studies. The goal also is to bring faculty in touch with industry producers of audio narratives who will be visiting Vassar this semester.

Molly McGlennen, Associate Professor of English and Native American Studies, will reconvene the original Native American Studies Seminar, including new members, to think critically and creatively about ways to not only sustain and grow the Native American Studies program, but develop more robust cross-program and interdisciplinary connections under the larger umbrella of Indigenous studies.

Nancy Pokrywka Professor of Biology, will join others affiliated with the Science, Technology & Society (STS) program with interests in human reproduction to identify, read and discuss key books on the topic of politics, bioethics, and other frameworks for understanding the challenges of technology as applied to human reproduction, with an emphasis on women’s rights. The long term goal is to strengthen course offerings that touch on these issues.

Erendira Rueda, Associate Professor of Sociology, and others will meet to consider a Social Justice requirement, specifically to articulate answers to the following questions and produce recommendations to Committee on Inclusion & Excellence (CIE) at the end of the term: 1) What does this group understand “social justice” to mean in the context of the Vassar curriculum, and 2) what are the various ways to imagine the implementation of a social justice requirement?

Matthew Schultz, Director of the Writing Center, and other faculty members, administrators, and staff will form a working group to plan and oversee the creation of a digital narratives lab.

Kate Susman, Professor of Biology, and others from departments, programs, and the library will meet to discuss the writing of a book about historical Vassar women faculty members and their impact on Vassar alumnae/i pursuing careers in the Sciences.

***OPPORTUNITIES FOR INTRAMURAL FUNDING***

*MARCH 28 FACULTY COMMITTEE ON RESEARCH Twice a year, the Committee on Research awards funds for all phases of faculty research, considering projects at an early stage of development, as well as those that are nearer completion. The committee encourages applications where initial funding holds promise for continuing funding from external granting agencies as well as research that falls outside the purview of external funding agencies. In awarding research funds, the committee takes into account the likelihood of the project resulting in a finished product: the publication of a scholarly article or book, or the successful completion of a work of art, the mounting of an art exhibition or a dramatic production. All faculty members, whether tenured, on tenure-track, on more limited contracts, or emeriti, are eligible to apply. Support for summer research is only available to faculty continuing in the fall. When funds are limited and it is not possible to fund all eligible projects, the Committee will give priority to applications from those who are tenured or on tenure-track, and to those who have not recently received support from this committee or other sources. Applications for the Spring 2016 cycle are due by 5 pm, Monday, March 28, 2016. Detailed instructions and forms are posted online here. Email attached proposals to researchcommittee@vassar.edu. If you have any questions about eligibility or the application process, please consult the Committee Chair, Pinar Batur, (pibatur@vassar.edu) or Amanda Thornton, Director of Grants Administration (amthornton@vassar.edu).

ROLLING Asprey Center for Collaborative Approaches (ACCAS) offers funding for student research and faculty development! Vassar’s Asprey Center for Collaborative Approaches to Science fosters the development of a vibrant scientific community in which faculty engage in innovative, interdisciplinary teaching and research, and students are inspired to become confident and competent scientists. Visit ACCAS online, and be sure to check out the “Opportunities” menu: http://pages.vassar.edu/accas/

SOME UPCOMING DEADLINES FOR EXTERNAL FUNDING

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATHEMATICS

FEBRUARY 25 (also June, October 25) National Institutes of Health (NIH) Academic Research Enhancement Awards (AREA) support meritorious research at undergraduate degree-granting colleges and universities in order to expose students to research and help to strengthen the research environment of awardee institutions. Projects may last up to three years, and direct costs are not to exceed $300,000. AREA grants are renewable, and preliminary data are not required. For complete eligibility and instructions, please visit NIH online at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/area.htm

New to NIH? Check out this video overview of the NIH grants process!

MARCH 1 Research Corporation for Science Advancement’s Frontiers in Research Excellence and Discovery (FRED) Award supports the early stages of exceptional high risk/high reward research that will potentially transform a field of scientific research. These competitive awards are given to highly creative Cottrell Scholars whose ideas and potential solutions address major current challenges in their areas of research expertise. By developing unique perspectives for solving key research challenges, FRED awardees create new approaches that accelerate basic science research for the benefit of society. Award size is $250,000. Applicants must be tenured Cottrell Scholars who received their initial Cottrell Scholar Award (CSA) within the past five to ten years. For the 2016 competition, eligibility will be limited to Cottrell Scholars who received their awards during the 2006-2011 time period. FRED proposals should contain a five-page research plan to be conducted in a period of three years. Proposed projects may build upon ongoing research in the principal investigator’s laboratory, but new directions must be clearly delineated. Successful proposals must convince external reviewers and the Science Advisory Committee that the applicant is a highly creative researcher and that the proposed project is poised to have a transformative impact in the specific research field. While CS SEED awards support testing new ideas, FRED Awards are for fully developed proposals, expected to lead to top-level publications in scientific journals of high impact. For details and application instructions, visit Research Corporation online: http://rescorp.org/cottrell-scholars/fred-award

*MARCH 28 National Science Foundation (NSF) STEM+Computing Partnerships Program seeks to significantly enhance the learning and teaching of science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and computing by K-12 students and teachers through research on, and development of, courses, curriculum, course materials, pedagogies, instructional strategies, models, or pedagogical environments that innovatively integrate computing into one or more other STEM disciplines, or integrate STEM content into the teaching and learning of computing. In addition, STEM+C seeks to build capacity in K-12 computing education with foundational research and focused teacher preparation. Projects in the STEM+C program should build on research in STEM education and prior research and development efforts that provide theoretical and empirical justification for proposed projects. Pre-service and in-service teachers who participate in STEM+C projects are expected to enhance their understanding and teaching of STEM and computing content, practices, and skills. STEM+C invites creative and innovative proposals that address emerging challenges in the learning and teaching of STEM and computing. The program offers proposers two tracks: (1) Integration of Computing in STEM Education and (2) Computing Education Knowledge and Capacity Building. The second track is discipline-specific and may be expanded to include additional disciplines in future releases of the solicitation. For details, visit NSF online: http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?WT.z_pims_id=505006&ods_key=nsf16527

Multiple NSF funding opportunities are now open! See the full list online at http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_list.jsp?org=NSF&ord=date

*MARCH 31 IDEA is accepting proposals for its 2016-17 Impact Grants Program, which includes Teaching/Learning grants and Campus Climate grants. IDEA Impact Teaching/Learning Grants are designed to promote effective student learning through the careful exploration and systematic documentation of the efficacy of various teaching practices, learning environments, and institutional policies. Examples of eligible projects include but are not limited to classroom interventions designed to improve student learning; investigations of student and course characteristics that are related to learning; evaluation of innovative teaching methods; methods for engaging students in online courses; innovative approaches to faculty development; comprehensive approaches to teaching evaluation; and the use of student ratings to improve teaching effectiveness. IDEA Impact Campus Climate Grants are intended to support increased knowledge and understanding of campus climate issues that impact student learning and the ability of institutions to successfully carry out their mission. Examples of eligible projects include but are not limited to innovative approaches to leadership development; interventions designed to improve institutional, college, or departmental climate; investigations of methods to improve faculty recruitment, development, and retention; and strategies and approaches that improve student well-being. Grants of up to $10,000 will directly support individual faculty members, professional staff, departments, colleges, or programs. Grant recipients will be required to work with IDEA to disseminate their findings through the IDEA website, workshops or presentations in partnership with IDEA, or by writing an original IDEA paper. Application forms and an expense budget must be completed and emailed (as an attachment) by 3:00 p.m. CDT, March 31, 2016. Late applications will not be accepted for any reason. For complete program descriptions, eligibility criteria, application instructions, and the application form, see the IDEA website: http://ideaedu.org/giving/idea-impact-grants/

APRIL 8 National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) announce the Cycle 24 Call for Proposals for Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Observations and funding for Archival Research and Theoretical Research programs. Participation in this program is open to all categories of organizations, both domestic and foreign, including educational institutions. This solicitation for proposals will be open through April 08, 2016 8:00pm EDT. The Astronomer's Proposal Tools (APT), which is required for Phase I Proposal Submission will be made available/released for Cycle 24 Phase I use during the 2nd week of February 2016. Results of the selection will be announced by the end of June 2016. All programmatic and technical information, as well as specific guidelines for proposal preparation, are available electronically from the STScI Announcement Web Page: http://www.stsci.edu/hst/proposing/docs/cycle24announce

Rolling The Simons Foundation invites Letters of Intent for its new Targeted Grants in Mathematics and Physical Sciences program, intended to support high-risk projects of exceptional promise and scientific importance on a case-by-case basis. For projects with principal investigators at different institutions, the LOI should be submitted by the lead PI and his/her institution. Applicants will be notified within two months of the submission of the LOI. See the Simons Foundation website for complete program guidelines and application instructions: https://www.simonsfoundation.org/funding/funding-opportunities/mathematics-physical-sciences/targeted-grants-in-mps/

Rolling The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation believes that a carefully reasoned and systematic understanding of the forces of nature and society, when applied inventively and wisely, can lead to a better world for all. The Foundation makes grants to support original research and broad-based education related to science, technology, and economic performance; and to improve the quality of American life. The Foundation is unique in its focus on science, technology, and economic institutions. It believes the scholars and practitioners who work in these fields are chief drivers of the nation’s health and prosperity. In each grant program, the Foundation seeks proposals for original projects led by outstanding individuals or teams.

The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation is interested in projects that it expects will result in a strong benefit to society, and for which funding from the private sector, the government, or other foundations is not widely available. For areas of interest and application instructions, visit the Sloan Foundation online: http://www.sloan.org/major-program-areas/?L=0%3FcHash%3D3abefb807773927e5a962594e662c143

SOME UPCOMING DEADLINES FOR EXTERNAL FUNDING

ARTS, HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

FEBRUARY 23 Catwalk Institute welcomes proposals from artists and collaborative teams for 2-to-4-week residencies during the months of April-October 2016. Participation is exclusively for faculty and alumnae/i from Vassar College, Columbia University, New York University, and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and applications are to be submitted through the applicant’s respective home institution. Situated on a magnificent historic site of 70 acres on the Hudson River, Catwalk sits across from Olana, the home of Frederic Edwin Church, and just north of Thomas Cole’s home, Cedar Grove. Catwalk residencies are space/time grants designed to reflection and personal artistic growth. Spaces include a fully outfitted kitchen and individual studio spaces. The quiet solitude and surrounding nature create an idyllic atmosphere for visual artists, performance artists, writers and scholars to rejuvenate and recreate their own personal vision. Please note project stipends are not available. Full use of the grounds is encouraged along with exploration of the Catskill and Hudson area, which is not served by public transportation. Residents are encouraged to bring/rent a car during their stay. Projects that connect to this region specifically are especially appropriate for selection. Please send a cover letter with date preferences (Tuesday-Sunday), two letters of reference, resume and a one page description of the work you are proposing while in residence. Collaborative teams of 2-3 persons are welcome, requiring resumes for all members. Vassar College faculty should submit their applications to Gary Hohenberger, Vassar Box 657, gahohenberger@vassar.edu See also the related residency opportunities of Catslair.

MARCH 1 The Ucross Foundation 2016 Fall Residency Program will provide uninterrupted time, work space, and living accommodations at its campus in Sheridan, Wyoming, to approximately eighty-five visual artists, writers, and composers per year. Previous residents have come from every state in the U.S. as well as from many countries, including Germany, France, Scotland, England, Poland, Egypt, the Netherlands, Canada, and Thailand. Residencies vary in length from two to six weeks. At any one time, there are up to nine individuals in residence comprising a mix of visual artists, writers, and composers. In most cases, studios are separate from living quarters. Lunch and dinners are prepared Monday to Friday by a professional chef with ample provisions on hand for breakfasts and weekends. In addition, there is cell phone service on the property and several wireless Internet connection sites for residents’ use. Residents are responsible for providing their own working materials and for their travel to Sheridan, Wyoming. There is no charge for a residency. Artists, writers, and composers from around the United States and the world, in all stages of their professional careers, are invited to apply to work on individual or collaborative projects. For complete residency information, lists of previous artist residents, and guidelines for the online-only application process, visit the Ucross Foundation website here: http://www.ucrossfoundation.org/residency-program/

MARCH 30 (letters of interest) The Russell Sage Foundation invites proposals for its Social, Economic and Political Effects of the Affordable Care Act Grant Program, which supports innovative social science research on the social, economic, and political effects of the Affordable Care Act. The Foundation is especially interested in funding analyses that address important questions about the effects of the reform on outcomes such as financial security and family economic well-being, labor supply and demand, participation in other public programs, family and children’s outcomes, immigrant outcomes, and differential effects by age, race, ethnicity, nativity, or disability status. The Foundation is also interested in research that examines the political effects of the implementation of the new law, including changes in views about government, support for future government policy changes, and impact on policy development outside of health care. Funding is available for secondary analysis of data or for original data collection. Projects that propose novel uses of existing data or analysis of newly available or underutilized data are welcomed. The foundation will not fund research on the effects of the ACA on healthcare delivery or health outcomes (e.g., barriers to implementation, changes in the quality of care and health status, or trends in enrollment and affordability). Grant requests are limited to no more than a two-year period, with a maximum of $150,000 (including overhead) per project. LOIs must be received no later than March 30, 2016. Upon review, selected applicants will be invited to submit full applications by July 15, 2016. For complete program guidelines and to access the online application portal, visit the Russell Sage Foundation website: http://www.russellsage.org/research/funding/affordable-care-act

*JULY 15 The IEEE Foundation, the charitable arm of technology innovation organization IEEE, has issued a Request for Proposals for projects that raise awareness and understanding of technology and its impact on society. Twelve-month grants of up to $100,000 will be awarded in support of projects that provide technical information at a level that can be understood by the general public; reaches a broad cross-section of society; presents, in a neutral and balanced manner, an analysis of the social benefits and costs of deploying the subject technology; and avoids advocating a particular action but encourages and enables participants to make an informed decision. In addition, projects should directly involve IEEE members, including, as appropriate, student members. To be eligible, applicants must be a part of an IEEE organizational unit, including sections, regions, societies, affinity groups, student branches, and/or major boards. See the IEEE Foundation website for complete program guidelines and application instructions: http://www.ieeefoundation.org/Grants#Focus

Rolling The Jerome Foundation offers grants in support of the creation, development, and production of new works by emerging artists in New York City and Minnesota. Through its General Program, the foundation seeks to support organizations and programs that demonstrate a substantial and ongoing commitment to the creation, development, and production of new works by emerging artists. Priority will be given to organizations and/or programs that foster a deep and sustained engagement between the artist and the organization. Grant amounts are determined on a project-by-project basis. The foundation is open to applications in and across all arts disciplines. However, programs must provide adequate payment to artists for their work and/or offer substantial opportunities to advance their work and recognition. In addition, organizations must have their primary office and operation in New York City or Minnesota. For complete program guidelines, an FAQ, information about previous grantees, and application instructions, visit the Jerome Foundation website: http://www.jeromefdn.org/apply/general-program

Rolling Mellon Slavic Studies Initiative The field of Russian, East European, and Central Asian studies is actively redefining itself in response to the dramatic transformations of the post-Soviet period and the realities of an increasingly interconnected world. To encourage fresh perspectives by emerging scholars of this dynamic region, Northwestern, Pittsburgh, and Wisconsin university presses are launching a joint publishing initiative supported by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Northwestern seeks studies of Slavic literature, art, and culture; Pittsburgh is looking for projects in the social, political, environmental, urban, and cultural history of the former Soviet Union, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia; Wisconsin is especially interested in cultural and intellectual history, literary and film studies, anthropology, and human rights, with a focus on Russia and Eastern Europe. For program details, please visit: http://www.mellonslavicstudies.org/submissions.htm

Questions about funding for research and scholarship? Contact us:

Judith Dollenmayer (5376, judollenmayer), Associate Director, Corporate, Foundation & Government Relations

Gary Hohenberger (7092, gahohenberger), Director, Corporate, Foundation & Government Relations

Lori McElduff (5490, lomcelduff), Grants Office Specialist

Patricia Pritchard (5893, papritchard), Director, Grants Accounting

Amanda Thornton (5309, amthornton), Director of Grants Administration

Christopher White (7836, chwhite), Associate Professor of Religion and Faculty Director of Research Development

Posted on Monday, February 15, 2016