Faculty Recognition & Funding Opportunities – May 1, 2016

posted May 1, 2016

Final edition for 2015-2016! Issued by the Grants Office during the academic year, this bulletin recognizes faculty accomplishments in grants and publication and provides information on funding opportunities available for research, fellowship, professional development and more. Please note that this is not a comprehensive list. For more information, to suggest inclusions or to have your publication or grant news shared in a future bulletin, contact Gary Hohenberger (gahohenberger, x7092). This and prior bulletins are posted online at grants.vassar.edu/news

RECOGNITION

Mary Ann Cunningham, Associate Professor of Earth Science & Geography; Alistair Hall, Sustainability Coordinator; and Jennifer Rubbo, Manager of the Environmental Cooperative at the Vassar Barns; with Marianne H. Begemann, Dean of Strategic Planning & Academic Resources, have secured for Vassar a grant of $50,000 from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Hudson River Estuary Program (HREP). Vassar’s HREP project will advance restorative stormwater management practices on the Vassar campus, Farm and Ecological Preserve. Activities will include planning a pilot project at the newly renovated wing of the dairy barn, to demonstrate green infrastructure; drafting standard “green” practices and a framework for prioritizing green projects under the new Campus Master Plan; conducting technical training on green infrastructure for Vassar Buildings & Grounds staff as well as similar workshops for municipalities and the general public. The resulting integrated plan will reduce adverse stormwater effects on natural streams, Poughkeepsie stormwater infrastructure and county- and state-owned highways.

Eve Dunbar, Associate Professor of English, was awarded a Frederick Burkhardt Fellowship by the American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS). Made possible by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, ACLS Burkhardt Fellowships support recently tenured faculty as they pursue long-term, ambitious research at a consequential stage of their careers. During her fellowship year, Dunbar will work on her second book project, Monstrous Work.

Nancy Ide, Professor of Computer Science, received a supplemental grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) for the collaborative project "SI2:SSI: The Language Application Grid: A Framework for Rapid Adaptation and Reuse", which NSF has sponsored since 2012. Inspired by the need for robust language processing capabilities across academic disciplines, education, and industry, this ambitious project involves Vassar, Brandeis University, Carnegie Mellon University and the Linguistic Data Consortium of the University of Pennsylvania in the development of an open, web-based infrastructure through which massive and distributed language resources can be easily accessed and within which tailored language services can be efficiently composed, evaluated, disseminated and consumed by researchers, developers and students.

Lisa Paravisini-Gebert, Professor of Hispanic Studies on the Randolph Distinguished Professor Chair, has been chosen as the 2016-17 Wilbur Marvin Visiting Scholar in residence at the David Rockefeller Center for Latin American Studies at Harvard University. There, she will complete research and writing of an “environmental biography” of the Caribbean’s most endangered avian species. The project grows out of Paravisini-Gebert’s varied multidisciplinary studies of links among history, culture and environment in the region. Tracing parrots and macaws’ history through the archaeological record, the book also examines their relation to indigenous populations; their symbolic role as royal gifts representing the Indies’ colonial wealth; the impact on the species of deforestation and the plantation; their emergence as national symbols; and efforts to restore Caribbean forests vital to the birds’ survival. Professor Paravisini-Gebert “hopes to complete an engaging history of a key species in which I can ‘translate’ scientific knowledge into a multidimensional narrative that deepens our understanding of environmental issues.”

Vinay Swamy, Associate Professor of French and Francophone Studies, has just published his translation of Marcela Iacub’s Through the Keyhole: A History of Sex, Space and Public Modesty in Modern France (Manchester University Press, 2016). Swamy writes from France, where this year he is directing the Vassar-Wesleyan Program in Paris: “Iacub’s book is important not only for its content but also its method. She not only links judicial decisions to how the ethics and morality of French society have evolved since the 19th century, but also offers a mode of interrogation that may illumine other legal systems and societies.”

***UPCOMING INTRAMURAL DEADLINE***

MAY 31 Alliance to Advance the Liberal Arts Colleges (AALAC) helps to advance liberal arts education through collective efforts that support faculty research and teaching; enhance the overall experience of students; and develop faculty leadership. In this context, AALAC provides funds to support workshops that enable faculty members from member institutions (listed below) to gather and work together on a subject of mutual interest. Designed and organized by the faculty, the workshops may focus on topics relating to research, curricula, or pedagogy and, where relevant, may be either disciplinary or inter-disciplinary. The workshops may take place during the academic year or summer and may be held on member institution campuses or may extend a stay at professional meetings by a day or two. These workshops may take place in the spring semester, summer, or fall semester of 2017. Priority will be given to proposals that are planned jointly by several faculty members from three or more AALAC institutions. It is hoped that the workshops will foster collaboration among these institutions and might lead to sustained interactions in scholarship or pedagogy among faculty. For detailed guidelines, please see the AALAC online at http://www.aalaccollaborative.org/ The deadline for submitting proposals to the Dean of the Faculty Office is May 31, 2016. If you have any questions or wish to discuss your ideas, please contact Jon Chenette or Steve Rock. AALAC member institutions: Amherst College, Barnard College, Bryn Mawr College, Carleton College, Denison University, Furman University, Grinnell College, Haverford College, Macalester College, Middlebury College, Oberlin College, Pomona College, Reed College, Rhodes College, Scripps College, Smith College, Swarthmore College, Vassar College, Wesleyan University, Wellesley College, and Williams College

HELPFUL TOOL FOR GRANTSEEKERS!

The Grants Office is pleased to offer a resource for Vassar grant seekers with InfoEd Global’s SPIN. SPIN is an online database and search engine for funding opportunities that is accessible from any campus computer. To access SPIN, please visit https://spin.infoedglobal.com/Home/GridResults. First-time users are best advised to start with the SPIN tutorial videos at: https://spin.infoedglobal.com/Home/TrainingVideos

Gary Hohenberger (gahohenberger, x7092) and Judith Dollenmayer (judollenmayer, x5376) are happy to help address questions related to SPIN!

SOME UPCOMING DEADLINES FOR EXTERNAL FUNDING

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATHEMATICS

JUNE 15 The American Psychological Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the American Psychological Association, is accepting applications for the David Wechsler Early Career Grant for Innovative Work in Cognition. The annual program is designed to support early-career psychologists pursuing innovative work in neuropsychology, intelligence, and/or the assessment aspects of cognition. Those who work on positive applied neuropsychology are encouraged to apply. Grants will be for up to $25,000. To be eligible, psychologists must hold an Ed.D., Psy.D., or Ph.D. degree from an accredited institution and be no more than seven years postdoctoral. For complete program guidelines, a list of previous recipients, and application instructions, visit the APF website: http://www.apa.org/apf/funding/wechsler.aspx

JUNE 16 (also October 25) National Institutes of Health (NIH) Small Grant Program (R03) will support small research projects that can be carried out in a short period of time with limited resources. The NIH has standardized the Small Grant application characteristics, requirements, preparation, and review procedures in order to accommodate investigator-initiated (unsolicited) applications. Investigators may request a project period of up to two years and a budget for direct costs of up $50,000 per year. The R03 cannot be renewed; no preliminary data are required but may be included if available. Examples of the types of projects that NIH Institutes and Centers (ICs) support with the R03 include pilot or feasibility studies; secondary analysis of existing data; small, self-contained research projects; development of research methodology; and development of new research technology. All investigators should consult the list of participating ICs as well as the IC staff listed as contacts to determine if an R03 application is appropriate. Investigators are strongly encouraged to consult with the appropriate NIH program administrator about their proposed research project during the concept development stage of the application. For complete eligibility and instructions, please visit NIH online at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/r03.htm

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

Plus: NIH Podcast: Drafting your vertebrate animal section for the NIH proposal

JUNE 25 (also October 25) 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

*JUNE 30 The American Chemical Society (ACS) is accepting applications to its Local Section Innovative Projects Grants program. The biannual program encourages local ACS sections to conceive of and implement innovative projects aimed at strengthening their functioning. Projects must be new, stimulate local section member involvement, and pilot continuing section activity or take advantage of a unique opportunity for the local section. Projects that support interaction with other ACS local sections, ACS divisions, ACS committees, other professional associations, or community groups are especially encouraged, as are programs that foster inclusiveness and participation of diverse section membership or segments of the general public. Visit the ACS website for complete program guidelines and application instructions: http://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/funding-and-awards/grants/acscommunity/lsinnovativegrant.html

*JULY 20, 21, 22 (varies by discipline) NSF Faculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER) is a foundation-wide activity that offers the National Science Foundation’s most prestigious awards in support of junior faculty who exemplify the role of teacher-scholars through outstanding research, excellent education and the integration of education and research within the context of the mission of their organizations. Such activities should build a firm foundation for a lifetime of leadership in integrating education and research. NSF encourages submission of CAREER proposals from junior faculty at all CAREER-eligible organizations and especially encourages women, members of underrepresented minority groups, and persons with disabilities to apply. For a full description and application guidelines, please visit NSF online at http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=503214&org=NSF&sel_org=NSF&from=fund

Many other NSF funding opportunities are available. See the list and links here!

AUGUST 1 Fulbright Scholar Program Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Fulbright is the U.S. government’s flagship international exchange program and is supported by the people of the United States and partner countries around the world. Fulbright’s core U.S. Scholar Program offers nearly 500 teaching, research or combination teaching/research awards in over 125 countries! Opportunities are available for faculty as well as for professionals, artists, journalists, scientists, lawyers, independent scholars and many others. In addition to several new program models designed to meet the changing needs of U.S. academics and professionals, Fulbright is offering more opportunities for flexible, multi-country grants. For more, go to http://www.cies.org/program/core-fulbright-us-scholar-program

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

MAY 30 The Aaron Siskind Foundation invites applications for the 2016 Individual Photographer's Fellowships Program. The annual program encourages and celebrates artistic achievement in contemporary photography by supporting the creative endeavors of artists working in photography and photo-based art media. A limited number of fellowship grants of up to $10,000 each will be awarded to artists working in photography and photo-based art. Qualified applicants must provide a still photography portfolio that illustrates any subject, genre, and/or process. Works submitted may be traditional photography projects or experimental works, but photographic techniques must be pivotal to the works submitted. Examples of ineligible work include film, video, and interactive multimedia. Recipients will be determined by a panel of distinguished guest judges on the basis of artistic excellence, accomplishment to date, and the promise of future achievement. Fellowship funds must be used to further the artist's creative endeavors. For complete program guideline and application instructions, see the Foundation’s website: http://aaronsiskind.org/grant.html

JUNE 15 The American Psychological Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the American Psychological Association, is accepting applications for the David Wechsler Early Career Grant for Innovative Work in Cognition. The annual program is designed to support early career psychologists pursuing innovative work in neuropsychology, intelligence, and/or the assessment aspects of cognition. Those who work on positive applied neuropsychology are encouraged to apply. Grants will be for up to $25,000. To be eligible, psychologists must hold an Ed.D., Psy.D., or Ph.D. degree from an accredited institution and be no more than seven years postdoctoral. For complete program guidelines, a list of previous recipients, and application instructions, visit the APF website: http://www.apa.org/apf/funding/wechsler.aspx

JUNE 15 (letters of inquiry) The Russell Sage Foundation’s Future of Work Program seeks research proposals related to the role of changes in employer practices; the nature of the labor market; and public policies on the employment, earnings, and the quality of jobs of American workers. Examples of the kinds of topics and questions that are of interest include but are not limited to changing economies, changing families and policy responses (or lack thereof); economics of productivity and the role of managerial practices in improving job quality; causes and consequences of job polarization; and the effects of long-term unemployment and strategies to prevent long-term disadvantage. Priority will be given to analyses of original qualitative and quantitative data sources, and novel uses of existing sources of data to address important questions related to the interplay of market and non-market forces in shaping the well-being of workers, today and in the future. Awards are available for research assistance, data acquisition, data analysis, and investigator time for conducting research and writing up results. Grants of up to $150,000 will be awarded. Letters of Inquiry must be received no later than June 15, 2016. Upon review, selected applicants will be invited to submit full proposals by August 15, 2016. For complete program guidelines, application instructions, and an FAQ, see the Russell Sage website: http://www.russellsage.org/research/future-work

JUNE 25 (letters of intent) The El-Hibri Foundation (EHF) supports peace education and interreligious cooperation through grants to promising groups, awards that recognize leadership, and programs that promote learning and bridge-building. In 2015, EHF will award new grants of up to $25,000 for projects that address any of the following topics: 1) Demonstrating the impact of peace education on youth through careful assessment; 2) Understanding the relationship between peacebuilding, the social neurosciences, and experimental psychology; or 3) Disseminating information about the shared values of the Abrahamic traditions — Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Priority will be given to applications that focus on disseminating information about positive, prosocial, shared values and activities using diverse communications tools, strategies, and platforms. Applications may focus on sharing information about shared values research, dialogue, or collaborative joint activities involving Muslims, Christians, and/or Jews. Letters of Intent must be received no later than June 25, 2015; selected applicants will be invited to submit full proposals. Visit the EHF website for complete guidelines: http://www.elhibrifoundation.org/grants/seekers/grant-focal-areas

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

*OCTOBER 1 The Samuel H. Kress Foundation History of Art Grant Program supports scholarly projects that enhance the appreciation and understanding of European art and architecture, from antiquity to the dawn of the modern era. Grants are awarded to projects that create and disseminate specialized knowledge, including archival projects, the development and dissemination of scholarly databases, documentation projects, museum exhibitions and publications, photographic campaigns, scholarly catalogs and publications, and technical and scientific studies. The program also supports activities that permit art historians to share their expertise through international exchanges, professional meetings, conferences, symposia, consultations, the presentation of research, and other professional events. In previous years, grant amounts have ranged from $1,000 to $100,000. See the Kress Foundation website for complete program guidelines, information about previous grant recipients, and application instructions: http://www.kressfoundation.org/grants/default.aspx?id=142

OCTOBER 1 The Samuel H. Kress Foundation Conservation Grants Program supports projects that illuminate European works of art and architecture from antiquity to the early nineteenth century and provides support for the professional practice of art conservation. Grants are awarded to projects that create and disseminate specialized knowledge, including archival projects, the development and dissemination of scholarly databases, documentation projects, exhibitions and publications focused on art conservation, scholarly publications, and technical and scientific studies. Grants are also awarded for activities that enable conservators and conservation scientists to share their expertise with professional colleagues and a broader audience through international exchanges, professional meetings, conferences, symposia, consultations, the presentation of research, exhibitions that include a prominent focus on materials and techniques, and other professional events. See the Kress Foundation website for complete program guidelines, an FAQ, information about previous grant recipients, and application procedures: http://www.kressfoundation.org/grants/conservation/

*Rolling (through July 2017) The International Documentary Association (IDA) is accepting applications for the creation of original, independent documentary films that illuminate pressing issues in the United States. Through the Pare Lorentz Documentary Fund, IDA will award production grants of up to $25,000 to up to a dozen projects that tell a compelling story and focus on one of Pare Lorentz's central concerns -- the appropriate use of the natural environment, justice for all, and/or the illumination of pressing social problems. The fund supports full-length documentary films that reflect the spirit and nature of Pare Lorentz's work and exhibit objective research, artful storytelling, a strong visual style, high production values, excellent writing, and outstanding music composition, as well as skillful direction, camerawork, and editing. Projects must be in production at the time of application, with the bulk of research and development completed but still having substantial production or post-production-related work and expenses remaining. Grant funds may be used for production and post-production-related expenses incurred during the period of support. To be eligible, the applicant must be 18 years of age or older and be a producer and/or director of the submitted work. In addition, the applicant must be an independent filmmaker working on an original project. Applications will be reviewed through July 31, 2017, with grants being awarded quarterly. For eligibility details and application instructions: http://www.documentary.org/pare-lorentz-guidelines

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 Sunday, May 1, 2016