Mission

 The Maine Space Grant Consortium is an affiliate of NASA’s National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program.  The mission of the Maine Space Grant Consortium is to support NASA’s mission and four strategic enterprises by strengthening Maine’s aerospace related research and education assets, which are critical to the Agency.

 

Purpose of the Fellowship & Scholarship Program

 

The purpose of the Maine Space Grant Consortium Fellowship and Scholarship Programs at the University of Maine is to provide research opportunities to undergraduate and graduate students in aerospace technology, space science, earth science, and human exploration/space development, and other science or engineering related fields.   With Maine Space Grant Fellowships and Scholarships support, undergraduate and graduate students at affiliate institutions may:

 

·         Conduct research in areas of interest to NASA,

·         Spend time conducting research at a NASA flight center,

·         Facilitate the development of a liaison between researchers at the University of Maine and one of NASA’s centers, and

·         Facilitate technology transfer from the University of Maine to industry.

 

All applications submitted to this program will be critically evaluated based on their relevance to NASA's mission for the National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program.  Collaboration with researchers at NASA Space flight centers is highly encouraged as well as collaboration with industry, among departments within the same institution, and among institutions within the State of Maine.  Women and minorities are especially encouraged to apply to this program.

 

The following pages detail the intent, requirements, and awards for the Maine Space Grant Consortium Fellowship and Scholarship Programs at the University of Maine.

 

MAINE SPACE GRANT CONSORTIUM GRADUATE RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MAINE

 

The focus of the proposed project must be aligned with the research priorities of NASA’s earth and space science strategic enterprises. The project may be an ongoing one or a new project. Proposals will be reviewed and awarded on an annual basis. The graduate research fellow and a faculty advisor shall agree to provide the end data for the project in the form of a final project report and an informational CMIS form which will be provided by the sponsor.

Eligibility

For a student to be eligible for a Graduate Research Fellowship Award, the following criteria must be met:

·         The student must be a US citizen, and

·         The student must be enrolled or intending to enroll on a full-time basis in an approved graduate program at the University of Maine.

Duration of a Graduate Research Fellowship Award

Fellowships are available for a period of one year.

Amount of Awards

Four graduate fellowships of $6,000 each and act as a Research Assistantship Supplement.  Priority will be given to minority students.  Maximum number of awards is 2 per student.

 

MAINE SPACE GRANT CONSORTIUM UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MAINE

 

The focus of the proposed project must be aligned with the research priorities of NASA’s earth and space science strategic enterprises. The proposed project may be an ongoing one or a new project. The scholarship will be in the form of an undergraduate research assistantship. Proposals will be reviewed and awarded on an annual basis. The undergraduate research assistant and a faculty supervisor shall agree to provide the end data for the project in the form of a final project report and an informational CMIS form which will be provided by the sponsor.

Eligibility

For a student to be eligible for an Undergraduate Research Scholarship Award, the following criteria must be met:

·         The student must be a US citizen, and

·         The student must be enrolled on a full-time basis in an approved undergraduate program at the University of Maine.

Duration of an Undergraduate Research Scholarship Award

Scholarships are available for one year. A student must reapply for continuation of an award beyond the first year.  The limit for any given student is two awards.  Students are expected to work during the summer months and when funds permit during the semester.

Amount of Awards

A scholarship award for an undergraduate student is approximately $3,000 per year.   

 

MAINE SPACE GRANT CONSORTIUM MINORITY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MAINE

 

The focus of the proposed project must be aligned with the research priorities of NASA’s earth and space science strategic enterprises. The proposed project may be an ongoing one or a new project. The scholarship will be in the form of an undergraduate research assistantship. Proposals will be reviewed and awarded on an annual basis. The undergraduate research assistant and a faculty supervisor shall agree to provide the end data for the project in the form of a final project report.

 

Eligibility

For a student to be eligible for an Minority Scholarship Award, the following criteria must be met:

·         The student must be a US citizen, and

·         The student must be enrolled on a full-time basis in an approved undergraduate program at the University of Maine.

·         The student must be a member of an underrepresented group as defined by NASA.

Amount of Awards

A minority scholarship award for an undergraduate student is $500 per year.  

 Review Process

Proposals should be written so that a reviewer who is not in the same technical field can understand the goals, objectives, and scope of work, anticipated resources, and benefits to the body of knowledge or science.  For an undergraduate scholarship a statement should be made in the summary regarding your motivation to pursue graduate studies.  A subcommittee appointed by the MSGC University of Maine Representative will conduct the proposal selection.

Proposal Selection Criteria

An applicant must provide justification about how the project will enhance the research areas in which NASA has an interest. A strong application will provide a clear linkage with one of NASA’s four strategic enterprises and it will include collaboration with a NASA center.   Information regarding NASA’s strategic enterprises can be found at http://www.nasa.gov/enterprises.html

 

The following criteria will be central to the evaluation of all proposals:

·         Quality of the proposal narrative.

·         The qualifications of the student.

·         How well the proposal narrative demonstrates alignment with one of NASA’s strategic enterprises

·         Level of faculty supervision.

·         Level of NASA collaboration.

 

All proposals should be addressed to:  (email submission in pdf  format is preferred)

Vincent Caccese

Department of Mechanical Engineering

5711 Boardman Hall

University of Maine

Orono, ME 04469-5711

Tel: (207) 581-2131      Fax: (207) 581-2379

Email: Vince_Caccese@umit.maine.edu

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