[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 240 (Thursday, December 15, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-30843]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: December 15, 1994]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[FRL-5122-6]

 

Solicitation for Graduate Fellowship Applications--1995; Office 
of Exploratory Research

Introduction

    The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) invites applications 
for graduate fellowships in academic disciplines at the forefront of 
environmental science and technology: The physical, biological, and 
social sciences; mathematics and computer science; and engineering. 
These fellowships are intended to help defray costs associated with 
advanced environmentally-oriented study leading to the masters or 
doctoral degree. EPA expects to award approximately 100 new multi-year 
graduate fellowships in 1995. The remainder of this notice presents 
pertinent background information and describes the application and 
review process.

Background

    The mission of the EPA is to provide leadership in the nation's 
environmental science, research, education, and assessment efforts; 
make sound regulatory and program decisions; and carry out effective 
programs and policies to improve and preserve the quality of the 
national and global environment. Science and technology are central to 
virtually every aspect of environmental protection and seem certain to 
take on progressively greater importance during the foreseeable future. 
Both the public and private sectors will need a steady stream of well-
trained environmental scientists and engineers if our society is to 
meet the environmental challenges of the future. Through its office of 
Research and Development, the EPA is anticipating that need by offering 
financial assistance for advanced study in academic disciplines 
relevant to its mission.

Eligibility

    Applicants must be citizens of the United States or its territories 
or possessions, or lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent 
residence.
    EPA graduate fellowships are intended for students already enrolled 
into a full-time graduate program at an accredited U.S. college or 
university.
    Women, minorities, and disabled students who are pursuing graduate 
degrees in one of the eligible fields are especially encouraged to 
apply.

Tenure

    The term of a graduate fellowship is negotiated with students and 
ordinarily covers a period of 9 to 12 months for each fellowship year; 
funds for unutilized months are forfeited. Students seeking a masters 
degree are supported for a maximum period of two years; students 
seeking doctoral degrees are supported for a maximum period of three 
years.

Stipends And Allowances

    The Graduate Fellowship Program provides up to $34,000 per year of 
support. A maximum of $68,000 will be provided for masters fellows (2 
years) while doctoral fellows can receive up to $102,000 in support (3 
years). Individuals accepting this support may not concurrently hold 
other Federal scholarships, fellowships, or traineeships. The $34,000 
annual support covers stipend, tuition, and expenses as follows:
     Stipends during 1995-96 will be $17,000 for 12-month 
tenures and prorated monthly at a maximum of $1,417 for shorter 
periods. Stipends are paid directly to the Fellow. At its discretion, 
each fellowship institution may supplement a Fellow's stipend from 
institutional funds in accordance with the supplementation policy of 
the fellowship institution.
     Tuition support will be up to $12,000 per year, depending 
upon the policies of the fellowship institution, paid directly to the 
institution.
     An expense allowance of up to $5,000 (paid to the 
institution) will be provided for the direct benefit of the fellow, 
e.g., for health insurance, books, supplies, and travel to scientific 
meetings.

Evaluation And Selection

    Each applicant will be evaluated in terms of his/her potential for 
successful graduate study, as evidenced by academic records, faculty 
recommendations, and career goals and objectives. Applicants pursuing a 
masters degree will be evaluated further on their outlined plan of 
study and/or proposed thesis research. Applicants pursuing the doctoral 
degree will be evaluated further on the technical merit of their plan 
of proposed dissertation research and its relevance to the EPA mission. 
Panels of scientists, mathematicians, and engineers selected by EPA 
will perform the reviews.
    In the review process, the applicants will fall into two 
categories: masters and doctoral. Students seeking a masters degree 
will compete against each other, and students seeking a doctoral degree 
will compete against each other.
    Selections of awardees will be made by EPA based on the panel 
evaluations, program goals, and availability of funds. The written 
evaluation summarizing the review panel's findings will be made 
available to the applicant.

How To Apply

    Interested students may request an initial application from the 
following sources:
     Campus offices of Graduate Deans, Deans of Mathematics, 
Science, and Engineering Departments, and Multi/Interdisciplinary 
Studies.
     Virginia E. Broadway, Attn: Graduate Fellowships, Office 
of Exploratory Research (8703), Room 3102, NEM, 40l M Street, SW., 
Washington, DC 20460, E-MAIL BROADWAY.VIRGINIA@
EPAMAIL.EPA.GOV, Fax No: 202-260-0211.

Application

    A complete application consists of the following documents:
     EPA Form 5770-2 (pages 1 and 2), ``Fellowship 
Application''--Submit an original and two copies.
     EPA Form 5770-4, ``Fellowship Applicant Qualifications 
Inquiry''--Recommendations from three scientists or faculty members are 
required.
     EPA Form 5700-49, ``Debarment and Suspension 
Certification''--This form should be signed by the applicant.
     One page statement outlining Plan of Study and/or Proposed 
Thesis Research.--This applies to those students seeking a masters 
degree. The statement should be co-signed by the applicant and sponsor.
     A statement (up to five pages) summarizing Plan of 
Proposed Dissertation Research--This applies to those students seeking 
a doctoral degree. The statement should be co-signed by the applicant 
and sponsor.
     Academic transcripts. Transcripts must bear the official 
institutional seal.
    Please Note: Each applicant should arrange with registrars and 
sponsors to have transcripts and recommendations mailed to the 
applicant in sealed envelopes. The original Form 5770-2 (and two 
copies), sealed transcript(s), sealed recommendations, and one-page 
statement of study/research plans should be placed in one envelope and 
mailed to the following address: Virginia Broadway, Office of 
Exploratory Research (8703), Office of Research and Development, U.S. 
Environmental Protection Agency, Room NE 3102, 401 M Street, SW., 
Washington, DC 20460, Telephone No: 202-260-7473.
    Applications will be considered invalid if all of the components 
(see above) are not mailed to EPA in the same envelope.
    February 13, 1995: Deadline for receipt of application. It is the 
applicant's responsibility to meet the deadline. If the application is 
mailed within five (5) days prior to receipt date, it is recommended 
that express mail or courier service be used.
    Mid-April 1995: EPA will notify all applicants regarding their 
status. The letters of notification will be sent to each applicant's 
permanent address.
Robert J. Huggett,
Ph.D, Assistant Administrator for Research and Development.
[FR Doc. 94-30843 Filed 12-14-94; 8:45 am]
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