2009 GAANN Fellowship Program in Microsystems Engineering

The Microsystems Engineering Program in the Kate Gleason College of Engineering has been awarded a Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need (GAANN) grant by the U.S. Department of Education. The purpose of the program is to provide graduate fellowships for students with exceptional academic records in the fields of engineering and science to work toward a PhD degree in Microsystems Engineering.

The focus of this RIT GAANN program is to train the best and brightest students to conduct research and teaching in order to contribute to the U.S. competitiveness in fields of microsystems engineering and nanotechnology. Students supported by the program as GAANN Fellows will be trained by the top research and teaching faculty from the departments within RIT's Kate Gleason College of Engineering and RIT's College of Science including Electrical and Microelectronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Industrial and Systems Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, and Chemistry. The Microsystem Engineering PhD program will provide these students with a unique inter-disciplinary experience and provide an opportunity for the students to become pioneers in critical fields of research and technology

RIT GAANN Fellowships are awarded on a competitive basis to cover tuition and stipend. Awards are limited to U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Women and students from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds are especially encouraged to apply. Candidates must demonstrate financial need and plan to pursue a PhD degree in Microsystems Engineering with an interest in teaching.

The Microsystems Engineering Program in the Kate Gleason College of Engineering is a multidisciplinary PhD degree program which builds on the fundamentals of traditional engineering and science combined with curriculum and research activities to address the technical challenges of micro- and nano-systems. The goals of the RIT GAANN program are integral to the program. Specific RIT GAANN objectives include:

1. Increasing the number of PhD students in the fields of microsystems and nanotechnology, including students from historically underrepresented groups.
2. Ensuring that the highest quality students are recruited into the program and are retained throughout their program of study.
3. Providing the required resources for the GAANN supported Fellows to be involved in the cutting-edge research and teaching in the field of microsystems engineering and nanotechnology.

Eligibility

The RIT GAANN Fellowships are intended for individuals new to or in the early stages of the PhD program in Microsystems Engineering. Specific eligibility requirements include:

1. Applications must be U.S. citizens or nationals or have permanent resident status at the time of application.
2. Fellowships are open for students to pursue a PhD degree in Microsystems Engineering at RIT.
3. Applicants should have no more than twelve months of doctoral study at the time of the application.
4. A minimum combined GRE score of 1250 and a minimum score of 4.0 in analytical writing are required.
5. Women and students from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds are especially encouraged to apply.
6. Applicants should have an interest in pursuing research and teaching careers after the completion of their PhD
7. Fellows should have an expected completion of their PhD degree in Microsystems Engineering within five years.

Support Level

GAANN Fellowships provide full tuition and a stipend of up to $30,000/yr. with student health insurance provided by RIT.

How to Apply

The GAANN Fellowships are offered through a competitive process and are awarded based on outstanding academic achievement, financial need, and the relevance of the student's research interests. Applications are due by February 15, 2010. Applicants should provide the following information in their application package:

1. Personal information including complete permanent address, complete mailing address, email address, telephone number, date and place of birth, gender, race and ethnicity (select the group with which you most closely identify: Hispanic or Latino, American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian, Black or African American, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, Caucasian).
2. GRE test scores.
3. A list of all academic institutions attended and degrees awarded with GPAs received and thesis title (if any).
4. Any academic awards received (scholarships, scientific or engineering student leadership roles, honors, awards, and any other recognition since entering college).
5. Any professional work experience.
6. A description of your proposed research area and your interest in microsystems engineering, described in a concise (one page) statement.
7. Three reference letters completed by scientists, engineers, or faculty members who have recent or current knowledge of the applicant's academic accomplishments and professional or research experience.

Application should be made by submitting all required information by mail to:

Dr. Bruce Smith
Microsystems Engineering Director
Kate Gleason College of Engineering
Rochester Institute of Technology
77 Lomb Memorial Dr.
Rochester, NY 14623

Notice of GAANN Fellowship awards will be made though the Microsystems Engineering Program at RIT. For additional information, please contact Dr. Bruce Smith at bwsemc@rit.edu.