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Spring 2024 Graduate Research Travel Grant Recipient Spotlight: Lexi Farina | HSPH

The Harvard Center for African Studies offers funding to Harvard graduate students traveling to Africa for thesis or dissertation research or for fieldwork connected to an academic project. At the end of their CAS-sponsored travels, students must submit a written report detailing their research experience, including some of the challenges and highlights from their time in Africa. We are excited to showcase the great work our grant recipients are doing by sharing some of their reports. Below is the written report from HSPH student, Lexi Farina, who travelled to Tanzania with the Africa Academic for Public Health for her research project entitled:  Role of Food Vendors in School Food Environments: Exploratory Qualitative Study in Tanzania.

The Role of Food Vendors in School Food Environments: A Qualitative Study in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Lexi Farina | HSPH

What is for lunch today? Many students wonder this as they sit in school. A nutritious and balanced meal can help fuel their brains to support their studies. In Dar es Salaam City, Tanzania, a school-based survey with 1257 students conducted by the Africa Research, Implementation Science, and Education (ARISE) Network found many schools lack a cafeteria or canteen. Therefore, students rely on food vendors to purchase food while at school. These vendors are small-scale entrepreneurs who sell a variety of prepared foods and beverages either within the school premise or within a 5-minute walking distance around the perimeter of the school. The vendors often sell snacks, processed foods, and fried foods, with fewer vendors selling fruits and animal products. Beyond the types of foods sold, little is known about the role of food vendors. Therefore, this research aims to investigate the role of food vendors in supporting access to diverse and nutritious foods for adolescent students at school . This work is done in collaboration with the Africa Academy for Public Health (AAPH), an independent organization based in Tanzania dedicated to advancing public health priorities in sub-Saharan Africa through innovative research, training, capacity building, and knowledge translation.

Research Methodology In June 2024, I had the privilege of traveling to Dar es Salaam and working with the AAPH team to conduct a series of qualitative data collections with various stakeholder groups at two secondary schools. This included four workshops with 33 food vendors, located both within and around the school premises, to discuss their food offerings, interactions with adolescents, and the challenges and enablers to providing nutritious food. Additionally, we conducted focus group discussions with 32 adolescent students to learn about their decision-making processes regarding food choices and vendor utilization. Finally, we held two interviews with the school principals of each secondary school to gain their perspectives on the school food environment and interactions with food vendors. In each of these sessions, we also brainstormed potential solutions and implementation strategies for improving access to nutritious foods in the future.

Highlights & Challenges

Highlights An exciting aspect of the research process was the opportunity to use creative methods for data collection. For the food vendor workshops we moved beyond simple question-and-answer sessions by incorporating various engaging activities. For example, we used picture cards displaying different food items to assess perceptions of healthfulness. Additionally, we had participants work in teams to create meals using the food items they sold, reflecting on aspects such as nutrition, affordability, and adolescent likeability. These activities not only made the sessions more engaging but also helped overcome literacy barriers among the participants.

Another highlight was hearing experiences from a diverse set of stakeholders to gain a complete understanding of the school food environment. To demonstrate this point, I will share a brief example. At one school, food vendors switched from selling fried cassava to boiled cassava to comply with government guidelines promoting nutritious foods in schools. However, this change led to a decrease in sales because students preferred fried cassava. In response, the vendors began to alternate between selling boiled and fried cassava every other day. The students quickly caught on and would save their money for the fried cassava days. This example highlights the importance of incorporating perspectives of all stakeholders to ensure future solutions are mutually beneficial to the school, food vendors, and the nutrition of the students.

Lastly, I was inspired to see the willingness of food vendors to play an active role in promoting nutritious food, despite the limited resources available. Many of the food vendors within the school are parents of students and mentioned feeling a responsibility to act as parents to all students. They try to help out where they can, such as giving free food to students who don’t have money. I am excited that this research begins to explore potential solutions that will enable food vendors to better support their community that they care deeply about.

Challenges This process also included many challenges along the way. A major personal challenge is that I do not speak Swahili, the local language in Tanzania, so I had to rely on my colleagues at AAPH to lead the data collection activities. This was difficult for me as qualitative research relies on a deep understanding of participants’ experiences as well as cultural and contextual nuances. Additionally, logistical challenges required flexibility from the research team. First, the data collection activities took place while students were on a month-long break from school, so our sample was limited to the students taking courses during the break. Additionally, food vendors are very busy people, so it was challenging for some groups to attend the full workshop as they had to prepare their foods to be sold. Finally, some of the materials for the food vendor workshops had to be adapted on the spot due to the literacy challenges faced by the participants. Despite these obstacles, I am grateful for the support from the AAPH team, who helped me adapt and overcome these challenges to complete the work.

Next Steps The team is currently analyzing the data collected and will write a report of the findings. The report will be shared with the school community and other relevant stakeholders to inform program and policy change to benefit adolescent nutrition. Ideally, this work will also shape ongoing research efforts by AAPH and HSPH to develop an whole-school intervention to improve nutrition by incorporating food vendors in the next phase.

Learn more and apply for the CAS Graduate Research Travel Grants on our website . 

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Society of Automotive Historians Travel-to-Collection Grant

The Society of Automotive Historians Travel-to-Collection Grant provides support for students and scholars to use the Kettering University Archives collections. The award covers research for specific scholarly work such as an article, book, chapter, lecture, film, paper, thesis, or dissertation. The research may cover any area of automotive history, and the recipient will receive a complimentary one-year SAH digital membership. We welcome students, scholars, and researchers from all disciplines to apply.

Reimbursement and Terms of Grant

The Society of Automotive Historians Travel-to-Collection Grant provides up to $1,500 in reimbursement for travel, hotel, and dining expenses for a one-week minimum research residency at the Kettering University Archives in Flint, Michigan. At the end of the residency, the researcher will present their thesis and research findings to a gathering of SAH members and Kettering University faculty, staff, and students.

Application Process

Applications will be accepted from September 1st through November 15th, 2024, for research to be completed in 2025. Successful applicants will be notified of the Selection Committee’s decision in February 2025. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Preference will be given to applicants who must travel 100 miles or more to reach the Collection. Applicants should include a description and goals of the research, a travel budget and timeline, two letters of support, and the researcher’s curriculum vitae.

Please send all questions and completed applications to the grant committee at  [email protected] .

Grant Selection Committee

Kettering University

1700 University Ave.

Flint, MI 48504

EMCR seed and travel funding recipients 2024

The seed funding grants enable Charles Perkins Centre EMCRs to undertake pilot projects, enhancing their career progression and future opportunities and success. 

The travel funding grants support recipients to attend research-related activities both in Australia and abroad, that contribute to their professional development.  

The Charles Perkins Centre is proud to support this initiative establishing a program specifically for, and administered by, EMCRs. The generous support provided by the Nicholas Catchlove Early Career Researcher Development Fund to the EMCR Committee has enabled the awarding of a record number of seed and travel funding grants to the CPC EMCR community.

“The Charles Perkins Centre is delighted to continue its support of our extraordinary community of EMCRs – our approach to having a dedicated Committee has always been a unique initiative since our inception and fosters our multidisciplinarity, as well as supports our next generation,” said Professor Stephen J Simpson AC, Academic Director, Charles Perkins Centre. 

“We are delighted to support seed and travel funding – an idea which came from the Committee itself – and I’m astonished at the variety of projects put forward. These opportunities are designed to empower our EMCRs to pursue innovative and interdisciplinary research and I’m very much looking forward to seeing the fruits it bears,” he said. 

The seed funding grants enable early- and mid- career researchers to undertake pilot projects, enhancing their career progression and future success. The travel funding grants allow recipients to travel to attend research-related activities that contribute to their professional development, both domestically and internationally.  

“Congratulations to the recipients; we look forward to hearing about your progress and celebrating your continued success” said Jia Nasir, departing co-chair of the CPC EMCR Committee.

L-R Ms Sally Badorrek, Dr Sarah Barakat, Dr Belenda Yau, Dr Dori Patay, Dr Jasmine Yee, Dr Michael Gotsbacher, Dr Kevin Law, Dr Nicholas Koemel, Dr Rajshri Roy, Ms Tiffany Goh.  

CPC EMCR Initiative Seed Funding Recipients 2024

Ms sally badorrek | phd student.

Ms  Sally Badorrek

Project | General practitioner and patient perspectives on community-based post-bariatric surgery care |

Summary | Bariatric surgery remains an increasingly popular option for sustained weight loss. General Practitioners (GPs) are pivotal in postoperative patient care. Anecdotal evidence and limited scholarly research show significant gaps in this care, leading to suboptimal patient outcomes and diminished GP confidence. As part of a PhD project embedded within the CPC Nepean Lifespan Obesity Node, we aim to understand the facilitators and barriers to effective post bariatric surgery patient care from the perspectives of both GPs and patients. This insight is critical for laying the foundation necessary to devise and implement targeted strategies to enhance GP management practices and improve patient care.

Dr Sarah Barakat | Postdoctoral researcher

Dr  Sarah Barakat

Project | Understanding mechanisms driving obesity: Applying nutritional geometry to binge eating 

Summary | Binge eating is a key driver of excessive weight gain and highly comorbid with overweight and obesity. Whilst binge eating has largely been conceptualized as a psychological illness, there is emerging evidence to suggest that the behaviour may be influenced by inadequate levels of protein intake. We will for the first time apply nutritional geometry to existing food diary records of 200 people with a diagnosed binge eating disorder, to investigate whether insufficient protein intake constitutes a key driver of overconsumption and loss of dietary control. This unique and innovative multidisciplinary approach uses nutritional ecology, evolutionary biology and psychology approaches to understand the underlying mechanisms of binge eating and associated obesity from a psycho-biological perspective.

Ms Tiffany Goh | PhD student

Ms  Tiffany Goh

Project | Reducing blood clots on cardiovascular medical devices, using a metal thrombosis-on-a-chip model to identify biological, engineering, material and clinical solutions

Summary | Cardiovascular disease treatment, management and prevention requires a range of blood-contacting medical devices. Fatally, all such devices carry the side effect of blood clotting (thrombosis), causing device failure via blockage, and threatens patient safety with stroke and embolism. To improve future-generation cardiovascular device efficacy, we developed a novel device thrombosis-on-a-chip model, which identified engineering, material, and clinical changes that reduce clotting, while elucidating biological mechanisms causing thrombosis on polymer devices. This seed funding grant will now implement a new metal thrombosis-on-a-chip model to seek real-world solutions to make metal ventricular assist devices (VADs), total artificial hearts (TAHs) and stents safer.

Dr Michael Gotsbacher | Postdoctoral researcher

Dr  Michael Gotsbacher

Project | A mass spectrometry-based ligand discovery platform

Summary | This project will establish the development of a disease-agnostic screening platform to identify novel ligands for any protein of interest (POI) from a vast library of fungal metabolites. This work will establish a high-throughput workflow using mass spectrometry (MS) paired with computational analysis (molecular networking) to find novel, small natural products that bind specifically to the POI. Consequently, the identified hits will enable the discovery of chemical probes or drug candidates.

Dr Nicholas Koemel | Postdoctoral researcher

Dr  Nicholas Koemel

Project | Optimal variations of sleep, physical activity, and nutrition (SPAN) for glycaemic control in women: A 24-Hour wearable technology approach 

Summar | Sleep, Physical Activity, and Nutrition (SPAN) play pivotal roles in the development of non-communicable diseases, with well-documented individual effects on glycaemic control. However, no research has examined these behaviours collectively while considering possible synergistic effects across the 24-hour window. This study employs an integrative multidisciplinary 24-hour wearables approach, using continuous glucose monitors and research-grade activity trackers to investigate the interplay between SPAN behaviours and glycaemic control in a sample of 40 women from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Taken together, this study aims to identify the optimal variations, dose, and timing of SPAN behaviours for the early prevention of type 2 diabetes in women.

Dr Kevin Law | Postdoctoral researcher

Dr  Kevin Law

Project | What makes us breathe? A novel dual-reporter human stem cell line to efficiently generate respiratory neurons for the modelling of central sleep apnea 

Summary | Central sleep apnea (CSA) is a chronic sleep disorder where respiratory neurons that initiate involuntary breathing become disrupted and cease breathing. Although breathing is the essence of life, there is limited research on human respiratory neurons and CSA. Human stem cells are a powerful tool to study live human cells and model disorders due to their potential to differentiate into any cell type, including respiratory neurons. Here, we aim to genetically engineer a dual-reporter human stem cell line to optimise a respiratory neuron differentiation protocol that can be used to uncover the biology of breathing and CSA.

Dr Dori Patay | Postdoctoral researcher

Dr  Dori Patay

Project | Strengthening national food system governance: lessons from the Ministry of Food in Bangladesh 

Summary | This project investigates how food systems can be better governed to improve health, social, environmental, and economic outcomes simultaneously. Working with a multidisciplinary team of Australian and Bangladeshi researchers, this project draws lessons from Bangladesh’s whole-of-food system governance, centring on the Ministry of Food. We will perform a qualitative governance analysis informed by systems thinking to produce new evidence about the drivers that shape how the Ministry of Food is able to forge coherence between food system policies and stakeholders, and design a system map for identifying leverage points to strengthen food system governance in Bangladesh.

Dr Rajshri Roy | Post-doctoral researcher

Dr  Rajshri Roy

Project | Co-designing a heart healthy social media health promotion with young Australian women 

Summary | The project focuses on adapting a previously successful New Zealand Daily Health Coach (DHC) social media health promotion program for young Australian women. This project leverages social media platforms to promote heart-healthy behaviours, targeting nutrition, physical activity, and mental well-being. By tailoring the DHC program to the Australian context, we aim to engage young women in proactive cardiovascular health management. The seed funding will support the co-design process, ensuring that the content is culturally relevant and accessible. The seed project will be used to design and pilot-test this intervention in a larger study for improving dietary and lifestyle behaviours of young Australian women. 

Dr Belinda Yau | Postdoctoral researcher

Dr  Belinda Yau

Project | Does Cab45 regulate proinsulin trafficking in pancreatic beta-cells?

Summary | Cab45 is a calcium binding protein recently discovered to have a role in insulin secretory function in pancreatic beta cells. Cab45 deletion in beta cells leads to impaired insulin granule secretion, however its mechanism of action is not understood. This project aims to investigate whether Cab45 mediates the trafficking / sorting of proinsulin at the trans-Golgi network, the site of insulin granule formation, using a fluorescent proinsulin tracking marker.

Dr Jasmine Yee | Postdoctoral researcher

Dr  Jasmine Yee

Project | Exercise-induced immune cell mobilisation in advanced melanoma: a comparison of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) vs moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) 

Summary | Checkpoint inhibitors, an immunotherapy for advanced melanoma, significantly improve survival by reactivating T-cell subsets and Natural Killer cells. Exercise similarly mobilises these cells, suggesting its potential to enhance immunotherapy response. This project aims to quantify, for the first time, the immune response to moderate- and high-intensity exercise in people receiving immunotherapy for advanced melanoma. By identifying the aerobic exercise intensity most likely to boost immunotherapy effectiveness, this work lays the foundation for evaluating exercise as an adjuvant therapy to improve cancer outcomes, such as disease-free and overall survival.

CPC EMCR Initiative Travel Funding Recipients 2024

Ms Aileen Zeng | PhD student

Ms Allyson Todd | PhD student

Ms Andriana Korai | PhD student

Dr Angelo Sabag | Postdoctoral researcher

Ms Anna Hoffman | PhD student

Ms Ashleigh Hooimeyer | PhD student

Ms Emma Cox | PhD student

Ms Hannah Melville | PhD student

Ms Jacqueline Chan | PhD student

Ms Jessica Hawes | PhD student

Dr Karen Lee | Postdoctoral researcher

Ms Lucy Corbett | Postdoctoral researcher

Mr Manori Jayasinghe | PhD student

Ms Melody Taba | PhD student

Dr Susan Mengyun Luo | Postdoctoral researcher

Ms Pippy Walker | Postdoctoral researcher

Ms Qingzhou Liu | PhD student

Dr Raaj Kishore Biswas | Postdoctoral researcher

Dr Rachael Ireland | Postdoctoral researcher

Ms Yvonne Kong | PhD student

Dr Zoe Szewczyk | Postdoctoral researcher

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Related articles

Climate change, environment and cardiovascular health, cpc summer research scholarships: q&a with zoe zhang, cpc summer research scholarships: q&a with matthew shu.

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Programs and Offices for Northeastern’s International Community.

International student hub.

Welcome to the International Student Hub — a place to learn about and connect with Northeastern's International community!

• Office of Global Services
• Global Student Success
• Global Pathways
• Graduate Programs
• Undergraduate Admissions
• Bachelor’s Completion
• Pre-College

Students Studying in The United States Academic Activities Outside of the U.S.

Are you considering traveling outside of the U.S. for study, global co-op, or graduate research? Learn how to maintain your F-1/J-1 student status!

As a global research university, Northeastern University students are encouraged to pursue academic opportunities across the Global Campus Network and beyond. When F-1/J-1 students pursue academic experiences outside of the U.S., it is important that they work with the appropriate Northeastern department, as well as with the Office of Global Services (OGS) to ensure that they can maintain their F-1/J-1 status while they are outside of the country.

• If you are interested in studying outside the U.S., contact the  Global Experience Office (GEO) to learn about the variety of programs that they offer
• If you are interested in participating in a global co-op, contact a co-op coordinator in your college. You can also learn more about global co-ops on the Employer Engagement and Career Design website
• If pursuing graduate research abroad is a requirement of your graduate program, connect with an advisor in your Graduate School

Once you have confirmed your participation in study abroad, global co-op, or graduate research abroad, you must report your activities to OGS via the instructions below.

Reporting Academic Activities Outside of the U.S. to OGS and Maintaining F-1/J-1 Student Status

International students may not be readmitted to the u.s. if they have been outside the country for more than 5-months that is unconnected to study; therefore, it is vital that you appropriately report your academic activities to ogs prior to departing the country, study abroad.

Requesting an I-20/DS-2019 for Study Abroad

F-1/J-1 students studying abroad during required academic terms ​  will require an updated I-20/DS-2019 with a study abroad remark.  The updated I-20/DS-2019 will have a travel signature that is valid for one year. Please be aware of the program end date on page 1 of the I-20/DS-2019. If the program end date  will occur   in  less than one year, the travel signature is valid only  until the program end date  listed on your I-20/DS-2019.  

• This letter should contain the exact dates and location (institution, city, country) of the study abroad experience
• Submit the OGS e-form Request for SEVIS I-20/DS-2019 .

Please note:

• A letter from your host institution abroad or other agency/company will  not  be acceptable.
• If you study abroad  only during the summer term , you do not need to request a study abroad I-20/DS-2019.

Maintaining Status While Studying Abroad

• You are required to  maintain full-time enrollment  in order to  maintain your F-1/J-1 nonimmigrant status while  studying  abroad.   Any changes in enrollment during your study abroad program could affect your ability to return to the U.S.  
• If you will require additional time to complete your degree requirements beyond the end date of your I-20/DS-2019, you must  submit a request for a program extension

Please note that F-1/J-1 students are not permitted to study abroad in their final academic term.

Global Co-op

Requesting a Travel Signature for Global Co-op

All students on Global Co-op should have a travel signature that is less than 12-months old. If you require a new travel signature, please submit a request to OGS. Students are also advised to carry a letter with them when re-entering the U.S. that explains their academic activities outside of the U.S. Below is a sample letter you may modify and sign yourself to bring with you, or you may travel with a letter from your Global Co-op employer. OGS also recommends that you travel with your transcripts to provide evidence of your enrollment in classes while outside of the U.S.

• Travel Signature Request e-form
• Sample Template Letter
• Northeastern Transcript Request

Employment authorization is only required for F-1/J-1 students who are physically located inside of the U.S.; therefore, if you are participating in a Global Co-op outside of the U.S., you will not require work authorization.

However, if you return to the U.S. to perform work for any period of time during the Global Co-op period (such as a business trip or conference), you will require employment authorization. Please contact OGS for further guidance if you believe that you will be in this situation.

Maintaining Status While Participating in Global Co-op

• You are required to  maintain full-time enrollment  in order to maintain your F-1/J-1 nonimmigrant status while participating in global co-op .   Any changes in enrollment during your global co-op could affect your ability to return to the U.S.  

Graduate Research Abroad

Requesting an I-20/DS-2019 for Graduate Research Abroad

In order to be approved by OGS for research abroad,  you must maintain your full-time registration status at Northeastern University . Additionally, your overseas research project must be required to complete your degree.

What you will need in order to be authorized by OGS:

• A letter from the institution where you are doing your research will  not  be acceptable
• Passport ID page
• Most recent I-94 record
• F-1/J-1 visa (if applicable)

Once you have compiled these documents, please complete Graduate Research Abroad e-form.

Maintaining Status During Graduate Research Abroad

• You are required to  maintain full-time registration status in order to maintain your F-1/J-1 nonimmigrant status while doing research abroad .   Any changes in enrollment could affect your ability to return to the U.S.  
• If you plan to extend your graduate research abroad, you will require a new graduate research abroad I-20/DS-2019 with appropriate remark

Recommended Travel Documents

At the conclusion of your academic activities abroad, you should prepare the following documents to re-enter the U.S. and resume your studies at Northeastern University:

• Passport (valid for at least six months from the date you return to the U.S.)
• If your F-1/J-1 visa is expired or will expire while abroad, you will need to apply for a new visa before making travel plans to return to the US. 
• Form I-20/DS-2019 with valid travel signature  

Students are also advised to carry the following documents:

• Any previously issued I-20s or DS-2019s
• Proof of funding (as reflected on your I-20 or DS-2019)
• You may request an  Enrollment Verification  from the Registrar’s Office or print a copy of your current course registration
• Study Abroad: Copy of your “Letter of Enrollment” from GEO or from the academic department at Northeastern University that is sponsoring the study abroad program
• Global Co-op: Documentation of your global co-op. This may be a self-authored letter documenting the engagement
• Graduate Research Abroad: Copy of your “Graduate Research Abroad Form”

Additional information on international travel can be found on the OGS website     

Emergency Information

Northeastern University Global Safety and Support

The Northeastern Global Safety and Support Network provides travelers with referrals for local healthcare service providers, travel warnings, and emergency assistance services 24-hours a day. They also provide a wealth of information that will assist in pre-travel planning.

All students should plan to register their travel with the Global Safety and Support Office’s Travel Registry tool.

Trouble Returning to the U.S.?

If you need emergency assistance  while  traveling, please call one of the following numbers: 

• If you are at a U.S. Port of Entry (i.e. airport):  +1-617-373-2121  
• If you are departing for your Northeastern campus within 24 hours or are already in transit:  +1-857-214-5332

Related Articles:

Graduate research abroad form, request for updated sevis i-20/ds-2019, frequently asked questions.

UT Research Programs

Academic and research units.

If you’re looking to narrow down your research interests and identify a field of study that appeals to you, the main university list of colleges, schools, departments and other academic units can help you find a program.

The Office of the Vice President for Research provides a list of research units , and also highlights the ongoing work at UT’s research centers.

Campus-wide programs

The Office of Undergraduate Research houses the Research Mentorship and Apprenticeship Program , which provides a cohort of 10–15 students with professional development and research presentation experience, funding to support their activity as research assistants, and assistance connecting with a faculty mentor if they do not already have one.

Students in any college can participate in the Bridging Disciplines Programs , a set of 16 different interdisciplinary certificate programs for undergraduates. BDP s allow you to develop an interdisciplinary specialization that complements your major and combines coursework, internships, and research experiences. BDP advisors can help you identify research experiences and connect you with a faculty mentor.

The McNair Scholars Program seeks to train a new generation of researchers. The program provides participants with many research-related resources, including mentorship about preparing for graduate school, research and travel funding, and the Summer Research Institute.

Dell Med seeks ambitious, innovative individuals to collaborate with faculty and staff on efforts tied to the school’s work in health care transformation. For those who aspire to be a healthcare leader, join the Health Leadership Apprentice ( HLA ) Program .

The University Leadership Network is a nationally recognized incentive-based scholarship program. ULN ’s mission is to encourage and support students to graduate in four years and become leaders through professional and experiential learning opportunities that advance their education, communities, and lives. Students in ULN engage in experiential learning, including undergraduate research.

Discipline-specific programs

The University of Texas at Austin is home to a variety of programs that focus on helping undergraduates find research opportunities within specific fields of study.

• The College of Liberal Arts ( COLA ) provides information about undergraduate research opportunities in the liberal arts, including projects hosted by Psychology, Linguistics, Spanish & Portuguese, the Population Research Center, and many other liberal arts units. COLA also offers many undergraduate research scholarship opportunities, including the Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship Program .
• Within the College of Liberal Arts, the Initiative for Digital Humanities involves students in research via research internships and URAP opportunities .
• The College of Natural Sciences provides numerous resources and sources of funding for undergraduate research , including the TEJAS Award and Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation Summer Research Academy ( LSAMP ). CNS houses the Freshman Research Initiative , which connects incoming students with research streams. Currently enrolled students can apply to join a research stream through the Accelerated Research Initiative . CNS also hosts the Women in Natural Sciences program, which fosters the involvement of women in research.
• Various undergraduate research opportunities exist within the Cockrell School of Engineering , including paid and volunteer research positions and for-credit research programs. The Mechanical Engineering department provides information on ongoing research opportunities. Engineering students can also prepare for research via other programs for engaging in research , including the Equal Opportunity in Engineering Program ( EOE ) and Engineering Student Life ( ESL ).
• The McCombs Undergraduate Research Assistant program provides opportunities for undergraduate business students to assist faculty research objectives.
• The Jackson School of Geosciences has opportunities for undergraduate and graduate student researchers. Students can apply to take part in the Jackson Scholars Program .
• The School of Nursing showcases possible projects for undergraduate involvement in research.
• The Department of Psychology provides resources for students participating in and conducting research.
• The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders welcomes inquiries from undergraduates interested in working in faculty labs on research projects.
• The Department of Linguistics houses several labs that regularly involve undergraduates in research.
• The Department of Astronomy spotlights recent undergraduate projects and ongoing projects welcoming undergraduate involvement.
• Each summer, a number of UT labs and units host summer research programs , some of which are open to UT undergraduates.

Student organizations

Several student organizations around campus provide opportunities for students with similar interests to discuss their work and promote involvement in undergraduate research.

The Senate of College Councils works to advocate for student research on campus in a variety of ways, including co-sponsorship of Research Week.

Other research-oriented student groups at UT maintain up-to-date contact information at Hornslink .

Research support

The Office of Research Support and Compliance provides information about research training and ethics, particularly with respect to biosafety and human and animal research.

Research Units that Work with Undergraduates

The following is a partial list of research units that have been open to working with undergraduate researchers in the past:

Interdisciplinary

• IC2 Institute

Architecture

• Center for Sustainable Development
• Real Estate Finance and Investment Center

Communication

• Annette Strauss Institute for Civic Life
• Voces Oral History Project
• Texas Education Research Center

Engineering

• Applied Research Laboratories
• ARiSE: Advanced Research in Software Engineering

Geosciences

• Institute for Geophysics

Liberal Arts

• Harry Ransom Humanities Research Center
• Teresa Lozano Long Institute of Latin American Studies
• The Delville Lab
• Imaging Research Center

Natural Sciences

• Brackenridge Field Laboratory
• Center for Relativity

Social Work

• Center for Social Work Research

AI makes a rendezvous in space

Space travel is complex, expensive, and risky. Great sums and valuable payloads are on the line every time one spacecraft docks with another. One slip and a billion-dollar mission could be lost. Aerospace engineers believe that autonomous control, like the sort guiding many cars down the road today, could vastly improve mission safety, but the complexity of the mathematics required for error-free certainty is beyond anything on-board computers can currently handle.

In a  new paper  presented at the IEEE Aerospace Conference in March 2024, a team of aerospace engineers at Stanford University reported using AI to speed the planning of optimal and safe trajectories between two or more docking spacecraft. They call it ART – the Autonomous Rendezvous Transformer – and they say it is the first step to an era of safer and trustworthy self-guided space travel.

Hail CAESAR

In autonomous control, the number of possible outcomes is massive. With no room for error, they are essentially open-ended.

“Trajectory optimization is a very old topic. It has been around since the 1960s, but it is difficult when you try to match the performance requirements and rigid safety guarantees necessary for autonomous space travel within the parameters of traditional computational approaches,” said  Marco Pavone , an associate professor of aeronautics and astronautics and co-director of the new Stanford Center for AEroSpace Autonomy Research (CAESAR) . “In space, for example, you have to deal with constraints that you typically do not have on the Earth, like, for example, pointing at the stars in order to maintain orientation. These translate to mathematical complexity.”

“For autonomy to work without fail billions of miles away in space, we have to do it in a way that on-board computers can handle,” added  Simone D’Amico , an associate professor of aeronautics and astronautics and fellow co-director of CAESAR. “AI is helping us manage the complexity and delivering the accuracy needed to ensure mission safety, in a computationally efficient way.”

CAESAR is a collaboration between industry, academia, and government that brings together the expertise of Pavone’s  Autonomous Systems Lab  and D’Amico’s  Space Rendezvous Lab . The Autonomous Systems Lab develops methodologies for the analysis, design, and control of autonomous systems – cars, aircraft, and, of course, spacecraft. The Space Rendezvous Lab performs fundamental and applied research to enable future distributed space systems whereby two or more spacecraft collaborate autonomously to accomplish objectives otherwise very difficult for a single system, including flying in formation, rendezvous and docking, swarm behaviors, constellations, and many others. CAESAR is supported by two founding sponsors from the aerospace industry and, together, the lab is planning a launch workshop for May 2024.

A warm start

The Autonomous Rendezvous Transformer is a trajectory optimization framework that leverages the massive benefits of AI without compromising on the safety assurances needed for reliable deployment in space. At its core, ART involves integrating AI-based methods into the traditional pipeline for trajectory optimization, using AI to rapidly generate high-quality trajectory candidates as input for conventional trajectory optimization algorithms. The researchers refer to the AI suggestions as a “warm start” to the optimization problem and show how this is crucial to obtain substantial computational speed-ups without compromising on safety.

“One of the big challenges in this field is that we have so far needed ‘ground in the loop’ approaches – you have to communicate things to the ground where supercomputers calculate the trajectories and then we upload commands back to the satellite,” explains  Tommaso Guffanti , a postdoctoral fellow in D’Amico’s lab and first author of the paper introducing the Autonomous Rendezvous Transformer. “And in this context, our paper is exciting, I think, for including artificial intelligence components in traditional guidance, navigation, and control pipeline to make these rendezvous smoother, faster, more fuel efficient, and safer.”

Next frontiers

ART is not the first model to bring AI to the challenge of space flight, but in tests in a terrestrial lab setting, ART outperformed other machine learning-based architectures. Transformer models, like ART, are a subset of high-capacity neural network models that got their start with large language models, like those used by chatbots. The same AI architecture is extremely efficient in parsing, not just words, but many other types of data such as images, audio, and now, trajectories.

“Transformers can be applied to understand the current state of a spacecraft, its controls, and maneuvers that we wish to plan,” Daniele Gammelli , a postdoctoral fellow in Pavone’s lab, and also a co-author on the ART paper. “These large transformer models are extremely capable at generating high-quality sequences of data.”

The next frontier in their research is to further develop ART and then test it in the realistic experimental environment made possible by CAESAR. If ART can pass CAESAR’s high bar, the researchers can be confident that it’s ready for testing in real-world scenarios in orbit.

“These are state-of-the-art approaches that need refinement,” D’Amico says. “Our next step is to inject additional AI and machine learning elements to improve ART’s current capability and to unlock new capabilities, but it will be a long journey before we can test the Autonomous Rendezvous Transformer in space itself.”

D’Amico is also the W.M. Keck Faculty Scholar in the School of Engineering and professor of geophysics (by courtesy) in the  Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability . He is the director of the AA Undergraduate Program. As member of the faculty council of the  Stanford Emerging Technology Review (SETR) , D’Amico represents the Space Technology Focus Area. D’Amico and Pavone are both faculty affiliates of the  Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI) . Pavone is also an associate professor (by courtesy) of electrical engineering and of computer science. He is the director of the  Center for Automotive Research at Stanford , the chief faculty advisor of the  Stanford Student Space Initiative , and a member of the  Institute for Computational and Mathematical Engineering (ICME) .

This research was funded in part by the NASA University Leadership Initiative.

Related : Simone D'Amico , associate professor of aeronautics and astronautics

Related : Marco Pavone , associate professor of aeronautics and astronautics

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Call for Applications: TRAvel for CollaborativE Research (TRACER) Grant - Elmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering - Purdue University

Call for Applications: TRAvel for CollaborativE Research (TRACER) Grant

• Evidence of promising research trajectory and motivation for faculty career as judged by the graduate student’s/postdoc’s application essay, CV (including a list of all published/submitted articles and conference papers), and letters of support.
• Strengthening a new collaboration: Purdue and external PIs should not have joint funding or have published together in the previous five years.
• Collaborative excellence: The extent to which the collaboration, if successful, will help grantee in their future faculty career at a top institution.
• TRACER Application form (attached)
• One-page statement describing (a) their research success thus far and career objectives and (b) the potential for collaborative excellence (i.e., include briefly what the collaboration will be about, excellence of collaborator’s group, synergy or complementarity with current research).
• Letter from current Purdue research advisor(s) providing (a) evidence of why they think this PhD student/postdoc has a strong future potential to become a successful faculty at a top Engineering College/University, (b) describing why the collaboration if successful will help the grantee secure future faculty careers at top institutions, and (c) confirming that the collaboration with the external mentor is a new collaboration (see definition within Criteria section above).
• Letter from hosting collaborator, including their (a) interest in the collaboration and (b) commitment to mentoring the student/postdoc toward future faculty careers.
• Current curriculum vitae (CV) – not to exceed 3 pages
• One-page budget showing expected travel and lodging expenditures, other sources of revenue (including fellowship, RA, or other employment, other travel grants, etc.), commitments (if any) from the partnering lab, and the requested travel grant amount.

Attachments

• TRACER_ApplicationForm.pdf

Department of Chemistry

• Mellon College of Science

Chemistry Summer Research Program

May 28 - august 2, 2024.

Carnegie Mellon hosts the Mellon College of Science Summer Scholars Program, a NSF-funded research experience for undergraduates (REU). This will be the 4th year of the program, which is hosted jointly with chemistry, math, physics, and biology. Summer scholars work with graduate students at CMU professors to complete an 8 week research experience (May 28- Aug 2) with topics including environmental chemistry and sustainability, catalysis, and biomaterials. The program is hosted by the MCS Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and includes weekly professional development workshops and social activities designed to enrich the summer experience.

Scholars receive a competitive stipend, travel allowance, and housing support.

Research Opportunities

► bio inspired catalysis, ► biomaterials, ► machine learning and catalysis, ► environmental chemistry, ► analytical chemistry, project descriptions.

• McDonough Lab: A summer research opportunity is available in the McDonough laboratory investigating the bioaccumulation of per/polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in marine benthic organisms. PFASs are toxic water contaminants that are ubiquitous in marine environments and are often stored in sediments at impacted sites. The sediment-water partitioning of these ionizable pollutants is difficult to predict using traditional equilibrium partitioning models. We will be conducting experiments in which marine polychaetes will be exposed to PFAS-fortified marine sediments and the accumulation of PFASs in polychaete tissue will be measured over time to determine uptake rates, biota-sediment accumulation factors, and elimination rates, and to describe the impacts of water and sediment quality parameters on these values. These data will be used to advance our understanding of the predominant biological reservoirs for PFASs and to investigate the mechanisms that drive PFAS partitioning and uptake between marine sediments, porewater, and benthic biota.
• Garcia-Bosch Lab: A summer research opportunity is available in the Garcia-Bosch lab to develop catalysts based on 3d metals (Cu, Fe) capable of performing oxidative transformations (e.g. C-H hydroxylation reactions, alcohol dehydrogenation) using green oxidants (dioxygen and/or hydrogen peroxide).
• Kurnikova Lab: Details coming soon!
• Gomes Lab: Details coming soon!

Application requirements

• Unofficial transcripts of each institution that you attended, regardless of whether you received a degree there. 
• An official copy will be required in the event that you are accepted.
• Updated Resume or CV
• 1-page statement of purpose explaining previous experiences, your motivation for wanting to participate in this program, and your research interests. Please describe any barriers and challenges to gaining research experience that you have encountered.
• One letter of recommendation 

Questions can be directed to:  [email protected]

Application deadline: march 1, 2024, applications for the 2024 summer experience are now closed.

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Defining Active Travel: A Response to Cook et al, 2022

Harriet Larrington-Spencer (University of Westminster)

Volume 3 • Issue 2 • 2023 • Regular Issue

Add to the conversation on active travel, volume 3 • issue 1 • 2023 • special issue: electric micromobility futures.

Active Travel Studies is a peer reviewed, open access journal intended to provide a source of authoritative research on walking, wheeling, cycling and other forms of active travel. In the context of a climate emergency, widespread health problems associated with inactivity, and poor air quality caused in large part by fossil fuel transport, the journal is relevant and timely. It performs the critical function of providing practitioners and policy makers with access to current and robust findings on all subjects relevant to active travel.

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Volume 4 • Issue 1 • 2024 • Regular Issue

Research articles.

Integrating Perceptions, Physical Features and the Quality of the Walking Route into an Existing Accessibility Tool: The Perceived Environment Walking Index (PEWI)

Anna-Lena van der Vlugt, Christian Gerten and Joachim Scheiner

2024-03-08 Volume 4 • Issue 1 • 2024 • Regular Issue

Shifting Gears: A case study of bicycle planning and decision-making in Tucson, Arizona

Joseph Iuliano and Ladd Keith

2024-06-28 Volume 4 • Issue 1 • 2024 • Regular Issue

The impact of Covid-19 road-space reallocation measures: Insights from the north of England

Stephen Parkes, Richard Weston and Tony Gore

2024-07-02 Volume 4 • Issue 1 • 2024 • Regular Issue

Adolescents’ Active Transport to School and Parental Perspectives in a School Choice Policy Environment

Susan Sandretto, Enrique García Bengoechea, Gordon Wilson, Gavin Kidd and Sandra Mandic

2024-07-03 Volume 4 • Issue 1 • 2024 • Regular Issue

Harriet Larrington-Spencer

2024-07-18 Volume 4 • Issue 1 • 2024 • Regular Issue

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Perceptions of E-Micromobility Vehicles Amongst Staff and Students at Universities in the North of England

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Clutter and Compliance: Scooter Parking Interventions and Perceptions

Nicholas Klein, Anne Brown, Calvin Thigpen

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• Vladivostok

Pacific State Medical University, TSMU

Description of Pacific State Medical University, TSMU

• Location: Vladivostok, Russia ;
• Age of students: from 17 years;
• Type: mixed;
• Language of instruction: Russian.

TSMU was founded on September 1, 1958, is the leading innovation and educational center of the Far Eastern region. The University carries out fundamental and applied research in 5 branches of science: medical sciences, biological sciences, psychological sciences (medical psychology), chemical sciences (bioorganic chemistry), economic sciences (economics and management of the national economy in the health sector).

Educational process

The learning process includes a course of lecture-type and seminar-type classes, educational, industrial and pre-diploma practice.

Faculties and colleges

• Institute of Dentistry;
• Institute of Nursing Education;
• Faculty of Medicine;
• Faculty of Pediatrics and Pharmacy;
• Faculty of Dentistry;
• Faculty of Public Health;
• Faculty of Residency and Master's Degree.

Scientific achievements

Directions of scientific activity of TSMU:

• Establishment of regularities of organization, distribution and spatial relations of signal-transductor systems producing gas transmitters (nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide) in the neurovascular formations of the bulbar department of the cardiovascular center;
• Identification of molecular genetic in the formation of vascular dysfunction in cardiorespiratory pathology;
• Characterization of the pathogenetic role of the cytokine system in various infectious and inflammatory diseases, taking into account the causally significant pathogen to optimize treatment programs for patients;
• Study of the provision of resistance to antimicrobial drugs among strains of M. tuberculosis, clinical isolates of pathogens of wound infections;
• Study of the patterns of immunopathogenesis, criteria for immunodiagnostics and the effectiveness of immunotherapy in a number of diseases (tuberculosis, drug addiction, etc.);
• Study of modern features of the course of acute respiratory viral diseases, including herpes infections in children, etiopathogenetic mechanisms of complicated variants;
• Determination of measures for the prevention of the non-smooth course of acute respiratory viral diseases, the possibility of their correction and prevention;
• Determination of the role of genetic predictors, cytokine systems, innate immunity factors in the implementation of allergic and immune-mediated diseases;
• Optimization of pharmacological immune-oriented control programs;
• Study of the epidemiology of ocular morbidity in Primorsky Krai.

Things to know about

The University conducts international cooperation with the following organizations:

• Harbin Medical University;
• Mudanjiang Medical University;
• Niigata University;
• Korea Health Industry Development Institute;
• University of Tsukuba;
• Kazakh-Russian Medical University;
• Jilin University;
• Guangdong University of Pharmacy;
• CILU Medical University;
• Tottori University.

Programs and prices, tuition fees in Pacific State Medical University, TSMU

• Age - from 17 years;
• The term of study is 4 years.

Specialty: "Nursing".

• The term of study is 5-6 years.
• General medicine ;
• Pediatrics ;
• Medical and preventive care;
• Dentistry ;
• Medical biochemistry;
• Clinical Psychology;
• Age - from 21 years;
• The term of study is 2 years.

Specialty: "Public Health".

• Traumatology and orthopedics;
• Ultrasound diagnostics;
• Physiology;
• Functional diagnostics;
• Oral and maxillofacial surgery;
• Endocrinology;
• Management and Economics of Pharmacy

Postgraduate study

• The term of study is 3-4 years.
• Clinical medicine;
• Preventive medicine;
• Biomedical Sciences.

Accommodation, meals, prices

For nonresident full-time students, the university provides two dormitories for 1200 places in total. The cost of living is up to 3000 rubles.

For meals for students and staff, TSMU has 3 buffets for 215 seats.

Activities Pacific State Medical University, TSMU

To involve students in social and scientific activities, TSMU organizes and participates in the following events:

• Regional Student Festival among Universities "TRP in Student Life!";
• Second Far Eastern Conference "Medicine of the Future";
• All-Russian Scientific and Practical Conference with International Participation "Medical Spring";
• Regional Festival "Russian Student Spring";
• VI All-Russian Network Competition of Student Projects "Professional Tomorrow";
• XXIV Pacific Scientific and Practical Conference of Students and Young Scientists with International Participation "Actual Problems of Experimental, Preventive and Clinical Medicine";
• All-Russian Olympiad in practical medical skills among students of medical universities;
• Spartakiad of students of medical universities of the Far Eastern Federal District "Physical culture and sport - the second profession of a doctor";
• XXII Open City Festival-Competition of Theater for Children and Youth "Live, Theater – the Eighth Wonder of the World!";
• XI Regional Student Olympiad in Surgery.

Facilities and equipment at Pacific State Medical University, TSMU

The education process is carried out in 6 educational buildings equipped with computer classes, lecture halls. Equipment in the classrooms of TSMU: personal computers, loudspeaker, projector, amplifier, screen, projector, mixer, transmitter, receiver, etc.

Students are given free access to the Library and Information Center for 255 seats.

For sports, the university has:

• Sports hall No. 2 (fitness room);
• Sports hall No. 1 (game hall);
• Sports hall: exercise therapy area and table tennis area;
• Sports Hall No. 3 (wrestling hall);
• Sports hall No. 4 (gym);
• Basketball court;
• Volleyball court;
• Treadmill asphalt track.

Admission dates and extra charges

At the university, the learning process is divided into two semesters: autumn and spring. At the end of each, an examination session is held, after which students are given a vacation (in winter in January, in summer in July and August).

Additional expenses:

• Leisure and recreation.

Enrolment process

To enter the university, you must provide:

• Application for admission;
• Identity document(s), citizenship;
• Document on education and (or) document on education and qualifications / document (documents) of a foreign state on education and (or) document on education and qualifications;
• A document confirming registration in the system of individual (personalized) accounting (if any);
• A document confirming disability or disability (if necessary);
• A document confirming the passage of centralized testing (exam);
• Documents confirming individual achievements, the results of which are taken into account at admission.

The necessary package of documents is provided at TSMU:

• In person to the admissions office;
• Through EPGU.

Enrolment statistics

At the moment, 7000 students, graduate students and residents study at the university.

Perspectives

After graduating from TSMU, graduates receive the qualification of a doctor: biochemist, medical specialist, pediatrician, dentist, epidemiologist, general hygiene, pharmacist and clinical psychologist.

The university has a Center for the Promotion of Employment and Professional Development and a hotline that receives calls from graduates who are looking for work.

Entry requirements, how to apply, what is required to enrol

For admission to bachelor's and specialist's educational programs, an applicant must:

• Completed education is not lower than secondary general;
• Chemical elements and their compounds – 39;
• Biological systems — 39;
• Russian language — 40.
• Russian language — 40;
• Mathematics — 39;
• chemistry — 39;
• Biology — 39.

For admission to master's programs, you must:

• Completed higher education;
• Successful completion of the entrance test - computer testing, at least 70 points.

For admission to residency programs, you must:

• Successful completion of the entrance test - testing, not less than 70 points.

For admission to postgraduate programs, you must:

• Exam in the discipline;
• Philosophy;
• Foreign language.

Scholarships Pacific State Medical University, TSMU

As material support for students, TSMU allocates the following types of scholarships for students:

• state academic;
• state social;
• state graduate students, residents and assistants;
• scholarships of the President of the Russian Federation and scholarships of the Government of the Russian Federation;
• Registered.

In addition, the university provides financial assistance to students in need.

Institution on the map

Residence permits, citizenship and other services.

• Guardianship services during the studies
• Student supervision

Review about Pacific State Medical University, TSMU

Recommendations on when to apply, similar educational institutions.

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Mileage Rates

The IRS has released new mileage rates effective January 1, 2024. The new rate for business miles driven will be $0.67 per mile. The rate for medical or moving will be $0.21 per mile. The charitable organization rate remains the same at $0.14 per mile. IRS rate details can be found at the following link:

IRS Mileage Announcement for 2024

Per Diem Rates

The General Services Administration (GSA) per diem reimbursement rates for meals and lodging are now available at http://www.gsa.gov/perdiem .

GSA has the responsibility for establishing the per diem rates that Federal agencies use to reimburse their Federal travelers for expenses incurred while on official travel within the continental United States (CONUS).  GSA continues to use the industry-based Average Daily Rate, a widely accepted lodging-industry measure, to establish lodging rates in each non-standard area (NSA).  This data is obtained through a leading provider of hotel lodging industry data.  As in prior years, GSA continues to use mid-price properties in areas where the majority of Federal travelers stay. 

Making travel arrangements in advance can alleviate last-minute difficulties and ensure that travel resources are available. Some sponsors have travel conditions or restrictions, so it is best to consult with Accounts Payable and Purchasing Office (APPO) staff if you have any unusual travel circumstances or are uncertain of sponsor or Research Foundation travel policies.

Interested in travel tips, news and policy changes?  Please subscribe to the RF Travel mailing list by clicking here.

Travel advances

Eligibility for meals, registration payments, travel reimbursement, field expenses, mileage rate/allowance, vehicle rental, telephone and other communication services, accompanying dependents, extended travel status, foreign/international travel, foreign travel benefits programs.

• US Carrier (Fly America Act)

Travel Warnings

CDC Travel Health Notices

Travel advances are available if needed and requests should be forwarded within two weeks of the travel dates. To obtain an advance, complete a travel payment request form, the advance section, detailing the travel dates, destinations, estimated expenses and purpose for travel must be forwarded to APPO. Normally the advance will cover 80 percent of lodging and meals and 100 percent of transportation. Under special circumstances, however, advances over the 80 percent limit can be approved. No further travel advances will be issued if a prior advance has not been reconciled. Travel advances are to be reconciled within 30 days after the trip.  

Meal eligibility guidelines:

• Must be in official travel status (a distance GREATER than 35 miles from employee's official station or place of residence.
• Allowance and reimbursement for breakfast and dinner follows is outlined below:

On day of departure:

On day of return:

• No allowance or reimbursement will be made for lunch.
• No allowance or reimbursement will be made if meals are provided by the conference meeting, or hotel.

The rate at which the traveler will be allowed and reimbursed for domestic rates can be found at:  http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/104877.

• Here is link for foreign per diem rates: https://aoprals.state.gov/web920/per_diem.asp

RF employees are allowed or reimbursed for meals during non-overnight travel. Non-overnight meal payment allowances for ALL locations are as follows: Breakfast, $5; Dinner, $12. (The " Taxable Meal Payment Request & Authorization Form " MUST be attached to the travel reimbursement request.)

• New York State employees are NOT allowed or reimbursed for meals during non-overnight travel.
• The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers reimbursements paid to a person for meal  expenses incurred during one-day, non-overnight travel as taxable income. Payments to RF employees for non-overnight meal expenses must be included in the employee’s paycheck as gross income and reported on the employee’s Wage and Tax Statement, IRS Form W-2 In addition, taxes must be withheld and fringe benefits must be charged to the account from which the employee is paid.
• Breakfast and dinner per diems must be deducted if included in conference and or meeting. This includes continental breakfast.

APPO can mail registration forms and payments directly to the conference or meeting facilitator. The project director may want to send the registration form and payment directly to meeting organizers and request reimbursement. We can use advance account if payment request is late but needs to be justified as to why late requisition/payment submission.

The travel payment voucher should be submitted within 20 working days upon return from travel. If however the travel voucher is submitted beyond 6 months a justification for lateness is required. We require original hotel receipt, original airline receipt/invoice or internet printout of airfare charge, and conference brochure or announcement. Meal allowances generally do not require receipts. If a secondary source of funds is used to partially reimburse travel please provide documentation identifying the other funding. The Research Foundation uses lodging and meal allowances that are established by the federal General Services Administration.

In certain circumstances, the lodging rate charged is higher than the prescribed rate. To request reimbursement for rates that exceed the per diem rate please include an explanation for full reimbursement with the travel expense voucher. If staying at conference hotel and the rate exceeds GSA allowance, then no need for further lodging justification. Just note on travel voucher that hotel was conference site.

Travel reimbursement for non-project personnel

Research scholars, consultants, lecturers, etc. should be informed to save original lodging receipts, original airline or electronic printout receipt and should request tax exemption when traveling in New York State. If this documentation is not provided, then these expenses will be considered taxable income and a 1099 Miscellaneous Income statement will be issued. The travel payment voucher is the appropriate form to use to request travel reimbursement. Unless other arrangements have been made, the travel reimbursement rates will be at the GSA allowance.

We recommend when field research is conducted that the project director and staff maintain a log for all the expenses they incur. We recognize there are situations where obtaining receipts is not possible. GSA per diem rates are generally used for lodging and meals. Original receipts for lodging are required however no receipts are required for meals.

Travel Payment Request Form

Travel expenses must be documented on the Travel Payment Request Form or an equivalent form developed by the campus. Locations should not use SUNY travel forms. Location-specific forms must contain the same information as is in the " Travel Payment Request Form ," which is available from the Forms resource area in the RF Web site.

Original Receipts

Use of receipts to document meal and lodging expenses is NOT required.

Schedules of Rates

Schedule 2, "Maximum Amounts Allowed for Breakfast and Dinner," under Method I lists allowances used for breakfast and dinner. No reimbursement is made for lunch.

Schedule 3, "Per Diem Allowances Within the United States," lists the per diem rates within New York State and other locations within the U.S.

Method I (When Lodging is Without Receipt) or Non‐overnight Meal Payment Allowances

Method I Per Diem Allowances within the United States

New York City and surrounding counties of Nassau, Suffolk, Rockland, and Westchester $50.00 Unreceipted Per Diem

Cities of Albany, Binghamton, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and their surrounding metropolitan areas (any city, town, or village within 15 miles of these cities) $40.00 Unreceipted Per Diem

All other locations within New York State $35.00 Unreceipted Per Diem

All other locations within the continental US $50.00 Unreceipted Per Diem

Method I Examples

A traveler leaves Albany on Monday at 6:00 a.m. to go to Buffalo and returns home Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. The traveler is eligible for 2 full meal per diems ($40/each - see Schedule 3 ) and a breakfast. For this example the traveler will be reimbursed the following:

Per diem (2 @ $40) $80.00

Plus breakfast on Wednesday $ 5.00 (see Schedule 2 , Method I rates)

Total reimbursement $85.00

A traveler leaves Buffalo on Monday at 8:00 p.m. to go to Chicago, IL and returns to Buffalo by 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Because the traveler is in overnight travel status for 2 nights, he is allowed 2 per diems ($50/each - see Schedule 3 ).

Based on meal eligibility , the traveler is entitled to one meal allowance on Tuesday, and one meal allowance on Wednesday, minus an adjustment for Wednesday's dinner. Because he is returning before 7:00 p.m., the traveler is not eligible for dinner on Wednesday.

Total payment is adjusted, and the traveler receives the following reimbursement:

Per Diem (2 @ $50) $100.00

Less dinner on Wednesday $ 12.00 (see Schedule 2 , Method I rates)

Total reimbursement $ 88.00

Method II (Receipted Lodging)

This section describes the Research Foundation (RF) method of maximum reimbursement for lodging and meals by requiring lodging receipts .

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for Method II rates, these two criteria must be met:

• the traveler must be in overnight status, and
• the traveler must save and submit valid receipts for lodging expenses .

DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS

Use of receipts to document lodging expenses is required. When a traveler is in overnight travel status, lodging will be reimbursed at the actual cost, up to the maximum federal allowance (see the GSA Web site ). Meal receipts are not required for meal reimbursements. All meals associated with overnight travel will be reimbursed at the federal per diem rate for the area of assignment.

Travel expenses must be documented on the Travel Payment Request Form or an equivalent form developed by the operating location. This form is located in the Forms resource section of the RF Web site. Locations should not use SUNY travel forms. Location-specific forms must contain the same information as the Travel Payment Request Form.

Tax Exemption Forms and Certificates

See the Travel Within New York State (NYS) section below.

Full Meal Allowance

To be allowed a full meal per diem, these two criteria must be met:

• the traveler must be eligible for both a breakfast and dinner as described in Meal Eligibility , and
• the traveler must be in overnight status.

When the traveler is in overnight travel status but is not entitled to the full meal per diem because of the meal eligibility requirements, the traveler will receive the amount for the meal that is not part of the per diem (i.e., breakfast or dinner). These rates are provided in Schedule 2 , in the section "Method II (Receipted Lodging) or Non-overnight Receipted Meal Expenses." Also, see examples in the example section.

Federal Per Diem Rates

The Research Foundation uses the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) per diem rates to establish maximum reimbursement. These rates

• differ from state to state and city to city (destination determines a traveler's reimbursement rate).
• include all applicable taxes and incidental expenses, such as tips to hotel maids and bellhops.
• are updated and provided online by GSA .

Any amounts over the federal per diem rates must be approved by the operations manager or designee and must be documented as to why the rate is over the maximum. See Example 1 below.

Rates for Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico are established by the Department of Defense. Official DoD Per Diem Rates are available online from the Defense Technical Information Center but can also be accessed from the GSA web site related to Travel and Transportation Management Policy. These rates are subject to change monthly.

Foreign travel per diem rates: https://aoprals.state.gov/web920/per_diem.asp

Travel Within New York State

The Research Foundation is exempt from NYS and New York City (NYC) sales and use taxes.

For travel within NYS, travelers should use the RF tax exempt certificate, "Exempt Organization-Exempt Purchase Certificate" form, to get exemption for all applicable taxes, including the NYC Hotel Room Occupancy Tax.

Note: A separate tax exempt certificate and letter are no longer required for NYC. Use the "Exempt Organization-Exempt Purchase Certificate" to claim all tax exemptions. Please contact Sponsored Funds at extension 76752 if you need this form.

Although it is RF policy not to reimburse travelers for New York taxes, operating locations may use their discretion as to whether or not taxes will be reimbursed. Operations managers or designees must document the reason for this reimbursement. 

Method II Examples

A traveler goes to a conference in Boston. The conference is being held in a hotel with a rate of $265 per night. The maximum lodging per diem for Boston is $256. The over-the-maximum can be justified, because the traveler, staying at a different hotel, would have incurred additional transportation expenses to and from the conference.

( Note: This example uses 2010 GSA rates.)

A traveler leaves Binghamton on Sunday at 4:00 p.m. and travels to NYC. The traveler returns to Binghamton at 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday.

Beginning in 1999, the GSA separates allowances for the different boroughs of NYC, so you must be more specific than "NYC." In this case, the traveler stayed in Manhattan where the maximum lodging amount is $360 per night.

Meal Allowances

The traveler is entitled to 3 full meal per diems and a dinner on Wednesday night (returned home after 7:00 p.m.). Manhattan is a $71 per diem location.

For this example, the traveler will be reimbursed the following:

Three nights lodging @ $340 = $1020.00

Three full per diems @ $71 = $213.00

Plus dinner on Wednesday @ $57.00

Total = $1,290.00

The Research Foundation follows the IRS established rate for reimbursement of mileage when using a personal vehicle. An online mapping provider such as Google Maps or other,  printout should be provided to substantiate the mileage claim. Below are effective mileage rates:

Effective 1/1/24 - $0.67 per mile

Vehicles should be rented only when in the best interest of the project or the Research Foundation. Some reasons for renting are when it is the least costly alternative; it is the only mode of transportation available; or will eliminate substantial delays. Travelers should rent vehicles in the name of the Research Foundation to ensure that the Research Foundation and the traveler are covered by Research Foundation insurance. The original vehicle rental receipt must be attached to travel voucher claiming reimbursement. A justification for vehicle rental must also be attached to travel payment voucher.

Insurance Offered by Rental Agencies

Rental agencies may offer the following types of insurance for short-term vehicle rentals:

Damage Waiver Protection

Personal effects insurance.

• Personal Accident Insurance
• Liability Insurance.

Operating locations should follow the guidelines described below for each type of insurance.

Damage waiver protection coverage, also known as loss-damage waiver (LDW) or collision damage waiver (CDW), is available and MUST be purchased for all short-term vehicle rentals. This cost is generally an allowable charge to the sponsored program account.

Insurance for personal items is the responsibility of the individual. It is not an allowable charge against the sponsored program award and is not covered under the insurance policies of the RF. Personal items do not include sponsored program research equipment insured under the RF floater policy.

Reporting Accidents To the Rental Agency:

All accidents must be reported immediately to the rental agency. In addition, the authorized driver is required to complete the agency’s accident report form. Failure to comply with the requirements of the rental agency for reporting an accident or damage to the rental vehicle could result in the driver being held personally liable for any costs.

To the RF Central Office:

All accidents must also be reported to the Office of the Chief Financial Officer by calling (518) 434-7052, or by faxing information to (518) 935-6712 or sent via email to [email protected] .

All claims must be forwarded to the Office of the Chief Financial Officer. The information can be faxed to (518) 935-6712, or sent via email to [email protected] .

The RF’s insurance carrier reserves the right to deny coverage due to late reporting of a claim.

Necessary local and long distance telephone calls for business purposes are reimbursable when appropriately documented on the travel payment request form. Long distance telephone calls must be supported by listing on the form: name of party called, place called, date of call, and reason for call. For local calls, only date of call is required. With respect to telegrams, the name and address of the person to whom the telegram was sent and the date must be noted on the travel payment request form. Charges for necessary faxing of documents are reimbursable. The date, purpose, fax number to which the document was sent, recipient, and number of pages must be noted on the travel payment request form. Receipts, if available, should be attached to the form. Personal Calls: While the traveler is in travel status, the RF will reimburse for personal calls that allow the traveler reasonable contact with his or her immediate family. Each campus will establish its own method of reimbursement, documentation, and description of reasonableness.

Travel costs for dependents accompanying the traveler are not reimbursable except when allowed by the sponsor. Written evidence documenting sponsor approval must accompany the travel payment form in all cases when such costs are claimed.

When a traveler is on extended travel status and makes arrangements for accommodations at other than a hotel/motel, the Research Foundation will determine whether the per diem should be adjusted to an amount commensurate with the cost incurred. According to IRS regulations, an assignment expected to last less than one year will usually be treated as temporary. The Research Foundation will also determine whether it is in the best interest of the sponsored project or Research Foundation to change the employee's official station to the address of the office to which the individual is assigned for the extended period of stay. The Research Foundation may also authorize an employee to be reimbursed for expenses incurred on weekends and holidays while if in travel status on these days.

Please contact the APPO travel office at 76752 before traveling internationally. Rules governing export controls may require federal agency prior approval or restrict travel to certain locations. See link regarding current travel warnings: http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/alertswarnings.html .

A Request to Travel to Countries with Travel Warnings form must be completed before traveling to a restricted country. Failure to comply can result in penalties, including fines and imprisonment. Also, please remember to register with the US Department of State STEP program to maintain security awareness at your destination.

Foreign per diem rates: https://aoprals.state.gov/web920/per_diem.asp

International travel for research and training has become an increasingly common activity of sponsored programs. To support this important activity, the Board of Directors of the Research Foundation (RF) authorized the RF to provide blanket international travel assistance coverage, as well as emergency health insurance benefits, for all persons (other than independent contractors) traveling overseas on official Research Foundation business. We encourage you to review link below and call 76752, the APPO travel office if you need further assistance or have any questions.

Effective January 1, 2018 our new Global Emergency Assistance coverage will be with Blue Cross Blue Shield Global (formerly known as GeoBlue). Blue Cross Blue Shield Global is the provider we currently use for our international Expatriate and Traveler Plan. By utilizing Blue Cross Blue Shield Global, there will be more continuity of coverage between traveler benefits and emergency assistance.

Individuals with upcoming international travel will only now need to register on the Blue Cross Blue Shield Global website, https://www.geo-blue.com prior to traveling. In addition, in the event of an emergency while traveling on RF business, travelers would contact Blue Cross Blue Shield Global at 1 855.282.3517 (U.S.) or +1 610.254.5304 (collect outside the U.S.). Individuals who are currently traveling abroad on RF business whose travel extends beyond 1/1/18 will automatically be covered under the Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Emergency Assistance Plan. There is no need for current travelers to take any additional action, unless they have not already registered on the Blue Cross Blue Shield Global website.

Go to link for details:

https://benefits.rfsuny.org/regular--postdoctoral-employees/international-travel-assistance/  

GeoBlue Transition Tips:

Travelers should be reminded to call or email our Global Health & Safety team 24 hours a day 7 days a week for assistance in finding providers, arranging appointments and guarantees of payment (and in emergencies, evacuations/repatriations/ mortal remains calling the team is imperative rather than emailing). [email protected] Phone: 1.610.254.8771 the same holds true for assistance when requesting Political Evacuation and Natural Disaster services.

Once Travelers register online, they may print an ID card and then download the GeoBlue app to their smartphones. They log in to the mobile App with the same username and password that they created online and they have full access to everything that is on the website. The App allows travelers to search for providers, request appointments, find medication availability, translate medical terms and phrases and it also has an audio feature to use. They can also display their ID card right from the phone and send a copy to the provider in advance of the appointment.

To register online: Visit www.geo-blue.com and click on Register Now which is located in the top right corner.

Under Traveler Plan Members, enter the following Group Access Code: QHG999999RSF

Complete the User Profile, accept the conditions of Site Access Agreement and click on Register.

Also, if anyone needs a proof of insurance letter to obtain a Visa to travel they may reach out to the Customer Service team to obtain the letter. Customer Service: 888.243.2358 or 1.610.254.8769 or via email: [email protected]

Commercial Airplane

This section describes the Research Foundation’s (RF) policy for traveling by commercial airplane, the expenses that are reimbursable, and documentation requirements for reimbursement. Travelers are expected to use the lowest-priced available, appropriate, coach-class airfare. First class or other premium airfare may be used when no reasonable alternative is available. In compliance with the Fly America Act, all travel on federally funded projects must be on a U.S. flag air carrier. See below for Fly America Act information.

Nonrefundable Airline Tickets

Nonrefundable airline tickets should not be charged to a sponsored program account if a trip is cancelled. According to OMB requirements, "Cost Principles for Educational Institutions," a cost can be charged to a project if there is a direct benefit to the project. If the trip is cancelled, there is no benefit to the project, and the cost should be absorbed by the campus. If in the future the principal investigator wants to pay the airline transfer fee and use the ticket for another purpose benefiting the project, then the cost of the ticket plus the transfer fee can be charged to the sponsored project.

Documentation Requirements

Requests for reimbursement for airplane tickets should be supported by the passenger's portion of the airline ticket or an e-ticket. Any other documentation should be attached to the travel reimbursement form that shows reasonable proof that the trip was made (e.g. airline receipt). Requests for reimbursement for first class or other premium accommodations must be supported by explanatory statements and supporting documentation, if any, attached to the Travel Payment Request form or equivalent form. The cost of the ticket should be recorded on the form.

Policies regarding Trip Cancellation Insurance

Trip cancellation insurance –reimbursement is allowed for protection against changes in travel plans (e.g., airfare refundable insurance), provided it is reasonably cost-beneficial. It is noted that non-refundable airline tickets must not be charged to a sponsored program award if a trip is canceled.

FLY AMERICA ACT

Guidelines for International Travel Paid for by the US Government

In order to help clarify the basic rules and regulations of the Fly America Act, Travel-On has prepared this brochure to assist those people traveling on international trips being paid for by the U.S. Government. Most of this information is taken directly from Section 301-3.6 of the Federal Travel Regulations as amended on February 23, 1990 and effective on March 23, 1990.

USE OF UNITED STATES AIR FLAG CARRIERS

I.  Definitions

The Fly America Act. The " Fly America Act " refers to the provisions enacted by section 5 of the International Air Transportation Fair Competitive Practices Act of 1974 (pub. L. 93-624, Jan. 3, 1975), 49 U.S.C. App. 1517, as amended by section 21 of the International Air Transportation Competition Act of 1979 (Pub. L. 96-192, Feb. 15, 1980). 94 Stat. 43.

U.S. Flag Air Carrier. The term " U.S. flag air carrier " means an air carrier holding a certificate under section 401 of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 (49 U.S.C. App. 1371). Foreign air carriers operating under permits are excluded.

United States. For purposes of the Fly America Act, " United States " means the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the territories and possessions of the United States (49 U.S.C. App. 1301(38)).

Gateway Airport in the United States . A " gateway airport in the United States " means the last airport in the United States from which the traveler's flight departs, or the first airport in the United States at which the traveler's flight arrives.

Gateway Airport Abroad. " A gateway airport abroad " means the airport abroad from which the traveler last embarks enroute to the United States or at which the traveler first debarks incident to travel from the United States.

II. General Requirements of the Fly America Act

The Fly America Act, 49 U.S.C. App. 1517, as implemented in the Comptroller General's guidelines, Decision B-138942, March 31, 1981, requires Federal employees and their dependents, consultants, contractors, grantees, and others performing United States Government financed foreign air travel to travel by U.S. flag air carriers:

Unless travel by foreign air carrier is a matter of necessity as defined in paragraph (b)(3) of this section, or

When U.S. flag air carrier service is available within the guidelines in paragraphs (b)(4)(5) of this section.

III. Necessity for Use of Foreign Air Carrier Service

Use of foreign air carrier service may be deemed necessary if a U.S. flag air carrier otherwise available cannot provide the air transportation needed, or use of U.S. flag air carrier service will not accomplish the agency's mission.

IV. Availability of U.S. Flag Carrier Services

1. General. U.S. flag air carrier service is available even though: Comparable or a different kind of service can be provided at less cost by a foreign air carrier; Foreign air carrier service is preferred by or is more convenient for the agency or traveler; or, Service by a foreign air carrier can be paid for in excess foreign currency, unless U.S. flag air carriers decline to accept excess foreign currencies for transportation payable only out of these monies. (See also paragraph (b)(5)(iv) of this section.)

2. Scheduling Principals. In determining availability of U.S. flag air carrier service, the following scheduling principals should be followed unless their application results in the last or first leg of travel to and from the United States being performed by foreign air carrier: U.S. flag air carrier service available at point of origin should be used to destination or, in the absence of direct or through service, to the furthest interchange point on a usually traveled route; Where an origin or interchange point is not served by U.S. flag air carrier, foreign air carrier service should be used only to the nearest interchange point on a usually traveled route to connect with U.S. flag carrier service; or, Where a U.S. flag air carrier involuntarily re-routes the traveler via a foreign air carrier, the foreign air carrier may be used notwithstanding the availability of alternative U.S. flag air carrier service.

V. Guidelines for Determining Unavailability of U.S. Flag Air Carrier Service

1. Travel to and from the United States: Passenger service by a U.S. flag air carrier will not be considered available when the travel is between a gateway airport in the United States and a gateway airport abroad and the gateway airport abroad is: The traveler's origin or destination airport, and the use of U.S. flag air carrier service would extend the time in a travel status, including delay at origin and accelerated arrival at destination, by at least 24 hours more than travel by foreign air carrier.

2. Travel Between Two Points Outside the United States: For travel between two points outside the United States, U.S. flag air carrier service will not be considered to be reasonably available: If travel by foreign air carrier would eliminate two or more aircraft changes enroute; Where one of the two points abroad is the gateway airport en route to or from the United States, if the use of the U.S. flag air carrier would extend the time in travel status by at least 6 hours more than travel by a foreign air carrier, including accelerated arrival at the overseas destination or delayed departure from the overseas origin, as well as the gateway airport or other interchange point abroad; or, Where the travel is not part of a trip to or from the United States, if the use of a U.S. flag air carrier would extend the time in travel status by at least 6 hours more than traveled by foreign air carrier including delay at origin, delay en route and accelerated arrival at destination.

3. Short Distance Travel: For all short distance travel, regardless of origin and destination, U.S. flag air carrier service will not be considered available when the elapsed travel time on a scheduled flight from origin to destination airport by foreign air carrier is 3 hours or less and service by U.S. flag air carrier would involve twice the travel time.

4. Travel Finances Solely with Excess Foreign Currencies: U.S. flag air carriers render themselves unavailable by declining to accept payment in foreign currencies for transportation services required by certain programs or activities of the Government which, under legislative authority, are financed solely with excess foreign currencies which may not be converted to U.S. dollars. In these instances, and notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (b)(4)(I)(C) of this section, foreign flag air carriers that will accept the required foreign currency may be used to the extent necessary to accomplish the mission of the particular program or activity. The statement of justification required under paragraph (c)(3) of this section must indicate that the transportation service needed can be paid for only in excess foreign currencies and that otherwise available U.S. flag air carriers declined to accept payment in the foreign currencies.

USE OF FOREIGN FLAG AIR CARRIERS

I. Authorization or Approval: Expenditures for commercial foreign air transportation on foreign air carrier(s) will be disallowed unless there is attached to the appropriate voucher a certificate or memorandum adequately explaining why service by U.S. flag air carrier(s) is not available, or why it was necessary to use a foreign air carrier. Use of foreign flag air carriers may be authorized or approved only when U.S. flag air carrier service is not available as determined under the guidelines in paragraph (b) of this section, or when foreign air carriers are used under the reciprocal terms of an appropriate bilateral or multilateral agreement as described in paragraph (c)(2) of this section. II. Air Transport Agreements: Nothing in the guidelines in paragraph(b) of this section shall preclude and no penalty shall attend the use of a foreign air carrier which provides transportation under an air transport agreement between the United States and a foreign government, the terms of which are consistent with the international aviation goals set forth at 49 U.S.C. App. 1502(b) and provide reciprocal rights and benefits. III. Justification Statement: A statement executed by the traveler or agency justifying the use of a foreign flag air carrier for any part of foreign travel must be entered on or attached to the travel voucher, transportation request, or any other payment document. Each request for a change in route or schedule which involves the use of a foreign flag air carrier must be accompanied by a statement justifying such use. The following is a guide for preparing the justification statement: IV. Employee Liability for Disallowed Expenditures: Where the travel is by indirect route or the traveler otherwise fails to use available U.S. flag air carrier service, the amount to be disallowed against the traveler is based on the loss of revenues suffered by U.S. flag air carriers as determined under the following formula set forth and more fully explained in 56 Comp. Gen. 209 (1977): Sum of certificated carrier segment mileage authorized (¸) Sum of all segment mileage authorized (x) Fare payable by Gov't Minus (-) Sum or certificated carrier segment mileage, traveled (¸) Sum of all segment mileage, traveled (x) Through fare paid

CODE SHARING

On September 25, 1991 the Comptroller General released a decision regarding the Code Sharing of flights by U.S. and foreign flag carriers utilizing the equipment of the foreign flag carrier. This is announced in Comp. Gen. File B-240956. The decision is as follows: The question in this case, presented by the Department of State, is whether a U.S. flag air carrier's arrangement to provide passenger service in international air transportation on the aircraft of a foreign air carrier under a "code-share" arrangement with the foreign air carrier would meet the requirements of the Fly America Act, 49 U.S.C. App. 1517 (1988). Since it appears that such service generally would be considered to be service by a U.S. air carrier in international air transportation rather than by a foreign air carrier, that service should also be considered transportation provided by a U.S. air carrier for purposes of the Fly America Act. As long as the flight is booked thru a US carrier, although you fly foreign carrier, this is chargeable to a federal award.

The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs decides, based on relevant information, to issue travel warnings to U.S. citizens, recommending that Americans avoid travel to certain counties. The countries and dates the travel warnings were issued are listed on the Current Travel Warnings Web site.

Travelers using RF funds going to any country indicated by the U.S. Department of State with a travel warning MUST have advance written approval from the campus operations manager and campus president or delegate which is Risk Management Office, with written notice to the RF's central office before traveling. The  Request to Travel to Countries with Travel Warnings form must be completed and approved prior to travel to Countries with Travel Warnings (CTW).

It is the responsibility of the traveler to check the Current Travel Warnings list before traveling, to obtain the necessary authorization, and to read and abide by the information contained in the travel warning. Travelers should also read the Department of State's " Tips for Traveling Abroad ."

Types of Notices

Warning Level 3, Avoid Nonessential Travel

Alert Level 2, Practice Enhanced Precautions

Watch Level 1, Practice Usual Precautions

Travel notices are designed to inform travelers and clinicians about current health issues related to specific destinations. These issues may arise from disease outbreaks, special events or gatherings, natural disasters, or other conditions that may affect travelers’ health.

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Last Updated: 1/25/24

Returning to International Travel

Undergraduate student and group graduate/professional student university-sponsored and supported international travel is suspended through the fall 2021 semester.

Starting August 1, 2021, faculty, staff and graduate/professional students (on an individual basis) may resume university-sponsored and supported international travel in accordance with the university’s standard international travel policy. Details can be found at  https://global.wustl.edu/resources/university-international-travel-policy-update/ .

Further guidance for School of Medicine travelers can be found at  https://covid19.med.wustl.edu/policies/travel-policy/ .

All travel is subject to changes in travel conditions and public health guidance.

Contact  [email protected]  with any questions.

University Guidance

See the University’s travel guidance and FAQs .

Division of Biology and Medicine

Office of graduate studies, travel funding.

Pre-doctoral and Master's students who have been invited to present their research at academic conferences can apply to cover related travel expenses.

• For Graduate Students

BioMed Travel Policy for Graduate Students

The Division believes that presenting papers at professional conferences is important to students' academic careers and growth as professionals. Pre-doctoral and Master's students who have been invited to present papers at academic conferences can apply for up to $700 (increased from $650 to $700 effective January 2024) to cover related travel expenses.   In light of possible restrictions on Travel, Students may also submit funding requests for VIRTUAL Conferences.   This is typically for registration expenses associated with the conferences.  Students will be reimbursed for only one conference per academic year; reimbursement will not be granted for merely attending a conference. In order to insure that the limited conference-travel funds are distributed as equitably as possible,  students in their first through fifth years of study are eligible for conference travel reimbursement ; all students  must apply  for travel reimbursement at least one month prior to travel.

View the Policy

Applications  should be submitted via our Google form  (you'll need to sign in with your Brown e-mail)

See application for all necessary documentation required. Be prepared to submit your invitation to present, budget info. DGS signature is no longer required effective May 1, 2022.

Please remember that you must submit expense report information within 60 days of return from travel!

Please note:   If some portion of your travel is being charged to a grant,  AirBnB  (and other similar organizations) may not be a reimbursable expense.   Airbnb is considered nonconventional lodging and is only reimbursable when there are no conventional lodging facilities in the area (e.g., in remote areas) or when conventional facilities are in short supply because of an influx of attendees at a special event (e.g., World’s Fair or international sporting event). Such lodging includes college dormitories or similar facilities or rooms not offered commercially but made available to the public by area residents in their homes.   

Brown does not encourage the use of AirBnB but it may be an allowable expense on institutional funding. Please check with your program admin before booking lodging through AirBnB.

International Conference Travel

Master's students and doctoral students in years 1-5 of their studies who are presenting their research at international conferences are eligible to apply for the international travel fund award. This fund is administered by the Graduate School. The BioMed Conference Travel Award may be combined with the International Conference Travel funding for students presenting at international conferences. 

Recruiting Travel

In addition to travel funding for academic conferences, there are also limited funds available for graduate students and postdocs who are traveling to actively help recruit students to come to Brown for their doctoral studies or postdoctoral training. This is a great opportunity to not only promote Brown and its academic programs, but to also enhance your own professional development, networking, and communication skills. OGPS will reimburse up to $650 of eligible travel expenses for trainees who meet the following criteria:

• Be a current graduate student in good standing, or have a current postdoctoral appointment;
• Get approval from your PI/mentor to travel;
• Select an interdisciplinary conference that attracts a variety of scholars, including undergraduates (examples include ERN, EB, SACNAS, ABRCMS, etc.);
• Agree to read a brief Brown Graduate Program Overview before you travel and become prepared to field basic questions to potential students about the information it contains;
• Submit a one page statement that outlines the reason for your interest in attending this meeting and details specific actions you will take at the meeting to promote the recruitment of prospective graduate students and/or postdocs to Brown (include your name, PI/mentor name, and department at the top of the page). These actions could include staffing a table;
• Agree to submit a post-travel report (under 500 words) that explains what specific actions you took while traveling to support student/postdoc recruitment and outreach (expense reimbursement will be contingent upon the submission of this post-travel report).

Please submit your proposal via e-mail to  [email protected]  with the subject heading: “Recruitment Travel: FirstName LastName” as early as possible. Please send any questions (for example, whether a certain conference would meet the eligibility requirements) to  [email protected] .  Please note that there will be a limit on the # of trainees who can attend an individual conference.  

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Research & Travel Grants

Chapman Graduate Scholar Presentation Award Program

The University of Tulsa Chapman Graduate Scholar Presentation Awards Program provides assistance for graduate students to present their scholarship in a national or international forum to enhance the student’s career opportunities.

• Any enrolled graduate student who is a senior author on an abstract and orally presenting research conducted at the University of Tulsa may apply.
• The maximum amount of an individual award will be $1,000 for master’s students and $1,500 for doctoral students.
• Applications are evaluated on a rolling basis, pending availability of funds within the Graduate School. Students are encouraged to submit requests as early as possible, as funds may run out over the course of the year.

Student Research and Travel Grant Program Application

The University of Tulsa Student Research and Travel Grant Program helps students to engage in worthwhile research projects and presentations at professional meetings that otherwise may not be possible as a result of a lack of financial support. It is also hoped this grant program will open new areas of research and stimulate more students to engage in research activities and professional meetings.

• Completed research applications with all required signatures should be submitted to the Research Office for review.
• Applications for support during each semester must be submitted by the end of the third week of classes in order to be eligible for support during that semester. Funding decisions will be announced within ten working days of semester deadlines.
• Applications for support during the summer term must be submitted by May 4. Awards will be announced by May 15.
• Applications for financial support for professional presentations may be submitted throughout the year for review. Applications must be submitted a minimum of two weeks prior to the professional meeting.

Travel Expense Reimbursement Form

All graduate students seeking reimbursement for academic-related travel expenses covered by a Graduate School or Office of Research and Sponsored Programs travel grant must complete the Travel Expense Reimbursement form.

The University of Tulsa Chapman Graduate Scholar Presentation Awards Program provides assistance for graduate students to present their scholarship in a national or international forum to enhance the student’s career opportunities. We encourage you to contact the Graduate School staff for more information about scholarship awards at [email protected] or by phone at 918-631-2336.

Objective: The University of Tulsa Chapman Graduate Scholar Presentation Awards Program provides financial assistance for graduate students to present their scholarship in a national or international forum and to enhance the student’s career opportunities. These are competitive awards; not all applicants receive one.

Eligibility: Any enrolled graduate student who is first author on an abstract and presenting research conducted at The University of Tulsa during their graduate program may apply. Enrolled students entering works in juried exhibitions are also eligible for support. The applicant must be enrolled at the time of the presentation (with the exception of summer), and the presentation must be prior to the applicant’s graduation.

All students are expected to have previous experience presenting either on campus or at a national or international professional meeting prior to receiving a Chapman Scholars Presentation Award. Appropriate on-campus experience includes a presentation given in the Annual Student Research Colloquium, in a departmental brown bag seminar, to a research advisory board, in a departmental symposium, or similar events. A classroom presentation for coursework is not deemed adequate.

It is highly recommended that students participate in the annual student Research Colloquium which is held each Spring. Presentations given in this forum are intended to improve students’ oral presentation skills and assist them with explaining their research to people outside of their discipline. Preference will be given to:

• Students in the final semesters of their degree program.
• Doctoral students giving oral presentations.
• Students who have previous experience presenting research.

Application Deadline: Applications are evaluated on a rolling basis, pending availability of funds within the Graduate School. Students are encouraged to submit requests as early as possible, as funds may run out over the course of the year.

Application: All requests for support must be made using the Chapman Graduate Scholar Presentation Award application form . The applicant must enclose a detailed budget, a copy of the abstract, a copy of the acceptance letter of the paper for the professional meeting, and the completed application form signed by the student’s advisor.

If an acceptance letter is not available at the time of application, a student may still apply by the application deadline by attaching a copy of the transmittal letter sent with submission of the abstract. No funds will be released until a copy of the acceptance letter is submitted.

Budget: Submit a detailed budget that clearly lists each estimated cost associated with the scholarly presentation. Eligible expenses include round trip airfare or mileage ($0.585/mile), hotel cost, food (a maximum of $37.50 first and last day, and $50 for the other days), conference fees and Uber/Lyft transportation costs.

Size of Grant: A student may submit more than one proposal, but funding priority will be given to students who have received less than $1000 as master’s degree students and $1500 as doctoral degree students during their degree program.

Petition for Exception: If an application does not meet the above guidelines, including poster presentations by doctoral students, the student may petition for an exception by submitting the petition in writing to the Graduate Dean. The petition should explain in detail any extenuating circumstances and must be approved and signed by the advisor. The advisor’s letter must address the extenuating circumstances including doctoral students giving poster presentations.

Reporting Requirements: Expense reports and original receipts must be submitted within 30 days following travel. Requests for reimbursement submitted more than 30 days after travel may not be approved (University policy). For the travel reimbursement form, email [email protected] .

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» Undergraduate Travel Grants

The Undergraduate Travel Grant provides financial support to undergraduate students who have been accepted to present their research or creative projects at a non-Chapman University professional or academic conference, formal academic meeting/event, or public cultural event/festival.

How to Apply for an Undergraduate Travel Grant

Eligibility.

• Applicants must be currently enrolled undergraduate students at Chapman University working with a faculty mentor and be in good academic standing with the University.
• Applicant must be accepted to present research or creative project at a professional conference/event/film festival and be listed as the primary or co-presenter. Applicant must have an active role in delivering the presentation.
• Funding will NOT be awarded if travel takes place after the applicant's graduation date.  
• All applicants must request funding from SGA and one other source before receiving funding through CUE.
• All students who receive a Travel Grant through CUE are required to present their work at the Student Scholar Symposium during the academic year in which they received their travel award.
• All students who receive a travel grant are required to have a photo taken at the event to document their presentation, and submit that photo to CUE at the conclusion of their travel to be posted on the CUE Travel Grant Awards map.
• Funding will not be considered after the attendance or completion of a conference.

Award Information

• Awards are intended to reimburse students up to $500 for approved travel-related expenses.
• Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
• Only one award can be received from CUE per semester/term.
• Funds are limited and are awarded on a first-come first-serve basis.

Application Process

• Applications should be submitted immediately upon acceptance to present.
• All application materials should be submitted at least six (6) weeks prior to the conference/event date. 

Required Application Materials

Presentation Proposal:

• Submit a 450-500 word proposal containing the presentation abstract and how it contributes to your academic career.

Letter of Support:

• Letter of Support from a faculty mentor.

Presentation Acceptance

• Proof of presentation's acceptance by conference or event organization with applicant's name on the document.

Estimated Costs:   Provide documentation detailing ALL costs of the conference.

• Conference Fees/Registration - documentation from the conference or event organization of registration and any applicable fees.
• Lodging - documentation must be a confirmed reservation OR a screenshot of estimated expenses from the lodging establishment.  Required information - Name/address of lodging, dates of stay, nightly room cost, all applicable taxes, and fees.
• Travel:    Airfare   -  documentation must include airline carrier, departure and arrival dates, airports involved, and cost including fare, taxes, and fees.   Train   - documentation must include train carrier, departure and arrival dates, route (stations involved), cabin level, and cost including fare, taxes, and fees. Documentation must be purchased tickets OR screenshot of estimated expense from airfare/train carrier.   Personal vehicle   - documentation must include a mapped-out route from Google maps reflecting round trip mileage.
• Meals - documentation of the conference or event itinerary to qualify for per diem food costs.
• Additional application materials may be required based on the funding source.  Refer to the Participating Funding Sources above for detailed information.

This application serves as a universal application for participating Chapman units/colleges that fund travel to a professional or academic conference, formal academic meeting/event, or public cultural event/festival.

Upon completing the initial application fields, you will be prompted to select the units/colleges that should consider your application for funding based on your eligibility.

Chapman University Universal Travel Grant Application

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• Undergraduate Scholarly/Creative Grants
• Undergraduate Travel Grants
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The Faculty Mentor Directory is an online tool that provides undergraduate students a network of faculty members interested in mentoring undergraduate students in research or creative activity. Students can explore the Faculty Mentor Directory to identify potential faculty mentors that inspire or fit their academic and intellectual research/creative interests.

• Find a Faculty Mentor

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International Travel & Temporary Exports

University personnel often travel abroad as a positive part of their ongoing scholarly efforts. While international travel is free of export concerns under most circumstances, there are several factors that may cause it to become restricted by export controls. In order to protect Vanderbilt, your research, and yourself, it is important to consider the following:

• Where are you going?
• What are you taking with you?
• What are you doing?

You are responsible for securing information that is on your device, both personal and university-owned. By completing an International Travel Questionnaire (ITQ) , VEC can help assess whether export controls apply and advise how to best protect yourself and your research.

Secure Data Transport

Did you know that VEC now offers single-use flash drives for researchers traveling internationally? To find out more, click here.

Where Are You Going?

Travel to most countries is not restricted or prohibited; however, the Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) broadly regulates and restricts interactions with embargoed countries. These restrictions vary depending on the country and change frequently depending on our economic and political relations.

Travel to the People’s Republic of China is not prohibited. However, cyber security is a large concern. U.S. travelers are believed to be priority targets for cyber-attack, particularly if they are known to be engaged in classified or proprietary research in a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) discipline. Electronic devices taken may be subject to involuntary governmental review and even complete duplication. They may also be successfully attacked and compromised without the user even knowing.

China does not allow the import of encrypted devices per the State Council Directive No. 273, Regulations on the Administration of Commercial Encryption. This regulation banned foreign encryption products, deemed all commercial encryption standards a state secret, and required that commercial encryption only be produced and sold by government authorities. An example of prohibited encryption is Virtual Private Network (VPN).

• Send any sensitive messages via email or access sensitive data.
• Open attachments, click unknown links, connect unknown USB devices or CDs.
• Use USB-based public battery charging stations; the USB interface to your device they may allow the charging station to do more than just provide power.
• Purchase new hardware while traveling; Do not purchase or download any new software.
• Have any of your electronic devices “repaired” or “worked-on” while abroad.
• Ensure your system is fully patched and has all institutionally recommended security software installed.
• Be aware your internet activity may be monitored.
• Power down your device whenever possible.
• Upon return, have your device inspected for compromise  before  hooking in to the Vanderbilt network.

If arrested, taken into custody, or interrogated, do not make any statements or sign any documents, particularly if they are written in a language you don’t know. Ask to have the U.S. Embassy or Consulate notified of your detention at once.

If you are considering travel to China or Russia, contact  Vanderbilt Export Control  as soon as possible  to get an export control review of your plans and the types of items you would like to take so we can determine if any licenses would be required.

In June 2017, it was announced that travel to Cuba is  still prohibited  under most circumstances by U.S. State Department regulations. There are 12 categories under which travel from the U.S. to Cuba is still permitted. Some are listed here:

• Educational activities for credit towards a degree
• Educational activities not for credit towards a degree when organized by a US entity and accompanied by an employee or agent of that entity
• Professional research and professional meetings
• Public performances, workshops, clinics, competitions, and exhibitions

The ban on tourism remains in place. Travelers must maintain a full-time schedule of activities related to an authorized travel category and must maintain records of their activities (itinerary, receipts, etc.). Expect increased scrutiny at the US border when traveling to or from Cuba.

Travelers will also be prohibited from engaging in travel-related transactions with entities owned or controlled by Grupo de Administración Empresarial (GAESA).  The U.S. State Department will be issuing a list of GAESA entities, which may include hotels, restaurants, and various service providers a traveler may encounter.

It is very important that you check with OFAC to ensure that your conference or business purpose qualifies under the general license and/or a specific license. In addition, it is very important to note that while you may be authorized under the general license to travel to Cuba, certain goods and the provision of services are prohibited. Note: Shipping or hand-carrying any items (and certain technology or software) to Cuba remains subject to strict export control restrictions.  Cuban FAQs .

If you are considering travel to Cuba, contact  Vanderbilt Export Control  as soon as possible  to get an export control review of your plans and the types of items you would like to take so we can determine if any licenses would be required.

Here is a  link to the OFAC summary information on travel restrictions to Cuba along with information on who to contact if you have questions or need additional information.

Travel to Islamic Republic of Iran is not prohibited. However, many interactions are sanctioned and require an export license. A restriction of note for researchers is providing a “service”. “Service” is construed to mean providing anything of value, even if no money is exchanged.

Examples might be:

• Providing technical assistance to an Iranian national or an Iranian institution
• Presenting data or research results to a person or institution
• Teaching or lecturing as a guest of an institution
• Attending a conference

In addition, Iranian authorities continue to unjustly detain and imprison U.S. citizens, including students and academics on charges of espionage. The U.S. government does not have diplomatic or consular relations with the Iran and therefore cannot provide protection or routine consular services to U.S. citizens in Iran.

Don't ...    

Provide technical assistance or analysis to Iranian nationals or institutions that would constitute a “service” without an OFAC license.

Bring anything other than personal belongings (note that if personal belongings include a controlled item, the item would still require a license) or equipment covered by an OFAC license. University owned equipment or material may require a specific export license.

Import or Export to Iran (apart from personal items you bring for personal use during travel) anything outside of informational materials or humanitarian donations without an OFAC license.

Transfer funds to Iranian financial institution or to an individual or entity on one of the government restricted party lists.

The Iranian Sanctions are updated frequently, but the Department of Treasury provides additional guidance on their website .  If you are considering travel to Iran, contact  Vanderbilt Export Control  immediately, regardless if your trip purpose is professional or personal .

On August 2, 2017, the Department of State  published a notice  that prohibits the use of U.S. passports for travel to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea). The restriction will go in to effect on September 1, 2017 and it will be required to get "special validation" to travel to this destination. It is strongly recommended to consult the U.S. Department of State travel web page regarding travel to North Korea.

General Information ...

• U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions or dealings involving persons whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to North Korea-related authorities.
• Although OFAC does not prohibit exports to North Korea, a license is required for the export or re-export to North Korea of almost all items (all items subject to the EAR other than food or medicines designated as EAR99).

Here is a link to the OFAC summary information on the North Korea sanctions program .  If you are considering travel to North Korea, you must contact  Vanderbilt Export Control  immediately.

Travel to Sudan is not prohibited. However, many transactions, including the provision of certain services, is prohibited or requires a license.

The following transactions are allowed under a General License:

• Donations of articles intended to relieve human suffering, such as food, clothing, and medicine;
• The importation from and exportation to Sudan of information and informational materials whether commercial or otherwise, regardless of format or medium of transmission;
• Certain academic and professional exchanges with Sudan.

Note that on July 9, 2011, Southern Sudan gained its independence, becoming the new Republic of South Sudan, and was formally recognized by the United States Government. As of July 9, 2011, therefore, the Republic of South Sudan is no longer subject to the Sudanese Sanctions Regulations.

Here is a link to the OFAC summary information on the Sudan sanctions program .  If you are planning to travel to/research in the Sudan, you must consult   Vanderbilt Export Control   to determine if any licenses would be required.

Travel to Syria is generally allowed although not advised. If you are planning to travel to Syria, please consult the  U.S. Department of State website . 

You cannot export, re-export, sell or supply any services to Syria without an export license, with the exception of exports and re-exports of services in support of humanitarian and other not-for-profit activities.

Here is a link to the OFAC summary information on the Syria sanctions program .  If you are planning to travel to/research in Syria, you must consult  Vanderbilt Export Control   to determine if any licenses would be required.

The US Government has a limited sanctions program against the Government of Venezuela and those closely tied to it. In May 2019, the BIS amended the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) to remove Venezuela from Country Group B, which affords favorable treatment for certain exports of National Security-controlled items, and moved Venezuela to Country Group D:1, which lists countries of national security concern. This final rule makes these changes to the EAR to reflect current national security concerns related to Venezuela, e.g., the introduction of foreign military personnel and equipment into Venezuela, and to better protect U.S. national security. The changes in this final rule also better align the Country Group designations for Venezuela with other EAR national security-related provisions that already apply to Venezuela, e.g., the military end-use and end-user controls that apply to certain items for export, reexport, or transfer (in-country) and provisions that are specific to countries subject to U.S. arms embargoes. In addition, this final rule adds Venezuela to Country Groups D:2-4, which list countries of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons, and missile technology concern, respectively.

Executive Order (EO) 13808 prohibits transactions by U.S. persons wherever they are located, and transactions within the United States. For transactions involving blocked persons, including the Government of Venezuela and any entity in which it owns, directly or indirectly, a 50 percent or greater interest, U.S. persons are prohibited from engaging in any activity or transaction with such blocked persons unless exempt or otherwise authorized by OFAC. If there is a Venezuela-related general license authorizing dealings with such blocked persons, but the transactions or dealings fall within the prohibitions of E.O. 13808, U.S. persons should reject such transactions, unless an authorization allowing transactions and other dealings otherwise prohibited by E.O. 13808 also applies. U.S. persons must report to OFAC any blocked or rejected transactions within 10 business days.

The United States has deepening concerns about the ongoing crisis in northern Ethiopia as well as other threats to the sovereignty, national unity, and territorial integrity of Ethiopia. People in northern Ethiopia continue to suffer human rights violations, abuses, and atrocities, and urgently needed humanitarian relief is being blocked by the Ethiopian and Eritrean militaries as well as other armed actors. On May 23, 2021, the Secretary of State announced restrictions with respect to Ethiopia and Eritrea, including certain restrictions related to security assistance. The Department is updating ITAR § 126.1, consistent with the Secretary's announcement, by adding Ethiopia in paragraph (n) and updating the existing entry for Eritrea in paragraph (h).The policy of denial applies to licenses or other approvals for exports of defense articles or defense services to or for the armed forces, police, intelligence, or other internal security forces of either Ethiopia or Eritrea.

UPDATE - FEBRUARY 2022: In response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the ongoing conflict in that country, the US Department of State has issued the following Travel Alert for Russia: "Do not travel to Russia due to the unprovoked and unjustified attack by Russian military forces in Ukraine, the potential for harassment against U.S. citizens by Russian government security officials, the Embassy’s limited ability to assist U.S. citizens in Russia, COVID-19 and related entry restrictions, terrorism, limited flights into and out of Russia, and the arbitrary enforcement of local law.  U.S. citizens should depart Russia immediately.

Due to Russia’s further invasion of Ukraine, an increasing number of airlines are cancelling flights into and out of Russia, and numerous countries have closed their airspace to Russian airlines. In addition, airspace around southern Russia is restricted, and a number of airports in the area have closed. U.S. citizens located in, or considering travel to, the districts of the Russian Federation immediately bordering Ukraine should be aware that the situation along the border is dangerous and unpredictable.

Given the ongoing armed conflict, U.S. citizens are strongly advised against traveling by land from Russia to Ukraine. In addition, there is the potential throughout Russia of harassment of foreigners, including through regulations targeted specifically against foreigners. Given the ongoing armed conflict and the potentially significant impact on international travel options, U.S. citizens should depart Russia immediately via the limited commercial options still available."

Further, the US Government has imposed a number of new sanctions and export controls against Russia, some of which may impact certain University personnel and activities. Namely, the Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has issued two new rules detailing new restrictions against Russia and Belarus. The first rule, “Implementation of Sanctions Against Russia Under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR),” (Russia Sanctions rule) which became effective on February 24, 2022, implements new Russia license requirements and licensing policies to protect U.S. national security and foreign policy interests. The second rule, “Imposition of Sanctions Against Belarus Under the Export Administration Regulations,” (Belarus Sanctions rule) which was effective on March 2, 2022, implements new Belarus license requirements and licensing policies, also to protect U.S. national security and foreign policy interests. Taken together, these new controls, implemented through the issuance of amendments to the EAR, place significant restrictions on U.S. exports, re-exports, and in-country transfers, and on products manufactured abroad with U.S. technology or tooling to Russia and that are subject to the EAR, primarily in aerospace and military sectors. New controls on Belarus target the diversion of items to Russia through Belarus.The new rules also impose comprehensive export controls against the Donetsk People’s Republic and Luhansk People’s Republic regions of Ukraine for all items subject to the EAR with few exceptions, such as for food, medicine and certain Internet-based software for personal communications.

In addition to expanding export controls against Russia, the   US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has imposed new economic sanctions against Russia, severely limiting Russia’s largest financial institutions and the ability of state-owned and private entities to raise capital, as well as further barring Russia from the global financial system.

If you currently have or anticipate research activities involving Russia, Belarus, or specially designated regions Ukraine, please contact Vanderbilt Export Compliance (VEC) as early as possible and before shipping or transferring any items or technologies to recipients located in these countries.  VEC will assess the applicable export restrictions and seek the proper US Government licenses and authorization as necessary.

Going to an Embargoed Country?

The Department of Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) broadly regulates and restricts interactions with embargoed countries. Regulations vary depending on the country or region and change frequently due to economic policy and national security. But the most comprehensive controls apply to: Russia, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, and Syria. Most travel and transactions require an export license to these destinations which can affect your research and educational relations.

Additionally, travel to certain countries, while not prohibited, should have special considerations for security risk. China and Russia travelers may experience a range of cyber security issues that deserve mention.

• Comprehensively Embargoed Countries  are those with which most activities are prohibited and require a license.
• OFAC Sanctions Programs and Country Information .
• Department of State Travel Advisories

If you are traveling to or providing services to a citizen of one of these countries, please complete the  International Travel Questionnaire  for assistance in determining your export requirements. For more information on sanctioned and embargoed countries, see  Restricted Parties & Countries of Concern .

In order to comply with U.S. regulations, Duo blocks authentications from users whose IP address originates in a country or region subject to economic and trade sanctions enforced by the  U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control . Users attempting to authenticate to a Duo-protected application from an access device with an IP address originating in an OFAC-regulated country or region will be blocked from completing their login and receive an error message. Web-based applications will display the following error message: “Access denied. Duo Security does not provide services in your current location.” Other applications may display a generic failed login message.

OFAC restrictions relevant to Duo currently apply to the following countries or regions:

• North Korea
• Crimea region
• Donetsk region
• Luhansk region
• Sevastopol region

Blocked authentications will appear in the  Authentication Log  as “Restricted OFAC location.”

For questions about how this may impact your Duo use while abroad, please review the following and/or contact VUIT: https://it.vanderbilt.edu/security/messages/Zoom_Duo_Restricted_Counties_April2022.php

What Are You Taking With You?

When you travel abroad everything you take with you is considered an export. This applies not only to tangible items but also to intangible items. Some examples may be:

• Laptop and smart devices
• Scientific equipment
• Biological agents
• Chemicals and toxins
• Research data

If you do not need it, do not take it with you:

• Utilize a Virtual Private Network
• Use password systems and personal firewalls
• Disable Bluetooth
• Maintain “ effective control ” of your devices
• Protect your research by backing up your data
• Assume Wi-Fi in a foreign country is secure
• Use internet cafes or other untrusted networks
• Travel with or access any controlled or restricted data

It is  illegal  for U.S. persons to bribe a foreign official. Review the federal    Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA)    anti-bribery provisions.

Keep export compliance documents and search results for five (5) years past the last date of travel activity.

Once outside the United States, you should NOT expect privacy. Your Wi-Fi connections are not secure and your personal property can be seized and searched by foreign authorities without probable cause. It is recommended that you document any items you plan to take with you to help prove they were in your possession before you left the United States. If you are traveling abroad and taking Vanderbilt-owned property, please complete the International Travel Questionnaire   to assist with this documentation.

If you are taking Vanderbilt-owned items that require an export license, some may be  temporarily  exported  under the Temporary Export license exception (TMP). TMP is a license exemption, meaning no license is required to take your equipment when these conditions are met:

• The item will be used to conduct Vanderbilt University business.
• The item will remain under the “ effective control ” of Vanderbilt personnel while abroad.
• The item will return to Vanderbilt within 12 months of departure or be destroyed.

TMP is  not eligible for use on any military items, EAR satellite or space-related equipment, or high-level encryption products. It is also not available when traveling to Iran, North Korea, Sudan, or Syria. Please contact VEC for assistance with TMP eligibility.

When taking equipment on your international travel, you may be asked to provide an Export Control Classification Number (ECCN). Please refer to the chart below for the ECCNs of items most commonly taken. If your item is not listed, the best resource for an accurate ECCN is the manufacturer or sponsor of the item. If you need additional classification assistance, please contact  [email protected] .

If you are taking a laptop or other common electronic device, ensure there is no encryption source code.

Travelers are free to take and openly discuss any data or information that is published, available in the public domain, normally taught as part of a class, or resulting from  fundamental research . However, you  cannot  take or share data or information that is in any way export-restricted. Examples include information about export-controlled technologies or the results of a project not protected under the Fundamental Research Exclusion (FRE). Sharing such information may constitute an unauthorized export.

What Are You Doing?

If you plan to conduct research overseas, keep in mind that this does not qualify for the Fundamental Research Exclusion (FRE) and may be subject to export controls.  If you are performing field research abroad, please complete the International Travel Questionnaire to allow VEC to assist with evaluating export risks.

If teaching abroad, limit your content to that of a catalog course; if you are presenting or sharing data and information, limit to only that which is published or qualifies for the FRE. The same applies when collaborating overseas and sharing information with your foreign collaborators.

Who you interact with overseas also plays an important role in export compliance. Perform a  Restricted Parties Screening (RPS)  on people and associated entities you plan to interact with to ensure they are not listed on any US Government-issued blocked or denied parties lists.

Other Travel Resources

• Cybersecurity for the Vanderbilt Business Traveler
• FBI International Travel Brochure
• Vanderbilt Concur Solutions
• Vanderbilt Incident Response for Travel
• International Student & Scholar Services
• Department of State International Travel Alerts and Warnings

Graduate & Professional Student Government

Grants For Students

Research Grants   |  Service Grants   |  Travel Grants

GPSG provides grants to University of Iowa graduate and professional students to travel, conduct research, or engage in a service project.

We do not place specific restrictions on the types of research, travel, or service that we will fund. Successful applicants should be able to make a strong case for how their proposed research , service , or travel will contribute to their educational and/or professional development. Due to the competitive nature of the grants, and our desire to fund as many students as possible, applicants are only eligible for funding once for each type of grant per academic year. 

Application Logistics

To apply for a GPSG Grant, please  click here to be taken to Engage , our online application management system. Applications for each cycle will not open until the "opens" date listed under Grant Deadlines.

• *Please note: You will need to sign in using your HawkID and password to access the application forms for the current funding cycle.
• Once logged in, find GPSG in the "organizations" tab
• Navigate to the appropriate grant form (travel, research, service) that is listed under the GPSG profile page
• This system will provide a record/confirmation of your submissions and updates on the status of your application in your Engage account under the 'Activity' tab.

If you have questions regarding the GPSG Grant Program, please email Grant Director Shaoshuai “Shirley” Chen ( [email protected]. )

For technical assistance with the application system, please email our system manager .

Overview of available GPSG Grants:

• Travel Grant:  this GPSG Grant will fund up to $500 for travel to conferences and workshops occurring within 90 (+/-) days of the cycle deadline. This can include registration fees for virtual conferences. Successful applicants make a strong case for the importance of attending the specific conference or workshop, demonstrate financial need and efforts to secure additional funding, and clearly describe the work to be presented. Although it is not required that applicants present their work, priority will be given to those that do. Applicants will also be required to provide proof of their travel. Examples include, but are not limited to: a hotel or airfare receipt, a selfie or picture from the venue, etc.  Read more about GPSG Travel Grants.   
• Research Grant:  the GPSG Grant will fund up to $1,500 for expenses related to research projects. While we do not restrict research funding to dissertation projects, successful research proposals reflect a carefully crafted and feasible research plan. Applicants will be required to provide an itemized budget for the requested funds, as well as list any other sources of funding for the project in question. Recipients of grants for research have six months to use the awarded funds. Funds are released upon sending a purchase request; therefore this grant cannot be used to retroactively pay for past purchases.  Read more about GPSG Research Grants .   
• Service Grant:  the GPSG Grant will fund up to $1,500 for expenses related to a service project. While only graduate and professional students may apply for and receive GPSG Grant funds, applicants may partner with other students to complete their service project. Priority will be given to projects that can demonstrate a direct impact on the University of Iowa community. Successful applicants will demonstrate the importance of their service project and its connection with the UI community as well as their own personal and professional development. Recipients of service grants have up to six months to use awarded funds. Funds are released upon sending a purchase request; therefore, this grant cannot be used to retroactively pay for past purchases.  Read more about GPSG Service Grants.

2024-2025 Grant Deadlines:

In order to provide for timely review of applications, GPSG has set the following grant review cycles for the 2024-2025 academic year (note: these deadlines are subject to change at any time):

GPSG Council of Delegates Funding Vote date subject to change.

Application Procedure and Review Process:

The GPSG supports the sustainability initiative at the University of Iowa to eliminate paper applications. Please complete the electronic application above. Applications must be received by 11:59pm (Central Time) on the deadline date to be considered. All subsequent communication with applicants will be conducted via email. No physical copies of any material will be accepted.

Following each cycle’s deadline, the GPSG Grants Director reviews and prepares all applications. S/he then provides them to the GPSG Grants Committee for review. The committee reviews the applications and scores each application based on whether or not they meet specific criteria (criteria specifics mentioned below). Each application is scored by at least two members of the committee for an average score. After the committee members submit their evaluation scores, a cutoff score is generated based on the number of applications and the amount of funds available. The GPSG Grants Director presents the recommendations to the GPSG Council of Delegates at the next monthly meeting for their approval. A simple majority of the Council of Delegates is needed to confirm the recommendations. Funding decisions are then communicated to the applicants by the GPSG Grants Director. Depending on the date of receipt of the application and the total number of applications submitted that cycle, it may take up to six (6) weeks to receive a funding decision. Students that do not receive funding may reapply during a later grant cycle. 

Travel Grants

Range of Support

Awards are contingent upon the availability of funds and the number of applications received. As of the 2020-21 fiscal/academic year, the evaluation committee will award up to a maximum of $500 per applicant, even though the cost of attending the conference may exceed that amount.

Students are highly encouraged to provide detailed explanations for the amount requested, and demonstrate efforts to find the cheapest alternative (room sharing, carpooling, etc.)

The GPSG Travel Grant is not a guaranteed source of funding. Travel grant awardees are not guaranteed to receive funding before their travel begins. We encourage students to submit the required application materials by the earliest eligible travel grant deadline.

Eligibility  

• The applicant must be enrolled as a student in a graduate or professional degree program at the University of Iowa (i.e. must pay student service fees), and be in good academic standing. GPSG will not consider grant applications by students pursuing a bachelor's degree. 
• Travel must be completed prior to graduation: Applicants who plan to graduate during that same term must submit their travel expense report prior to the end of the term. If your travel has already taken place at the time that your application is due, you must submit your expense report along with your application. For instance, if you apply during the March grant round and your travel took place in February, you must submit your expense report along with your application.
• Applicants are eligible to receive one (1) GPSG grant per academic/fiscal year; the fiscal year begins on July 1. For the purposes of implementing the 'one award per year' policy, all awards are treated as given on the application deadline. A student may apply as many times as desired per year until they are awarded a grant, as long as they follow all necessary guidelines.

Note: Group applications are not allowed. If several students are attending the same event, each student must apply separately for funding, and each student must be responsible for creating their own application.

GPSG observes a standard fiscal year that runs from July 1 to the following June 30. Travel grant recipients must claim the award during the same fiscal year it was awarded. Therefore, students traveling between July 1 and the start of the fall semester should wait to apply for travel funds until the fall semester after they return. 

Travel Funding Evaluation Criteria and Process

For more information regarding the criteria used by the travel grant judges to evaluate the travel grant applications, please refer to the GPSG Travel Grant Evaluation Rubric.   

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I am trying to apply for the GPSG travel grant, but Engage indicates that all applications are closed. How do I apply? A: In order to apply for all GPSG grants, you must log in to your University of Iowa Engage account (using your Hawk ID) when submitting grant applications. Once you have logged in, you will be able to see the open applications.

Q: Is there any way for me to get a confirmation email saying that I applied for this grant? I need to submit proof that I applied for funding.   A: If you log on to Engage, there will be a record of your submission found in the activity tab.  

Q: Is there a limit to the number of awards a student can receive? A: Applicants can only be awarded one of each type of grant per academic year. We try to award funding to as many different individuals as possible.

Q: I have been granted a travel award. How will I receive my award? A: Once all travel receipts have been received by the grants director ([email protected]), awards will be dispersed by the Student Organization Business Office (SOBO) via your UBill account.   Awards may be applied to your Ubill balance, reduce your loan amounts, paid by direct deposit, or a combination of any of these methods.  The impact of the award to financial aid is unique to each student and cannot be predicted by the Student Organization Business Office.  Please allow time for processing all the paperwork before inquiring about your award. Awards should be visible on your UBill account within 30-60 days.

Research Grants

GPSG recognizes that graduate and professional student education is advanced through academic research. Therefore, GPSG strives to support quality graduate and professional student research to continue the University of Iowa’s reputation as a leading research institution. Current graduate and professional students in good academic standing who have a project proposal and a principal investigator (PI) or project advisor may apply for Research and Project Grant funding. The maximum that can be awarded for Research Funding is $1,500 per project to be used within six months of being awarded. Please read ALL of the sections on this webpage, particularly the funding guidelines below, before you submit your application. Questions regarding any part of the application process may be directed to the GPSG Grants Director at [email protected].  

Eligibility

• The applicant must be enrolled as a student in a graduate or professional degree program at the University of Iowa (i.e. must pay student service fees), and be in good academic standing.  GPSG will not consider grant applications by students pursuing a bachelor's degree.
• Research must be completed prior to graduation. 

Research Funding Application

Please complete the  Research Grant Application  by signing in with your HawkID on Engage. 

Research Funding Guidelines

All applicants are responsible for reading all the information on this website before applying, and will be held to the following guidelines (subject to change):

• There is a maximum award of $1,500 allowed per project.
• Allocated funds may only be used for the purposes for which they were approved by GPSG.
• Activities that could otherwise be funded through GPSG Travel or Service Grants will not be considered for Research Grant funding.
• Reimbursement for items purchased before the award was received will not be allowed.
• If the final cost of an approved item is more than the remaining balance of the awarded amount, GPSG will not pay the difference.
• Applicants are responsible for submitting all purchase requests within six months of receiving funding (exceptions may be allowed if they are requested prior to an existing deadline).
• The activity or potential activities must align with the mission of the University of Iowa and GPSG. Additionally, it is the responsibility of the individual or the organization to ensure that allocated funds are spent in accordance with the University of Iowa and the Board of Regents policies, and any other policies the recipient is expected to comply with.
• Acknowledgment of GPSG’s support is expected on all publicity, presentations, posters, and/or publications resulting from the research project. The GPSG logo will be provided for use if funding is awarded.
• Awarded applicants must provide a final report on the outcome of the project upon request (within 12 months of the award date or before applying for any future award). 

Research Funding Evaluation Criteria and Process

For more information regarding the criteria used by the research grant judges to evaluate the research grant applications, please refer to the  GPSG Research Grant Evaluation Rubric .  

Research Funding Prohibited Items  

The GPSG will not fund expenses that are not directly related to the research being conducted. Prohibited funding items include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Tuition or remuneration of the applicant’s time spent on the research project
• Dissertation fees - including but not limited to Graduate College and/or graduation fees and dissertation printing expenses
• Membership dues
• Office or laboratory furniture
• Office equipment or supplies
• Rental of office or laboratory space
• Salaries and wages for research assistants, University of Iowa affiliates, or employees
• Food and refreshments
• Philanthropic events
• Entertainment

Item approval is left to the discretion of the committee.

Q: Can the grant cover travel visas, passport photos, or visa mailing fees? A: No

Q: Can I apply for a research grant for research that I have already conducted? A: No. All research applications should be specific to research that will be conducted in the near future.

Q: Does the grant cover software? A: Yes, so long as it is not already provided by the UofI or otherwise freely available. If the software is provided at a reduced fee, you may include this fee in your grant application.

Q: Does the grant cover books? A: Only in the case where they are not available through the U of I library and their research purpose is well-justified.

Q: How long does a decision take? A: We try to make decisions within 6 weeks of the application deadline, but cannot guarantee this. All decisions must be approved by the GPSG Council of Delegates, which meets approximately once per month.

Q: Does the grant cover shipping charges or taxes? A: Shipping charges and taxes are covered, but they must be included in the grant application with the budget. They cannot be covered after the fact.

Q: What happens to any equipment purchased with the grant after it has been used? A: The equipment will belong to your department.

Q: I am trying to apply for the GPSG research grant, but Engage indicates that all applications are closed. How do I apply? A: In order to apply for all GPSG grants, you must log into your University of Iowa Engage account (using your Hawk ID) when submitting grant applications. Once you have logged in, you will be able to see the open applications.

Q: Is there any way for me to get a confirmation email saying that I applied for this grant? I need to submit proof that I applied for funding.   A: If you log on to Engage , there will be a record of your submission found in the activity tab.  

Q: How are the grants reviewed and who decides which grants are funded? A: All grants are reviewed and given a score by at least two members of the grants committee. That averaged score is used to determine which applications are recommended for funding to the Graduate and Professional Student Government. The GPSG Council of Delegates votes on the recommendations that their monthly meetings.

Service Grants

GPSG recognizes that graduate and professional student education is advanced through service projects. The maximum that can be awarded for Service Grant Funding is $1,500 per project to be used within the academic year. Please read ALL of the sections on this webpage before you submit your application. Questions regarding any part of the application process may be directed to the GPSG Grants Director at  [email protected].

• The applicant must be enrolled as a student in a graduate or professional degree program at the University of Iowa (i.e. must pay student service fees), and be in good academic standing. GPSG will not consider grant applications by students pursuing a bachelor's degree.
• Service project must be completed prior to graduation. 

Service Funding Application

Please complete the Service Grant Application .

Service Grant Funding Guidelines

• Activities that could otherwise be funded through our Travel or Research Grants program will not be considered for Service Grants funding.
• Applicants are responsible for bringing the project to completion within the academic year of receiving funding (exceptions may be allowed).
• The activity or potential activities must reflect the mission of the University of Iowa and GPSG. Additionally, it is the responsibility of the individual or the organization to ensure that allocated funds are spent in accordance with the University of Iowa and the Board of Regents policies, and any other policies the recipient is expected to comply with.
• Acknowledgment of GPSG’s support is expected on all publicity, presentations, posters, and publications regarding the service project. The GPSG logo will be provided for use if funding is awarded.
• Awarded applicants must provide a final report on the outcome of the project (within 12 months of the award date or before applying for another award during the next academic year).

Service Grant Funding Evaluation Criteria and Process

For more information regarding the criteria used by the service grant judges to evaluate the service grant applications, please refer to the  GPSG Service Grant Evaluation Rubric . 

Other Grant Opportunities

Looking to increase your odds at winning an award? Check out these other great funding opportunities available to University of Iowa students.   (If there are other opportunities that should be listed, please email the grants director so they can be advertised here!)

• Graduate College
• Graduate Student Senate Awards
• International Programs Awards
• CGRER Student Travel for Field Research  

Best Travel and Tourism colleges in the U.S.

Best travel and tourism colleges in the u.s. for 2024.

Texas A & M University-College Station offers 7 Travel and Tourism degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2022, 293 Travel and Tourism students graduated with students earning 151 Certificates, 122 Bachelor's degrees, 14 Master's degrees, and 6 Doctoral degrees.

University of Hawaii at Manoa offers 2 Travel and Tourism degree programs. It's a large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 83 Travel and Tourism students graduated with students earning 78 Bachelor's degrees, and 5 Master's degrees.

Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis offers 2 Travel and Tourism degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 136 Travel and Tourism students graduated with students earning 113 Bachelor's degrees, and 23 Certificates.

University of Southern Maine offers 3 Travel and Tourism degree programs. It's a medium sized, public, four-year university in a small city. In 2022, 8 Travel and Tourism students graduated with students earning 7 Bachelor's degrees, and 1 Certificate.

George Washington University offers 4 Travel and Tourism degree programs. It's a very large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 33 Travel and Tourism students graduated with students earning 30 Master's degrees, and 3 Certificates.

Rochester Institute of Technology offers 2 Travel and Tourism degree programs. It's a large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large suburb.

College of Southern Nevada offers 2 Travel and Tourism degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 27 Travel and Tourism students graduated with students earning 26 Associate's degrees, and 1 Certificate.

Hinds Community College offers 2 Travel and Tourism degree programs. It's a medium sized, public, two-year college in a outlying town. In 2022, 14 Travel and Tourism students graduated with students earning 10 Certificates, and 4 Associate's degrees.

Michigan State University offers 2 Travel and Tourism degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a small city. In 2022, 3 Travel and Tourism students graduated with students earning 3 Doctoral degrees.

George Mason University offers 1 Travel and Tourism degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2022, 46 Travel and Tourism students graduated with students earning 46 Bachelor's degrees.

Top schools offering Travel and Tourism degrees in the U.S.

Travel and tourism.

• Tourism and Travel Services Management Schools
• Tourism and Travel Services Marketing Operations Schools
• Natural Resource Recreation and Tourism Schools
• Tourism Promotion Operations Schools

List of all Travel and Tourism colleges in the U.S.

Travel Support

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Click link to download the flyer:  Taylor-Wei Flyer 2024 (pdf)

The HSTM department and the University of Oklahoma have several travel and research grant programs to help students conduct research outside the Norman area and to present research at professional meetings.  All students with department or university support will need to complete a Travel Expense Sheet (xlsx ) in order to receive their reimbursements.

The department uses the completed Travel Expense Sheet (Excel) form to complete a State of Oklahoma Travel Voucher. Regulations regarding the reimbursement of travel expenses are specified in the Oklahoma statutes. The Office of State Finance has the responsibility of interpreting these statutes and issuing guidelines with which all state agencies must comply. Graduate students may wish to become familiar with the State requirements in order to provide the necessary information for reimbursement. State requirements can be found  here .

Be sure to check OU's travel policies, etc.

Department Support

For more information regarding travel and research award funding from the department, please email [email protected]

DeGolyer Graduate Fellowship in History of Science

History of Science Research Award

University Support

Graduate College Programs

Graduate College Travel and Research Grants , (scroll down to "Travel and Research Grants) including:

• Robberson Travel Grants provide financial assistance to graduate students who are presenting their research results or creative products at a professional venue. Robberson Research Grants provide financial assistance for expenses incurred as graduate students conduct their research or produce their creative products. Funded activities may include dissertation or thesis research and national research presentations, exhibitions or performances.
• Robberson Research and Travel Grants are awarded on a competitive basis. Submission of an application does not a guarantee of funding. We encourage application submission well in advance of your expected travel dates or research expenditure needs.
• The Robberson and Wethington Scholarships provide financial assistance for academically outstanding students to attend competitive and prestigious training/courses at other universities or institutions. Funding for this opportunity is provided from the Richard, Mary, and Glenn Robberson fund and the Mr. and Mrs. W.O. Wethington Scholarship fund. 

Eddie Carol Smith Scholarship  (pdf). The Eddie Carol Smith Scholarship is a one-year award that will go to a graduate student whose research/capstone project either opens a new area of scholarly endeavor or significantly expands an existing area of scholarly endeavor.

College of Arts and Sciences Programs

Student Travel Assistance Program . (Scroll down to "Student Travel Assistance Program.") The College of Arts and Sciences provides funds to support undergraduate and graduate student travel for research, presentation of research, or other educationally valuable purposes.

Graduate Student Senate Programs

Graduate Student Senate (GSS) Research & Conference Grants . The Graduate Student Senate (GSS) offers grants to assist graduate students of the University of Oklahoma in research and scholarly participation. These grants are designed to encourage graduate students to attend and/or present at professional and graduate conferences, creative exhibitions, and career fairs or to facilitate scholarly research.

Other Sources

Presidential International Travel Fellowship . These fellowships were initially funded from an endowment established with the proceeds from the sale of the University's Hacienda "El Cobano" in Colima, Mexico. President David Boren has increased these fellowships by allocating more funds in support of international travel for study abroad. This fund provides money specifically to help with the travel portions of OU students’ experiences abroad.

Neustadt and Puterbaugh Student Research Grant Program . World Literature Today provides research grants to cover the cost of buying books and other research materials and to travel to research and conference sites. Although these grants are intended to assist students working with authors in the Neustadt and Puterbaugh courses sponsored by WLT, students who are not taking these courses but are working in areas relating to literary and international studies may also apply for a research grant. Grants are given on a monthly basis, and students may submit the following application at any time.

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