Graduate Research Fellowship Program Workshop Series
Solidify your research and submit your next fellowship application with confidence.
Led by: Dr. Alena Kubatova, Associate Dean for Research in the College of Arts & Sciences and Dr. Yee Han Chu, Academic Support and Fellowship Opportunities Coordinator.
About the Workshop Series
The School of Graduate Studies invites UND juniors, seniors, students in joint bachelor’s-master’s programs, and students preparing to enter or currently entering graduate programs to join a three-part workshop series focused on the National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP). While it targets this specific GRFP program, this workshop series is open to all students interested in gaining a broader view on preparation for other fellowship programs.
This series is designed to help students clarify their research interests, develop strong application materials, and better understand the application process. After the first session, participants will receive guidance on how to identify and connect with a research mentor.
Throughout this workshop series, participants will:
- Learn the approach to application of fellowships with specific information about writing for the GRFP
- Have the opportunity to workshop ideas for the application
- Learn characteristics the NSF is looking for and how to craft a narrative of their personal experiences that highlights those characteristics
- Receive instruction on how to get one-on-one essay feedback before NSF deadlines
About the Fellowship Program
The NSF GRFP is an initiative that aims to improve the quality, strength, and diversity of the United States' scientific and engineering workforce. By focusing on the recognition and support of exceptional graduate students who are currently pursuing full-time, research-based master's or doctoral degrees in fields of science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and STEM education, the GRFP provides those students with the resources needed for them to make significant contributions to both their respective fields and society as a whole. Recipients of the fellowship will receive an annual stipend of $37,000 and a $16,000 cost of education allowance (managed by the institution at no cost to the recipient) for up to three years.
Registration Information
Workshop Series Dates
- April 27, 2026
- August 31, 2026
- September 21, 2026
Sessions will be held in the Gershman Graduate Center, Room 302.
If you are an incoming student and considering to apply to GRFP, please reach out to Dr. Alena Kubatova at alena.kubatova@UND.edu for late entry.
Summer Writing Groups
Summer writing groups for program participants will be held from 2 - 3 p.m. CST. Sessions will meet in-person at the Gershman Graduate Center, Room 302, with the additional option to meet online via Zoom.
| Date | Session Title | Session Leaders |
|---|---|---|
| June 3, 2026 | From Outline to Draft: Make Your Case in Writing | |
| June 17, 2026 | Types of Scientific Writing: In Terms of Research and Personal Statements | |
| July 8, 2026 | Building a Central Narrative: Developing Voice and Direction | |
| July 29, 2026 | Writing Intellectual Merit | |
| August 12, 2026 | Articulating Fit and Purpose: Alignment and Accessibility | |
| August 19, 2026 | Refinement: From Experience List to Compelling Argument |
Resources
Registered participants can find additional resources on the NSF Graduate Research Fellowships Program Resources and Workshop Materials Blackboard site under "Organizations."
Login to blackboard
Stay tuned! More information about our upcoming workshop series to be announced.
Questions?
If you have any questions about the workshop series, please contact Dr. Alena Kubatova at alena.kubatova@UND.edu. Registration questions can be directed to Julie Bean, Director of Graduate Student Engagement at julie.bean@UND.edu.