Dr. Jack and Annagreta Hojhdal Van Lopik Superior Graduate Student Research Scholarship Program

About | Applications | Current Recipients

Solicitation for Applications

Applications for the scholarship were due by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, June, 30, 2023. 

Applications

Applicants from departments at LSU that conduct research and extension in Sea Grant focus area-related topics will be selected by the Louisiana Sea Grant College Program for the Van Lopik Scholarship using a peer review process. The peer review process will focus on academic achievement and experience with academic excellence as the top consideration, but every opportunity will be used to include underrepresented and underserved groups in the solicitation and selection process.

Eligibility: Students enrolled as a full-time graduate student at LSU in good academic standing and meeting minimum performance expectations of their curriculum.

Student recipients who do not remain enrolled or fully employed are no longer eligible to receive the award and will forfeit any remaining balances in their award. The scholarships shall have a predetermined termination date of one year. However, the scholarship will terminate upon graduation from the degree program.

In addition to Van Lopik Scholarship, funds recipients may receive support from one or more other sources including fellowships, scholarships and assistantships.

Recipients may apply for repetitive years but will be reviewed as a new applicant.

Application Process:

Applicants will be solicited by an annual request for proposals that will be evaluated by a panel of experts in the appropriate fields.

Unsuccessful applications may be re-submitted in the next annual round of competition and will not be treated with prejudice or advantage.

Applications will be submitted by the student that will contain the following information:

1. 1. Project Title:
   2. Name of Student Applicant:
   3. Faculty Mentor:
   4. Degree Program:
   5. Duration: (assumed one year unless graduation is sooner)
   6. Project Summary: (not to exceed 200 words)
   7. Project Narrative: (not to exceed two pages)
   8. Focus Areas of Sea Grant that proposed research will address and how.
   9. Description of research that would be conducted.
   10. Statement of how the Van Lopik Scholarship funds will support the student’s work and the need for the funding (how the funds will be used).
   11. Profile of the Applicant to include (i.e., two-page resume):
       • Related Work Experience, Awards, Honors, Recognition.
       • Publications, Presentations, Patents, etc.
   12. Current Financial Support (fellowships, scholarships, assistantships, work, etc.): funding amounts and commitments for funding during the duration of the proposed period of performance.
   13. Career goals and professional plans post-graduation.
   14. Two letters of support: one must be the faculty mentor.

Performance

Grant recipients will be required to perform the following tasks:

1. 1. Submit Reports: Provide annual report to LSG, and a copy of their thesis or dissertation (template will be provided).
   2. Attend LASG Events: Participate in opportunities with LSG, including:

• • A welcome meeting at the beginning of the fellowship.
  • Participate in LSG-sponsored professional development activities at least once during the duration of funding as Van Lopik scholarship recipient.
  • Attend one quarterly LASG Marine Extension Program meeting.
  • Participate in an exit interview at the conclusion of the scholarship.

Equal Opportunity/Diversity

Applicants from groups underrepresented in math, science and engineering are especially encouraged to apply. African Americans, Native Americans, Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans, Alaskan Natives, Native Pacific Islanders, women, and persons with disabilities are strongly urged to apply. No applicant shall be denied consideration or appointment on the grounds of race, creed, color, age, gender or disability.

Scholarship applications were due by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, June, 30, 2023, and should be submitted to Louisiana Sea Grant through the eSeaGrant portal at www.laseagrantdb.org.  Portal registration is required and can be completed at that same web address.

For questions about the program or application, please contact Matt Bethel at [email protected].

For eSeaGrant assistance, contact Katie Lea at [email protected].