Triumph in Research Excellence: Kimberly Beasley and Austin Corsmeier Receive Associate Dean for Research’s PHD Dissertation Research Award
Kimberly Beasley and Austin Corsmeier have achieved a remarkable milestone, securing the prestigious Associate Dean for Research's PhD Dissertation Research Award at the University of Memphis, Loewenberg College of Nursing. The award, designed to support doctoral candidates in their dissertation research, recognizes outstanding contributions to the field.
Guided by the criteria and guidelines of the PhD Graduate Student Research Grant, both Kimberly and Austin, part-time PhD students in the program, demonstrated their commitment to academic excellence by successfully defending their dissertation proposals. This well-deserved recognition comes with a $1000 research grant each, providing essential funding for their research-related expenses.
Their applications showcased meticulous budgeting, emphasizing the critical aspects of their research, such as participant incentives, research assistant salaries, and educational workshops. Kimberly and Austin's dedication to advancing nursing research is not only commendable but also an inspiration to their peers, reflecting the Loewenberg College of Nursing's commitment to fostering cutting-edge research in the pursuit of knowledge and innovation.
Purpose of Student Research Award
The purpose of the PhD graduate student research award is to provide funding for high quality research by students completing their doctoral dissertation at the University of Memphis, Loewenberg College of Nursing.
Guidelines for PhD Graduate Student Research Grant Award
Application Criteria
Applicants must be a part-time or full-time PhD student in good standing and currently enrolled in the Loewenberg College of Nursing PhD Program. Students who have successfully defended their dissertation proposal are eligible.
Award Funding and Budget Information
Two students may receive $1000 each in funding for research related expenses. A budget with justification should be drafted to reflect needed supplies and should be submitted with the application (see budget form). Appropriate research related expenses include (but are not limited to): research participant incentives, salary for research assistant; copies or marketing materials, purchase of software or datasets, participation in a workshop to learn research skills, transcription fees, purchase of research-related equipment; purchase of books, dissertation binding, and other reasonable expenses. Travel monies are restricted to a conference registration fee where the student is presenting their dissertation work or the registration fee/tuition for educational workshop. Grant funds are not allowed to be used for meal reimbursements or travel expenses other than the registration fee/tuition. Awards are for a one-year period.
Budget Restrictions
Funds may not be used to cover stipend or living expenses, or for student travel to conferences or workshops (however funds may be used to cover registration/tuition fee for the workshop).
Application Deadlines
Two applications will be awarded annually. Applications will be reviewed internally by the Loewenberg College of Nursing Research Faculty using a structured peer-review process. A limited number of awards are available, and selection is competitive based on clarity of aims, significance, and overall impact of the proposed research. Applicants may apply for one no cost extension (extended time to complete the project without additional funding) if needed.
Application Procedures
Students will submit the following to the LCON PhD Program Director:
- 3–5-page double-spaced narrative describing the project written to an interdisciplinary audience
- Be sure to include sections related to: 1) specific aims, 2) significance of the work and 3) approach/methods, 4) references
- Itemized list of anticipated expenses for the project and justification for the expenses (see budget form)
- One page timeline for the project
- Current Curriculum Vita (CV) of the applicant
- Letter of support by supervising faculty member (usually the Major Advisor/Dissertation Chair).
Award Procedures
At the end of the 1-year grant period [June, December], awardees must submit a 1–2-page letter detailing progress, accomplishments, and accounting of the budget. Dissemination of findings (presentations, publications) should acknowledge funding for this award.
Acknowledgement Statement: Funding for this award is provided by the Associate Dean for Research and William A. and Ruth F Loewenberg Endowed Chair of Excellence funds at the Loewenberg College of Nursing, University of Memphis.