Purpose of the Fund
This fund supports travel to short-term visits and work at host institutions, industries or agencies by individuals, or small groups to both enhance experiential learning of the recipient(s), and to provide opportunities to build effective professional networks outside of their home departments. Ideal proposals outline activities that benefit both the recipient and the hosting institution, industry, or agency.
Steven C. Nelson was the Executive Vice President of APS from 1991 to 2013. During that time, he tirelessly advocated for opportunities that enhanced professional experiences as early as possible in the development of careers in Plant Pathology.
Donate to the Steven C. Nelson Early Career Professional Development Fund
Funds Available
FY25 Fund Amount: $2,000 (1)
Deadline to apply: May 15, 2025
Eligibility
Membership in APS is required.
Applicants are required to be engaged in graduate study or post doctoral research in plant pathology at the time of application, and during the time of the proposed activity.
Funds must be used within 12 months of receipt.
- Preference will be given to applications wherein the host letter describes support or in-kind services that are at least equal to the funded amount.
Recipients are expected to submit a brief (250-500 word) article to Phytopathology News sharing their experience.
This fellowship may only be received once.
This fund does not support attendance at meetings or conferences.
Application Requirements
Ideal proposals outline activities that benefit both the recipient and the hosting institution, industry, or agency.
(1) Letter of support from the host defining their role in the activity and a description of co-funding or in-kind support or services.
(1) Recommendation Letter from the graduate or postgraduate supervisor in support of the proposed activity, or in the case of a group activity a letter of support from the applicants department chair. Recommendation letter to be submitted directly using the Letter of Recommendation Form. Do not submit multiple letters of recommendation, they will not be reviewed.
Curriculum Vita (2 page maximum)
800 word proposal describing and justifying the proposed activity, with particular attention to how the proposal addresses the priorities of this RFA: (i) Describe the activity, and whether this is an individual or group activity, (ii) Describe how the activity enhances the short and longer-term career benefits of the applicant(s) through skill acquisition, experiential learning, and development of an effective professional network, (iii) Describe the benefits to the hosting institution, company, or agency.
Budget explaining proposed activity outlining major expenses. Activities to take place within 12 months of application date.
Apply for Funding
Save all required materials into one PDF document prior to submitting your online application. Recommendation Letters to be submitted directly using the Letter of Recommendation Form.
Submit Application Submit Letter of Recommendation
Deadline to apply: May 15
Incomplete applications will not be reviewed or considered for funding.
