geobabe

Just got a new email saying that the award email was accidentally sent to me, and that my application is still under reviews. It sucks hard.

Also, I just wanted to point out that my internship was my project (it wasn't a response to an open opportunity). So if you don't see any posted projects, you should definitely come up with what *you* want to do and email some potential hosts. I emailed a scientist at the Smithsonian, told her my idea, and asked if she would be willing to be my "host", even though my research isn't directly related to what she does. Good luck!

For posterity: I applied for GRIP in the December 2015 deadline and just found out yesterday (March 9, 2016) that I was approved via an email from grfp.nsf.gov. My internship will be with the Smithsonian this summer. woo!

Anecdote as to the unpredictable nature of fellowships: Last year, I was honorable mention/alternate status for the Ford Fellowship and was rejected outright for NSF GRFP. This year, I didn't even get honorable mention for Ford, but I won a GRFP! I'm very happy. About me: I'm a second year PhD black female geoscientist and do a lot of outreach. Lesson: fellowships are a crapshoot; don't take it personally.

FYI for the record, I got declined for this fellowship a few days ago. I was told by my prospective mentor before I submitted that my proposal was very good. Got no feedback from reviewers.

I applied for the Graduate Student Fellowship (http://www.smithsonianofi.com/fellowship-opportunities/smithsonian-institution-fellowship-program/) and I couldn't find any other threads on Smithsonian fellowships. Hopefully that means not that many people apply (jk...kind of)? Anyway, just curious if anyone else applied. I applied to work in the Department of Mineral Sciences. Haven't heard back yet.

You cannot be on academic leave during the award (http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2012/nsf12062/nsf12062.pdf). You must be enrolled in a program for Fall 2015 and the duration of the award.

Just wanted to let everyone know that I called today to ask about my alternate status and the woman on the phone said everyone who would get off the alternate list has heard back already (she didn't even ask me what field or if it was pre/post doctoral, etc). So if you haven't received an email, you won't be getting an award. Sad face.