EPA STAR Fellowship 2012

[Heelsplitter]

I still haven't heard anything yet either, even though both good and bad news has come from my FON (F1). I'd like to think that I am an alternate but I'm not convinced. I just want to know!

[AquaFlux]

@bananana - Mine was from 703.

To those still waiting: It's hard to know since everything is in a black box about which FONs have finished or why some people get notified (either positive or negative) before others. They really should just create an online system for applicants to check the status of application and know where you are in the process. It could be that some later-reviewed FONs haven't been awarded yet. It could be that at the very final internal review (i.e., post-3 individual reviews, post- FON panel summary) some people did not make it. They have to even out over FONs and demographics etc. and use the internal review to do so. I would say if you have no confirmation by Friday, make a phone call to find out what's going on. We're getting group e-mails about how to contact our project officers and we have a 5/18 deadline for paperwork so the end result may not be good. =(. I don't want to scare you, but one of my recently graduated lab mates submitted her first year and the end result was that her application was never even reviewed because it was lost at some point in the ethereal submission process. But I think if you got that e-mail back at the end of November, that shouldn't be the issue.

In any case, I feel your pain. Last year I waited a long time for a skin-of-my -teeth rejection; however, the reviewers' comments helped me re-frame (successfully) for this year. I really think most people (like I did last year) get nailed on the "broader implications" and "specific plans for outreach". I made sure to hit that harder this year, a task that was challenging in a shorter proposal. In any case, good luck and I hope you hear positive news soon.

[DngBeetle]

I got the phone call from a woman with a very sultry voice and a 703 number on May 1st. She told me I would be sent an email with more info today and it arrived moments ago.

I grew concerned that i had misunderstood her good news of acceptance though when I received an email directed to 'Fellowship Finalists’. I thought maybe I was one of a few still in the running and hadnt actually been funded yet. When I contacted my PO she reassured me that the competition was over and I now had simple paperwork to fill out to make it official. They should really use phrases other than 'recommended for funding' and 'fellowship finalist' when informing someone that they have received funding! Nonetheless, I am super grateful!!

Good luck to everyone out there still waiting! Hopefully with the economic environment improving, there will be even more aps funded next year.

My FON is F2.

Edited May 2, 2012 by DngBeetle

[looking_for_the_rainbow]

B2 here, still no news.

[waterworld]

I completely agree with aquaflux. I applied last year and was rejected, being hit on the same two points. My second application was much better because of the comments and i structured my arguments more completely.

[MarEco]

B2, still no news. I don't have much hope left. I just want to know for sure, and I want my reviews. If those of us who still haven't heard anything are actually alternates, they could at least send us an email to let us know that we're alternates and won't get a final decision until later. Not hearing anything is the worst.

[dornos]

Ditto on no news for B2. It seems like none of the B2's have gotten rejection letters yet? Probably not a good sign for us...

[FractiousEcologist]

F2 -- no news here either. Does anyone know if there are any J2's that have gotten calls (Terrestrial Systems Animal Ecology)?

[FractiousEcologist]

F2 ... not J2.. oops, typo above

[Heat_her_bee]

ah yes.

Edited May 3, 2012 by Heat_her_bee

[evr13]

That's for last year I've checked the website a couple times, anticipating that they'll do it again. It sounds like not even the first cut has gone out for at least B2 (my category), and maybe a few others.

[Heat_her_bee]

That's for last year I've checked the website a couple times, anticipating that they'll do it again. It sounds like not even the first cut has gone out for at least B2 (my category), and maybe a few others.

haha oops. wishful thinking I guess I haven't heard from anyone that received a B2 rejection yet (including me).

[looking_for_the_rainbow]

Does anyone know the telephone number to call and inquire? I want to make sure that I have the correct number that others used.

[looking_for_the_rainbow]

I give up. I am tired of checking this page. Maybe I'll see you folks next year, maybe not.

[Brian Gill]

Still nothing and frustrated that I haven't heard anything. B2 Colorado here.

[gradgirl222]

I'm in the same boat as you, Brian

[looking_for_the_rainbow]

I talked with someone at EPA. If you have not heard anything yet, more than likely, you will receive a rejection letter. They have notified all of the awardees and if they choose not to accept then there is a chance of someone receiving an offer later. Otherwise, the entire process is over.

[Heat_her_bee]

Good to know. Thanks! What's the number you ended up calling?

[looking_for_the_rainbow]

Good to know. Thanks! What's the number you ended up calling?

Just the tel for the technical contact. Sorry about that. I clicked the arrow by mistake.

Edited May 7, 2012 by looking_for_the_rainbow

[ughgradschool!]

Well, looking_for_the_rainbow, I have checked out the website and only found an email address for the technical contact. (And not surprisingly my email has gone un-answered). So if you have the actual number that you called the contact with, I think many of us would find that useful.

[Heat_her_bee]

Yeah I agree. I can't seem to find a phone number either. There was one listed last year but this year seems to be just email. Still weird that only one B2 has heard and the rest of us are still waiting?

[looking_for_the_rainbow]

I called (703) 347-8053. I do find it weird also, I'm really trying not to be too frustrated about the whole process.

[evr13]

Agreed. I don't want to want to instill hope where none is warranted, but that's what I'd say too if a hundred grad students were calling me every day wanting to know their status. One person might not know. B2s -- let's keep each other posted until this is over for sure.

[gustyfoo]

F1 still waiting to hear back one way or the other.

[ughgradschool!]

evr13, your positive outlook is inspiring!!! Though I feel pretty comfortable in my defeat . I'll call them tomorrow and post if I hear anything new.

As a side note...I talked to a friend who had been an EPA fellow years before, and he said that amongst his fellow awardees, he didn't recall ANYONE who had gotten it there first time around, nor anyone who was actually an "ED" (i.e. entering doctoral) - as they prefer to award to folks who are already a few years into their PhDs. He said folks like me who went the wacky route of getting a master's first and applying as a means to start their PhD is far, far less common... If there is a bias that way it would be nice if they'd let ya know!!!