Q: Who is eligible for the Center for Global Health Equity University Scholar Award?
A: In alignment with the CGHE mission to foster collaborative, multidisciplinary approaches to addressing global health disparities, the Center for Global Health Equity University Scholar Award is open to all University of Virginia students from any School or discipline across the University of Virginia.
We support undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. In our 22 year history, our scholars have included students representing the College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, the School of Engineering and Applied Science, the School of Data Science, the School of Architecture, the McIntire School of Commerce, the School of Education and Human Development, the School of Medicine, the School of Continuing and Professional Studies, the School of Law, the School of Nursing, the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy and the UVA College at Wise. Scholars have included doctoral students in Economics and Religions Studies, undergraduates who have just completed their second, third, or first year, and medical students in the summer between their first and second year. We are deeply commited to interdisciplinary engagement and we are proud of the diversity of CGHE Scholars.
Q: Do you apply to CGHE and then get matched with a research project or do you develop your own research project and then apply to CGHE for funding?
A: Good question! One of the primary strengths of CGHE support work is strong faculty-student engagement in the context of strong research partnerships. Most students find a UVA mentor with an available research opportunity, develop a plan, and then submit an application to CGHE for funding. Please contact CGHE if you are interested in finding a mentor, a research opportunity, or if you'd like to talk with a former CGHE scholar about their work. There are multiple paths to engagement and discovery is an integral part of the process.
Q: How can I find a UVA faculty mentor?
A: We encourage you to contact us about your interests. We may be able to connect you with faculty mentors whose work is a good fit for you. Please review previous projects and learn about the faculty mentors who have advised them.
Q: Where will I work as a CGHE Scholar?
A: We encourage students to work with engaged, experienced UVA faculty leaders who support innovative global research and who collaborate with partner reseach institutions in Ecuador, Rwanda, Uganda, Nicaragua, SouthWest Virginia and locally. CGHE additionally supports virtual engagements which address globally relevant research.
Q: When is the deadline for applying for the CGHE Scholar Award?
A: The deadline is February 2, 2024.
Q: How much is the award?
A: The amount of funding varies depending on the scope of the project, the location, and the number of students involved. Most students are supported with an award of $2000-$6000.
Q: How much time does this take?
A: Most students spend their summers directly engaged in research activities. We ask that students spend a minimum of 6 - 8 weeks directly engaged in research at a partner site, or locally, or virtually. These are meant to be immersive experiences of significant duration. There is a standard research cycle inclusive of planning, applying for funding, compliance with UVA requirements for global research engagement (hoos abroad and the UVA Institutional Review Board), and upon return, presenting at a symposium and potentially publishing your work in the Conflux Journal.
Q: What are the expectations of being a CGHE Scholar?
A: Please review our policies for detail. The aim of the CGHE University Scholar Award is to develop global health leaders in multiple disciplines who prioritize equity, collaboration, and ethical engagement. We hope that this is a pivotal experience which informs your future academic and professional trajectory. Please reach out to us with questions or to learn more.