The Anthropology Department is announcing the opening of the application period for the 2011-2013 cohort of Lemelson Anthropological Scholars. Informational question and answer sessions will be held in the Anthropology Reading Room (352 Haines) between 1-2PM October26th and 3-4PM October 27th. Students must be of JUNIOR or SENIOR status and expecting to graduate in Spring or Summer quarters of 2013.

To apply, you must submit an Undergraduate Research Fellows Program Application. To get the application, go to MyUCLA. Under "My Features" choose "Survey 3.0" then "Programs" then "Other" and fill out the general URFP application.  Select either Professors Arnold, Browner, Goodwin or Ochs as your Faculty Mentor.

You must also submit PDF files of your transcripts and a 6-8 page writing sample to Kate Royce: (kroyce@anthro.ucla.edu). Please include the name of the faculty advisor you hope to work with in the subject line of the email: (e.g. Lemelson Application for review by Professor Arnold, Browner, Goodwin or Ochs). DUE DATE for transcripts and writing sample is noon on Monday November 14, 2011 (incomplete applications will not be considered).

Applicants will be notified of decisions by December 5, 2011.

The Lemelson Anthropological Fellows/Scholars Program is intended to provide highly motivated and dedicated students with (1) an opportunity to engage in original research and analysis; (2) close, ongoing supervision by graduate student mentors and their faculty advisors; (3) interaction with other research-oriented undergraduates; and (4) opportunities to develop skills in the writing and oral presentation of anthropological ideas and data. Additional information about the program can be found here.

GUIDELINES FOR ADMISSION

Minimum requirements:

• Declared Anthropology major
• Enrolled in upper division courses in anthropology (transfer students who have not had 
the opportunity to enroll in upper division anthropology courses at UCLA may still apply)
• Junior class standing (90 or more units)  
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 in all university course work completed
• Cumulative GPA of 3.5 in upper division anthropology classes (or their equivalent)
• At least one course in anthropological or other research methods preferred

Selection process:

Selection for the Lemelson Program’s eight slots is competitive. Those selected will have a strong academic record and high GPAs (exceeding the minimums above), broad exposure to anthropological concepts and methods through enrollment in several anthropology courses(including some advanced courses) before the start of the program, and a well developed research proposal. The Selection Committee will review all application materials (see below) and may conduct brief interviews.

The application consists of:

• An Undergraduate Research Fellows Program Application, available online (see instructions above)
• A research proposal of approximately 600 words, see guidelines below (this is part of the online application)
• A short description (two to three sentences) of your post-Baccalaureate plans (e.g., employment plans, graduate or professional school plans, career hopes, etc.)(this is part of the online application)
• A PDF of your college transcripts submitted to Kate Royce: kroyce@anthro.ucla.edu
• A PDF of your six to eight page writing sample submitted to Kate Royce: kroyce@anthro.ucla.edu
• Instructions for submitting these materials are found above.

Those wishing to apply should complete the Application during Fall Quarter, 2011. Completed applications must be submitted by the posted deadline. Only qualified applicants will be considered.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR WRITING YOUR RESEARCH PROPOSAL

See the “Fellows” tab here for descriptions of the graduate student and faculty mentors and their research interests. You are to pick one as the basis for your proposal. Clearly state the topic you wish to explore and where you would do the research, keeping in mind that simple ideas or simple tests of ideas can produce important results; you do not necessarily have to offer an elaborately developed conceptualization of your project at this stage. However, you may want to include a plan that outlines the kinds of methods you might use and a tentative project schedule. Please make clear why you are interested in the subject and the particular perspectives you expect to bring. Your research proposal should not exceed 600 words.

Lemelson Scholars will receive 4 units of Anthro 199 (Directed Research) for each of the five quarters of the program, along with a stipend totaling $2,000 during winter and spring quarters, 2012, and $5,000 during the 2012-13 academic year.