20-21 Google Ph.D. Fellowship (Fall 2020)

Full-time graduate students pursuing a PhD in the research areas represented by the fellowships

Must attend an eligible university, including Illinois.

Must be nominated by their department

Completed graduate coursework by the Fall of the award year, when the Fellowship begins. This is usually the 3rd year for US students.

Students who are already receiving another fellowship are not eligible.

Universities may nominate up to four eligible students from Computer Science or related fields. If more than two are nominated, then in order to increase opportunities for students who are underrepresented in the field of computing, additional nominees must self-identify as a woman, Black/African American, American Indian/Alaskan Native, Hispanic/Latinx, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, and/or person with a disability.  In other words, if a university chooses to nominate more than 2 students, then the 3rd and 4th student nomination should self-identify with the underrepresented group mentioned above.

Required Materials:

1. Name of the area (from above list) in which student is being nominated.
2. Student's CV
3. Do you self-identify as a woman, Black/African American, American Indian/Alaskan Native, Hispanic/Latinx, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, and/or person with a disability?
4. Dissertation abstract (maximum 1000 characters).
5. Dissertation Research Proposal.  The recommended length is 4-5 pages (single-spaced), with maximum length of 8 pages.  The proposal must have 12 point font, in Times New Roman, and with 1-inch margins. Proposals not following this format will be disqualified. A descriptive title must appear at the top of the first page of the proposal.  An accompanying References Cited section (1 pages maximum) may also be submitted.
6. Essay #1: In an essay of 350 words max (single spaced, 12 point font, Times New Roman, 1 inch margins), describe the desired impact your research will make on the field and society, and why this is important to you. Include any personal, educational, and/or professional experiences that have motivated your research interests.
7. Essay #2: In an essay of 350 words max (single spaced, 12 point font, Times New Roman, 1 inch margins), describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes, or contributed to group efforts over time.
   • Tips for this essay: A leadership role can mean more than just a title. It can mean being a mentor to others, acting as the person in charge of a specific task, or taking the lead role in organizing an event or project. Think about what you accomplished and what you learned from the experience. What were your responsibilities? Did you lead a team? How did your experience change your perspective on leading others? Did you help to resolve an important dispute at your school, church, in your community or an organization? And your leadership role doesn’t necessarily have to be limited to school activities. For example, do you help out or take care of your family?
8. Letter of recommendation from thesis advisor.
9. Additional letters. 1-2 additional letters of recommendation from those familiar with the student's work.  (I recommend 2 letters).
10. Short CV of thesis advisor (1 page maximum)
11. Transcripts. Graduate and undergraduate transcripts (unofficial are sufficient).  (Unofficial Illinois transcripts can be obtained for free at: https://apps.uillinois.edu/selfservice/)

Materials should be submitted by 11:59PM on 9/10/20 to Michelle Wellens.

Note: Students, submit ONE PDF named "20-21. GOOGLE - Last Name, First Name."  Letters of recommendation should be sent from the letter writer directly to mwellens@illinois.edu. 

I recommend that students submit their CVs and drafts of their statement(s) to their letter writers at least a week prior to the deadline.