NSF Program Offers Training and Development to STEM Graduate Students

Graduate students pursuing science, technology, engineering or mathematics degrees are encouraged to apply for the Professional Awareness, Advancement, and Development program. This is the third year of the program sponsored by the National Science Foundation.

NSF's Innovation in Graduate Education program awarded funds to the U of A to facilitate the Professional Awareness, Advancement, and Development program. Goals of the traineeship project include preparing graduate students to explore various career options and to develop a variety of skills that provide a competitive advantage in the global workforce. This opportunity allows STEM students to supplement their graduate education with specialized training in areas such as commercialization, patent law, persuasive speaking, communication, industry problem-solving, economics and policy, and intellectual property. Gaining these marketable skills will equip participants to be well-qualified for a variety of professional careers.

Accepted participants will receive professional development training beyond current research experiences. This entails access to industry, government, and non-profit leaders in addition to a travel allowance of up to $1,500 toward a professional enrichment activity.

Submissions may be placed by completing the application form on the PAAD website before the deadline on May 22, 2020. Space limited; apply soon. Additional information is provided on the PAAD section of the Research and Innovation website.

Those interested in applying can also attend informal, drop-in Q&A sessions. Registration is not required; simply log-in anytime during the sessions by using the following links: 

• Friday, April 17, from 3-4 p.m.
• Thursday, April 30, from 10-11 a.m.
• Tuesday, May 5, from 1-2 p.m.
• Monday, May 18, from 10-11 a.m.

For anyone unable to attend a session and has a question regarding the PAAD program, please email Cynthia Sides, director of Innovation and Industry Partnerships.

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant Number 1735204. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.