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Dean's Students Research Funds

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About the Funds

To acknowledge and encourage the significant contributions of graduate and undergraduate student research to our college’s mission and the field of public health, the Dean's Students Research Funds support graduate and undergraduate students who are conducting research that addresses complex, critical issues facing society. Research with marginalized populations or that benefits underserved communities is preferred but not required. Thematic priorities will vary from year-to-year.


Dean’s Dissertation Grants

  • Funds cover the direct costs associated with original data collection in support of dissertation research. Studies that show clear promise to yield knowledge and develop skills will be selected for funding through a formal competitive review process.
  • Each award provides up to $7,500 to fund the purchase of materials and supplies, travel and other related research expenses.
  • Up to10 awards are available in 2025

Eligibility

To apply, you must

  • Be a current student in one of our doctoral degree programs
  • Be in good academic standing with a GPA of 3:00 or more
  • Provide a letter of support from the Chair of the dissertation committee

Dean’s Research Award for Master Students

  • The Dean’s Research Award for Master Students will provide up to $4,000 to fund the purchase of materials and supplies to support research experiences or internships relevant to MPH/MS degree completion.
  • Up to 10 awards are available in 2025.

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply, you must

  • Be a current 2nd year student in one of our MPH/MS degree programs
  • Be in good academic standing
  • Provide a letter of support from the student’s advisor or internship/thesis chair
  • The Dean’s Research Award for Master Students is not available to Ph.D. students pursuing a master’s enroute to the doctoral degree

Dean’s Fund for Undergraduate Research

  • The Dean’s Fund for Undergraduate Research supports current undergraduates in the College engaged in scholarly research mentored by a faculty member and/or other research professionals. It also supports conference travel if a student is attending to present a research poster or paper.
  • Up to10 awards are available in 2025.

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply, you must

  • Be an undergraduate student enrolled in one of the bachelor’s degree programs offered by the College
  • Be in good academic standing (not on academic probation)
  • Not have a previous Dean's Fund for Undergraduate Research award (of any type). Only one award is allowable over the course of your undergraduate career
  • Have a letter of support from your professor or research professional leading the research project

Dean's Fund for Global Engagement

The Dean’s Fund for Global Engagement facilitates overseas work and research internship experiences for MEZCOPH students. Global Internships are related to a student’s major/career interests and allow them to develop professional skills in a cross-cultural setting.

  • Award Duration: 4 weeks to 1 semester
  • Award amount: $500 to $3500

Please note that the award ranges listed are estimates only, and actual awards depend on student achievement, financial profile, cost of program, and availability of funds. Some awards are coordinated through the Global Health Institute (GHI).

AWARD TYPES AND RANGES

Student Exchange
Up to 4 awards in 2025
MEZCOPH Students attend classes at a partner university overseas; living and learning is with host university students. Students pay UA tuition plus overseas living/travel expenses. 4 – 6 months
(1 semester)
$1000-$3500
Study Abroad Program
Up to 20 awards for 2025
Students are part of a MEZCOPH led study abroad program 2 – 6 weeks $500
International Internships
Up to 10 awards in 2025
MEZCOPH Students participate in a professional work experience coordinated through MEZCOPH or GHI 3 – 8 weeks $500-$3500
Short-term, International Research
Up to 10 awards in 2025
MEZCOPH Students participate in international research with our global partners coordinated through MEZCOPH or GHI 1 – 3 months
(1 semester)
$1000-$3500

To Apply

  • Download and complete the application form (PDF) and have it signed by your advisor and Department Chair to indicate the department’s endorsement of your application for this award.
  • Attach a letter of intent that explains what the research award will be used for and how it will support your progress toward completing your degree.
  • Submit the completed application and all documentation to your Department chair who will process and submit to the appropriate Dean's Research Fund.

Download the DSRF Application Form

How are award decisions made?

Once students have submitted applications, the MEZCOPH review committee convenes to review all applications and award funding. Not all award amounts will be the same. The following criteria are taken into consideration:

Student Factors:

  • GPA (all scholarships require a MINIMUM of a 3.0 GPA for eligibility)
  • Academic courses taken
  • Essay/justification
  • Letters of reference/faculty support
  • Service to the College/University
  • Previous international experience
  • Candidates must have a clean student conduct record

Program/Experience Factors:

  • Program cost/fee
  • Duration of stay abroad
  • Living expenses
  • Travel costs – airfare, visa expenses, immunizations
  • Research equipment, additional logistical costs (if applicable)
  • Relation of program/experience to MEZCOPH strategic priorities

How will I receive the funds?

The Award Letter will provide details on how you will receive the funds. Some awards are deposited directly into Student Accounts. Other awards are made as a reimbursement of agreed-upon costs up to the total amount awarded. In the case of a reimbursement, a receipt for the expense(s) will be required. If a student is claiming reimbursement from more than one funding source, the Dean’s student research award must be used to cover costs not covered elsewhere.

Application Deadlines

  • Applications MUST be completed by the deadline to be considered for funding.
  • Applicants will be notified of awards within six weeks of the application deadline.
    February 19, 2025

Questions? Please Contact

Lorraine Varela
Special Assistant to the Dean
varelal@arizona.edu
(520) 626-7083

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