Funding Opportunity: AI and Education Doctoral Fellowship
AI and Education Doctoral Fellowship ($5,000)
The Hariri Institute for Computing’s AI and Education Graduate Student Fellows program recognizes outstanding PhD students who are pursuing research at the intersection of AI and Education at Boston University.
Benefits for Graduate Student Fellow Participation:
- $5,000 Academic Enhancement Award to support and promote the student’s research experience at Boston University
- Collaborate with other Graduate Student Fellow cohorts and Assistant Director of Programs and Events to organize and support Institute-sponsored events (e.g., seminars, panels, etc.)
- Engage with the Hariri Institute’s substantial network of academic, government, and industry partners around AI and Education
The Hariri Institute for Computing is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and encourages nominations of candidates with diverse backgrounds.
Program Details
Fellowships are meant to support promising PhD students who show significant promise in research related to AI and Education at Boston University. The intersection of AI and Education is broadly defined, and could include, for example:
– Design of AI technology for learners, teachers, schools, education systems
– Issues of equity, accessibility, fairness, accountability, transparency and ethics in AI and education
– Computing and computational literacies or data sciences and data literacies as domains for the development and study of educational theory and practice critical to designing equitable, just and humanizing learning environments across the life span
In addition to being highlighted on the Hariri Institute’s website as a Graduate Student Fellow in AI and Education for the duration of the student’s studies, the fellowship provides a $5,000 Academic Enhancement Award to support the student’s research experience at Boston University.
Timeline
Applications are due by March 15, 2024. Decisions will be made by April 1, 2024. Funds must be used prior to May 1, 2026, and may only be used if the student is in good standing.
Eligibility
The fellowship is open to PhD students who are pursuing research related to AI and Education at Boston University and have at least one year remaining in their studies. Students may be affiliated with any college or department in the university.
Selection Criteria
|
Exceptional |
Proficient |
Developing |
| Budget Justification |
The budget justification provides a clear explanation of how each expense supports the research and/or professional development. All expenses are reasonable and directly related to the proposed project. |
The budget justification outlines expenses and their relevance to the research project, but some aspects may lack clarity or detail. Most expenses are reasonable and related to the project. |
The budget justification lacks detail and may not effectively explain how some expenses are related to the research or professional development. Some expenses may be unclear or appear less relevant. |
| Overall Strength of Research |
The proposed research demonstrates exceptional strength, displaying a deep understanding of the topic and a strong research plan. It is likely to have a significant impact on AI and Education research. |
The proposed research demonstrates good strength, showcasing a solid understanding of the topic and a well-developed research plan. It has the potential to make a positive contribution to AI and Education research. |
The proposed research shows potential but may lack strong elements of strength or depth. It may require further development to become more robust and impactful in AI and Education research. |
| Novelty of Research |
The proposed research is highly innovative and novel, breaking new ground in the field of AI and Education. It is likely to advance the state of knowledge significantly |
The proposed research is novel and innovative, introducing fresh perspectives or approaches to AI and Education. It has the potential to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field. |
The proposed research shows some potential for novelty but may not introduce significantly new ideas or approaches. It may require further exploration to enhance its novelty. |
| Impact of Research |
The proposed research has the potential for a substantial impact, with clear relevance to AI and Education research. It is likely to contribute significantly to addressing relevant challenges and advancing the field. |
The proposed research has the potential for a positive impact on AI and Education research, addressing relevant issues and contributing to the field’s progress. |
The proposed research shows some potential for impact but may not address significant challenges or contribute substantially to AI and Education research. It may require further development to enhance its impact potential.
|
| General Evaluation |
Outstanding overall application. Project has clear potential as highly impactful and relevant to AI and Education research. Strongly recommended. |
Strong overall application. Demonstrates good potential impact and relevance to AI and Education research. Recommended. |
Adequate overall application. Shows potential but lacks clarity or completeness in some areas and/or not clearly relevant to AI and Education. May require improvement or further development.
|
Applications
Application to come from the student
1) Research Statement (max 1 page). Description of at least one original research project in AI and Education that you plan to conduct during your doctoral studies. Include information about the study rationale, methods, procedure, and analysis plan. The research study can differ from your dissertation topic. Be sure to explain how the work is relevant to the AI and Education Initiative.
2) Research Team (max 300 words). Describe your capacity and mentorship team’s capacity to pursue research relevant to AI and Education, noting contributions and accomplishments.
3) CV.
4) Budget justification (max 1 page). List of the expenses the funds would be used for, and how the expenses would support your research and/or professional development. The funds could be used to support the research study described above, or could be used to support your development as an AI and Education researcher.
Example expenses could include, but are not limited to: conference travel, research equipment, professional development, participant/school incentives, summer stipend support, and research assistants. This award cannot be used for tuition, Fall/Spring semester stipends, or faculty salaries.
5) Faculty Endorsement. Using the template below, upload a copy of the letter below signed by a full-time BU faculty member. The faculty member does not need to be your advisor. If you do not have a faculty member who could support the work, please let us know and we can pair you with a mentor. Please do not add any additional text to the template.
Faculty Endorsement Template
For administrative questions, please contact Katherine D’Angelo, Assistant Director, Programs and Events, at ktd@bu.edu.