Future Faculty Program Overview
November 2006
Goals
• Increase number of Ph.D. graduates who obtain academic positions
– Especially at top-50 engineering schools
• Improve preparation of students for academic careers so that they can better succeed once they obtain such positions
Program Overview
• 20 fellows per year admitted into program
– Applicant must have passed PhD qual. Exam and have at least 3 semesters remaining
• • • •
3 one-credit training seminars Teaching practicum (one-credit) Research mentor practicum Program can be completed in between 3 and 5 semesters
Program Sequence-0
• Seminar 0: Noncredit seminar with speakers from UMD and outside • Open to all graduate students • Topics
– Reasons for selecting academic career – Experience in securing a faculty position – Path taken to build academic career
Program Sequence-1
• Seminar I (one credit)
– Primary topics
• Giving effective oral presentations • Writing technical papers and reports
– Additional topics
• Developing a research program and record to maximize the chance of obtaining a faculty position • Developing a network of collaborators and potential references from other institutions, government laboratories and industry • Ethical concerns for faculty and graduate students
Program Sequence-2
• Seminar II (one credit)
– Effective teaching techniques
• • • • Creating course content Managing a class Interacting effectively with students Student learning styles
Program Sequence-3
• Seminar III (one credit)
– Topics include
• Identifying new research areas • Writing grant proposals • Developing effective interviewing skills
Program Sequence-4
• Teaching Practicum (one credit)
– After, or simultaneous with, Seminar III – Co-teach a course together with faculty member – Participate in all aspects of course
• • • • Development of syllabus Teach roughly half the lectures Write and grade exams Evaluate the students
– Close supervision by faculty member
Program Sequence-5
• Research Mentor Practicum
– Cosupervise research project of undergraduate or junior graduate student – Help to formulate research problem – Meet regularly with student to provide advice and monitor progress
Fellowship
• $10,000 total supplemental stipend
– In addition to regular GRA or GTA stipend
• 1st year: $2,000 • 2nd year: $4,000 • 3rd year: $4,000
– One half of each supplement reserved for travel to attend professional conferences
How to apply
• Deadline: December 15, 2006 • Required materials
– CV – Personal statement (one page) – Letter of recommendation from advisor – Letter of recommendation from another faculty member
• Apply online
– www.eng.umd.edu/academics/ffa_apply.html