Falconer Scholars Frequently Asked Questions

When is the application due?

Your complete application, including letters of support and references, should be submitted by Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021 (11:59PM EST).

Apply for the Falconer Scholar-in-Residence

What are the eligibility requirements to apply for the Falconer Scholar-in-Residence?
No matter their field, the Falconer Scholar-in-Residence demonstrates an extraordinary level of accomplishment. All applicants must:

• Have earned a Ph.D. or other comparable terminal graduate or professional degree at the time of application;
• Have an established record of research aligned to a Department of Defense Modernization Priority (e.g. artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, biotechnology, quantum science, etc.);
• Have an established record of a commitment to gender and racial equity in STEM; and
• Applicants must demonstrate a strong body of independent research and writing through publication in refereed journals and conference proceedings.

** This is not intended to serve as a post-doctoral fellowship.

Individuals who are applying as practitioners must have held senior leadership positions in non-profits, government, or the private sector.

Practitioners should have at least five years of relevant professional experience and be acknowledged as leaders in their fields.

Can I apply if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Yes, however you must be currently authorized to work in the United States. No sponsorship is available for this position.

I am currently enrolled in a Ph.D./Master's program but will graduate before August 2022–am I eligible to apply?

No, applicants cannot be students in doctoral or master's programs at the time of application submission.

How long is the residency?
The residency runs from August 2022 through May 2023.

What salary will I receive if selected as the Falconer Scholar-in-Residence? 
The scholar will receive an annual salary of $100,000, plus all health care benefits offered to faculty of Spelman College. 

Is there additional funding available? 
In addition to the salary, the scholar will receive a $3,000 travel allowance and $4,000 supply budget. Each scholar is also expected to mentor up to four Spelman undergraduate research assistant whose stipends will be paid for by the COE-MWS.

What does the application include?

All applications are submitted using the online application system. The deadline for submission is October 10, 2021. The application consists of an application form, comprehensive cover letter, curriculum vitae, Spelman departmental letter of support, and the contact information of three references who will be prompted, via email, to upload letters of recommendation in support of your application. 

What should I include in the cover letter? 

Your cover letter should include the following:

• How your work has been significant in your field and how it aligns to the Department of Defense Modernization Priorities; 
• How you have promoted gender and racial equity through your scholarship, teaching, and/or mentoring;
• Discussion of how your engagement with students at Spelman College could be effective in developing them personally and professionally;
• What research project(s) you will work on during your residency at Spelman College, if selected; and
• How you would like to engage with your host department, students and the community during your residency.

How long should my curriculum vitae be?

We prefer that your curriculum vitae be no longer than six pages and emphasize only your most significant achievements, publications, exhibits, etc.

What happens after I submit my application?
Each application we receive is reviewed by the department chairs in the Spelman College Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics (NSM). Applications are evaluated on the significance of the proposed research to the Department of Defense Modernization Priorities, the applicant's commitment to racial and gender equity in STEM, as evidenced by a strong record of achievement. Those applicants of the highest quality will be contacted for an interview.

When will I be notified of the results? 
Applicants selected for interviews will be notified by email by November 2021. A final decision will be made by March 2022. 

If I am not selected as a Fellow, may I reapply? 
Yes, applicants may reapply during the next cycle.

What if I receive another opportunity offer before hearing back from Spelman?
If you are offered another opportunity, please let us know. If you decide to accept another opportunity before our selection process has been completed, please tell us so that we may withdraw your application from consideration.

Can I receive feedback on my application? 
We are unable to provide feedback on applications. 

How does the Falconer Scholar-in-Residence Program differ from other residency programs? 
Ranked as the number one HBCU in the country for the 14th year in a row and number one baccalaureate institution for Black women who go on to receive Ph.D.s in STEM, Spelman College has a long history of recognizing and nurturing the brilliance of women of color in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.

Spelman’s accomplishments, considered against the current national backdrop, illustrates the critical role this unique institution plays in preparing STEM professionals and leaders that are representative of the diversity of our nation. The Falconer Scholar- in-Residence has the unique opportunity to become a part of this rich tradition and assist in the preparation of the future STEM leaders of our nation.

What does Spelman provide to scholars?
In addition to the salary, expense allowance, and travel funds mentioned above, scholars receive office space and full-time Spelman appointments as visiting lecturers, granting them access to Atlanta University Center libraries and athletic facilities. 

What will I be expected to do during my residency?
Each Falconer Scholar-in-Residence will be expected to do the following:

• Serve in a full-time, temporary, salaried position; hence, Scholar is required to be in residence and on campus regularly during the academic year in order to fully engage with students, fculty, and the community;
  
  
• Collaborate with a Spelman NSM faculty member(s) on research in an area aligned with a DoD Modernization Priority;
  
  
• Deliver some combination of special topics/research courses, lectures and interdisciplinary workshops to share her expertise with students, faculty, and the general public;
  
  
• Serve as an undergraduate research mentor for up to four students in her host department. The COE-MWS, in collaboration with the host department, will assist in identifying and selecting students, as well as fund student research stipends.
  Share ideas about curricular development with her host department, as well as seek opportunities to guest lecture in existing courses; and
  
  
• Attend department and Spelman-wide seminars/colloquia and events and be an active and visible member of the Spelman faculty community.