MSGC Research Experience and Fellowships

The Maine Space Grant Consortium (MSGC) is an affiliate of NASA’s National Space Grant College Research Experience. The mission of the Maine Space Grant Consortium is to support NASA’s mission and four strategic enterprises by strengthening Maine’s aerospace-related research and education assets, which are critical to the Agency.

Purposes of the Research Experience Program

The purpose of the Maine Space Grant Consortium Research Experiences at the University of Maine is to provide research opportunities to undergraduate and graduate students in aerospace technology, space science, earth science, human exploration/space development, and other science or engineering-related fields. Maine Space Grant research experiences support, undergraduate and graduate students at affiliate institutions may:

  • Conduct research in areas of interest to NASA,
  • Spend time conducting research at a NASA flight center,
  • Facilitate the development of a liaison between researchers at the University of Maine and one of NASA’s centers, and
  • Facilitate technology transfer from the University of Maine to industry.

All applications submitted to this program will be critically evaluated based on their relevance to NASA’s mission for the National Space Grant College Research Experience. Collaboration with researchers at NASA Space flight centers is highly encouraged and collaboration with industry, among departments within the same institution, and among institutions within the State of Maine. Women and minorities are especially encouraged to apply to this program. The following pages detail the intent, requirements, and awards for the Maine Space Grant Consortium Research Experience Programs at the University of Maine.

The focus of the proposed project must be aligned broadly with the research priorities of NASA’s earth and space science strategic enterprises.

• The project may be an ongoing one or a new project.

• The graduate research fellow and a faculty advisor must agree to provide the end date for the project in the form of a final project report.

• Must find a NASA Collaborator to include in your research here: https://www.nasa.gov/centers-and-facilities/

Eligibility

For a student to be eligible for a Graduate Research Fellowship Award, the following criteria must be met:

  • The student must be a US citizen, and
  • The student must be enrolled or intend to enroll on a full-time basis in an approved graduate program at the University of Maine.
  • Must present their research at the Annual Student Symposium.
  • Priority will be given to Doctoral students in space and aerospace-related majors.

Amount of Awards

Graduate Fellowships are Academic Year/Summer $6,000* each and act as a Research Assistantship Supplement. Priority will be given to ongoing fellowships. Tuition support, health insurance, travel, or supplies are not included. This award is only to cover the stipend. Students can receive this award twice during their academic tenure. 
*This amount could change yearly.

How to Apply

Please provide electronic submission of the application in a single PDF: A two to five-page narrative description of the project, a student resume, and transcript, and a commitment letter from the student’s faculty mentor. 

Apply for MSGC Graduate Fellowship Here!

The MSGC undergraduate research experience award is for $3,000* (Summer 2022) to help students cover the costs of research.

*Subject to change Academic Year to Summer

Undergraduate students are able to be awarded up to $3,000 during their undergraduate career. For example: If you have won a Summer Fellowship at $3,000 (or higher) you are unable to win another undergraduate fellowship or research experience through CUGR or MSGC. This includes AI and Medicine. 

How to Apply

If you are an undergraduate student interested in the MSGC fellowship experience, apply through the undergraduate fellowship page and the form linked there. The form will have an option to confirm if your research project has applications in Aerospace, Space Sciences, or Engineering.