Advice from past AGeS-Grad Awardees

Proposal Writing:

  • Start grant writing and reach out to labs EARLY 
  • Write to and use the provided rubric, because that is what reviewers will use to score your proposal
  • Propose hypothesis-driven research that fills a critical gap in knowledge and addresses a scientific problem
  • Use the figure section to your advantage
  • Ask for help from your advisor and/or lab when writing the budget
  • Try a second time if you aren’t successful the first time - you’ve probably already set up important connections
  • Remember that the proposal selection is a competition, not a test - it’s about the whole pool of applicants, not just about how good your own proposal is - so don’t be discouraged if you are not successful, because success is outside your control.

Working with and Visiting Labs:

  • Don’t be afraid to call or email labs
  • Provide labs a copy of your proposal and ask what is feasible/possible
  • Zoom with the lab and your home institution mentor before visiting to learn
  • what can/should be done to prepare samples in advance
  • whether there are protocols and important papers that you should read
  • Budget more time than you think you need for your lab visit - science often takes longer than expected, especially if you are new to the geochronology technique
  • While visiting, interact with members of the lab (grad students, postdocs, managers, faculty, researchers) to build your supportive geochronology community. Be proactive in asking for these opportunities for interaction if they are not already provided to you 
  • Remember that faculty in particular are typically very busy and may have limited time to work with you themselves. Their managers, postdocs, students, and others may be more available and can provide you with great advice and support.

Building Inclusive Community:

  • Develop a network of support in geochronology
    • Identify project, near-peer, and peer mentors
    • Ask yourself: Do I have an ally to confide in? Do I have someone I can ask for scientific help when I need it?
  • Don’t be afraid to ask questions
  • Contact former AGeS awardees to discuss their experience
  • Reach out to labs early and ask for information regarding the technique, lab protocols, typical timelines, and project feasibility. 
  • Request to attend Research Group Meetings while visiting labs to get to know other people working on related topics or using the same tools
  • Include your graduate advisor in meetings and emails as appropriate
  • Participate in zoom meeting with your AGeS cohort, get involved with the AGeS Network Committee, take advantage of opportunities to present at the AGeS annual virtual meetings, and join any AGeS social events that may be organized at in-person meetings that you attend. The AGeS Network Committee, which includes former AGeS-Grad awardees, is helping to build and maintain relationships within the AGeS community.