Exploratory and Reflective Learning Grants
A Dean Rusk Exploratory and Reflective Learning Grant is defined as the exploration of and reflection on international experiences that enhance academic goals and encourage personal growth.
Applying for the Grant
For this grant, each student is required to complete the following steps:
- Consult with the Dean Rusk office to discuss your project proposal.
- Write a proposal.
- Complete travel grant budget report.
- If applicable, obtain a language proficiency recommender (required where English is not the predominant language in the country for your proposed project).
It is strongly recommended students also obtain a faculty recommendation, but it is NOT required.
Writing Your Proposal
A strong proposal includes:
- What goals will your experience help you accomplish?
- What do you hope to get from the project, and why is the project important to you?
- How is it important within your academic career, personal goals, or future plans?
- What are the specific places you plan to go to (museum, library, etc.)?
- What are the preparations you must complete before departing (e.g. contacting a specific organization to collaborate with)?
- Can you get those tasks done with the requested resources (i.e budget) and the proposed time frame?
- How will you make your project accessible to all audiences?
Deadline
2024 Exploratory and Reflective Learning Grants will be available when the fall grant cycle opens at the close of the spring grant cycle, with an application deadline of October 1, 2024.
To start your application, use Submittable.
Recently Funded Exploratory and Reflective Learning Grants
Heidi (Neve) on the Alp: Exploring Family Roots through Dairy Farming and Cheesemaking
by Neve Rauscher ‘26
Neve immersed herself in her family's traditional dairy farming and cheesemaking practices in Northern Switzerland, spending nine weeks on two Alps family farms. She learned livestock care, culinary techniques, and alp cheese production firsthand. By studying Swiss and French farming methods, she enhanced her fluency in French and Swiss-German. Neve's exploration of traditional farming practices deepened her understanding of environmental studies, connecting her heritage with sustainable agricultural practices.
Stimulating Kelp Market Growth in New Zealand: The International Evolution of an Agricultural-Economist Perspective
by Erin Price ‘24
Erin interned with NZ Kelp, a company in New Zealand specializing in organic kelp farming for food grade and horticultural purposes. Her role involved harvesting Giant Kelp, mastering its diverse applications, and contributing to social media and promotional content creation. She also conducted informal interviews with the company's founder to explore its growth trajectory. Erin aims to expand the commercial seaweed market as part of her post-graduate pursuits.
DNA or ADN? Exploring DNA Extraction Methodology and the Role of English in Biology Research in Lima
by Ramsey Chaaban ‘24
Ramsey conducted phytopathology research at Universidad Nacional Agraria la Molina (UNALM) in Lima, Peru. Mentored by Professor Alejandro Llanos, he focused on optimizing Chelex DNA extraction—a cost-effective method for field-collected samples. Ramsey explored language barriers, indigenous knowledge, and lab equipment's impact on scientific publishing at UNALM. He also contributed to the community by teaching introductory Bioinformatics workshops in R and Python in Spanish, and presented on DNA sequencing methods in Genomics.
