Merkin Graduate Fellows will design their own education abroad experience, proposing the length of the experience of between 3 and 6 months and the international site(s) at which they will conduct their research. Applicants may propose to work at an institution with which they or their PI/faculty advisor have an existing relationship, or they may propose to work collaboratively with the Merkin Fellowship Program Manager and their PI/faculty advisor to build a new connection that will facilitate their research at that site. Merkin Graduate Fellows will be expected to provide regular updates on their research progress and education abroad experience as well as present at the annual Merkin Graduate Fellows Summit. Successful candidates will also be expected to write a statement at the conclusion of their time abroad describing the progress they made on the goals set forth in their application, as well as the impact of the award on their research, its contributions to translational medicine, and their own personal and professional growth. Award Merkin Graduate Fellows will receive a stipend award of $4$5,000/month for a fellowship term of 3 to 6 months, which is intended to cover all expenses directly related and essential to the proposed research, including travel and living costs. In Absentia tuition and fees will be paid directly by the fellowship. The Merkin Graduate Fellowship stipend counts as taxable income and must be reported to the IRS. |