What are the benefits of becoming a Fellow in this program?

• $2,500 of direct funding per academic year
• $1,000 of travel support to participate in a professional conference
• 3 credits per semester of independent study applied to graduate program electives
• Certification in training in the Responsible Conduct of Research
• Training and preparation for leadership positions in post-graduate careers
• Professional headshot photos to establish career-related digital media presence

What kind of training and activities will Fellows participate in?

• Develop the skills and knowledge needed to begin their careers upon graduation through the use of experiential learning activities
• Develop insight from leadership from University, community, and legislative bodies about how the University research enterprise functions, and interacts with our communities

• Current graduate students from all UNM colleges/campuses are invited to apply, representing diverse fields of study.
• Applicants must be enrolled full-time and have completed at least one academic year at UNM prior to the fellowship period.
• Candidates must be in good academic standing and secure advisor/Department Chair approval prior to applying.

• Strong engagement with research/professional activities beyond degree requirements.
• Clearly articulated professional goals involving research or related fields.
• Compelling case for how the program contributes to professional development.
• High potential for success in current degree and transition to research-related field.
• Capacity to function in a cohort environment, demonstrating communication/leadership skills.
• Contribution to cohort diversity in personal/academic background and skills.
• Preference for candidates without previous formal graduate-level professional development training.

What are the requirements for the Fellows in the program?

• Enrollment in, participation in, and completion of a 3-credit hour seminar course each semester with Zancada cohort and leadership
• Continued progress toward graduate degree as evidenced by maintaining good academic status
• Completion of required training in the responsible and ethical conduct of research

Nomination packages may be submitted by the student or an advisor/mentor via InfoReady Review and must include:

1. Statement of Intent
   • A short (less than 3 pages) written document that: summarizes graduate experience, goals, and future aspirations. Optionally address evaluation criteria via creative media (less than 5 minutes)
2. Curriculum vitae (CV)
   • Research/professional experience, broader engagement.
   • (CV resources: https://grad.unm.edu/resources/student-resources/professional.html)
3. One letter of support
   • Describe student strengths, potential, and evaluation per criteria. Can be from advisor, mentor, or other qualified individual. Submitted via InfoReady
4. Statement of eligibility
   • From department chair/graduate program director confirming good standing (optional if letter of support already obtained from current advisor).