Sea Grant Spark Award

Sea Grant Spark Award funds support graduate student research and career advancement. The award was initiated by generous support from Sara Gottlieb, a Sea Grant alumna, and is supported by other philanthropic gifts to Maryland Sea Grant. 

Spark Award funds may be used for:

• Supplies and analytical services for ongoing research
• Journal publication fees for reporting research results
• Conference travel, training, and other professional development activities
• Outreach activities that bring marine and coastal science to broad audiences
• Educational opportunities that expand graduate student skills in marine science policy

Graduate students may apply for up to $2,000 for materials, supplies, and analytic services to advance their research. They may apply for up to $1,000 for domestic travel to meetings to present their research findings or for professional development activities to build career-relevant skills.

Research, conferences, and professional development activities must align with Maryland Sea Grant's mission to support research, education, and outreach related to the Chesapeake and coastal bays and their watersheds, as outlined in our strategic plan. We strongly encourage applications with clear, actionable outcomes, such as training, professional networking, and applied research. 
 

Eligibility and Application Process

Any graduate student currently enrolled at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science or in the University System of Maryland’s Marine Environmental Estuarine Science graduate program is eligible to apply for this award. 

We anticipate supporting one to three applicants per year. Funds must be spent within one year of the award. Graduate students may be awarded these funds only once during their graduate career.

Applications should be submitted as a single PDF file as described below to pd@mdsg.umd.edu with the subject line “Sea Grant Spark Award.” Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, so students may apply at any time.

Research Support

Students applying for research funds must submit the following:

1. Cover page with your name, research project title, laboratory or department, advisor’s information, and total budget request. This header information should be followed by a 2–3 sentence abstract stating the problem and why you are requesting this research support. The abstract should be suitable for public dissemination.
2. A 1–3 page, single-spaced research proposal detailing the scientific problem/question, research approach, research need, potential outcomes of the work, and what the funds would be used for. Please include a very brief description of your current funding and anticipated graduate degree completion date. Be sure to address all the evaluation criteria in your proposal.
3. A reasonable project timeline (preferably as a table or figure) covering up to one year of support.
4. A short, National Science Foundation-style CV (max three pages).
    

Professional Development and Travel Funds

Students applying for conference travel or professional development funds must submit the following:

1. Cover page with your name, event name (i.e., national conference or professional development training), laboratory or department, advisor’s information, and total budget request. This should be followed by 2–3 sentences explaining what the request is for and how this activity will advance your career.
2. A 1–2 page, single-spaced statement describing the request for funds and relevance to Maryland Sea Grant’s mission. Travel funds to attend domestic conferences should describe the presentation or other types of participation at the conference. Professional development requests should explain the activity and its expectations. Both requests should include the timeline for the activity and describe how it will advance your career. If this award will only partially support the activity, describe what other funds you have acquired or are seeking, or if you are self-supporting the activity.
3. A short, National Science Foundation-style CV (max three pages).
    

Evaluation

Research proposals will be subject to review by an expert in the field for technical merit and potential to advance the science and the applicant’s professional career. Travel and professional development proposals will be evaluated by Maryland Sea Grant staff for relevance to our strategic plan, benefit to the applicant's academic career, and student need. Final decisions will be made by the Maryland Sea Grant director based on reviews, relevance, funding availability, and programmatic goals.
 

Processing Funding Support

Awardees will work with Maryland Sea Grant’s business office to process these awards. Additional details will be provided upon awarding.
 

Reporting on Outcomes

Awardees may report on the outcomes of the award in one of the following ways:

• Give a short virtual presentation to Maryland Sea Grant. Provide the presentation abstract and citation for the funded event, if applicable. This option is required for those who receive funds to present at a domestic meeting.
• Write a blog post about the activities, results, or learnings.
• Submit a short report detailing project outcomes (how did the funds advance the research?) and outputs (data, research presentations, publications). This can include activities to reach a broader audience, such as working with high school students, interns, local organizations, etc.
   

Contact

Michael Allen, Associate Director for Research and Administration
Maryland Sea Grant
301-405-7500
pd@mdsg.umd.edu