The University Libraries and Honors Program invite applications for the Elizabeth Williams Cathles Award in support of student research in natural histories, philosophies, and national or international cultures. The award recipient is expected to present a paper at the end of the year as part of the appropriate Graduate or Undergraduate Research Colloquium.

Elizabeth (Betsy) Williams Cathles had a lifelong love of natural history and human cultures, a unique sense of the importance of travel, and a great appreciation for the adventure of learning, discussion, and travel. To honor her, Betsy’s family and friends have endowed a student research project with the possibility of delving into the University of Hartford’s library resources as well as collections of histories, philosophies, and cultures in other research institutions.  It is hoped that this exposure will awaken student curiosity and encourage exploration,

The research project should encourage students to explore and develop their own ideas, under the direction of a faculty advisor. The project is intended to inform and enlighten the student to an appreciation of the value of studying natural history, other cultures, and societal experiences. The research project will be considered a particular success if the recipient(s) is inspired to pursue subsequent studies in related areas and  to travel to learn more about what they have researched.

The Research Award Eligibility:

Undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Hartford are eligible for the Cathles Award. Candidates may be selected through their participation in one of the following areas or be guided to participate in any of the following as part of their research:

• All University Curriculum: in particular courses within Living in a Cultural Context
• Sociology, particularly the study of Native American, African, or Caribbean cultures or the Sociology of the City           
• The Center for Social Research: societal needs and involvement in the Hartford community
• Environmental Intersection of Cultures
• University Archives: local and university history
• Study of Pacific Island, Asia, Southeast Asia, and other lands would also be considered.

Student Qualification and the Application Process:

Normally a student must have at least a 3.25 average to apply for the Cathles Award, but applications by students with a substantially lower GPA will be entertained if the student's interest and commitment are clearly exceptional and there are reasons to believe that the project could have a transformative impact on the student.

Students should (1) be nominated by a faculty sponsor, and (2) submit a one- to two-page description of the proposed research and the resources that will be consulted while pursuing it (e.g., books, archives, manuscripts, sites). The normal expectation is that Cathles funds will support independent study during the academic year, although summer research under formal faculty supervision will also be eligible. Not-for-credit projects may also be submitted.

The maximum grant for any individual student project will be $2,000, no more than $1,000 per semester. Funds may be used for materials required for research and travel to archives and research institutions. Funds may not be used to pay for transportation to a study abroad location, but could be used for travel related to research within the country.

The application deadline is April 30 for students who would serve their internship and develop their research project in the following academic year, with the intention of presenting at either the Undergraduate Research and Creativity Colloquium or the Graduate Research Colloquium in the following spring.

Inquiries and proposals should be directed in electronic form to:

Mark Blackwell, Director of the University Honors and Preceptor Programs

blackwell@hartford.edu

and

Randi Ashton-Pritting, Director, University Libraries

pritting@hartford.edu

Selection of successful proposals will be the responsibility of a committee.