Breman Global Health Immersion Fellowship

The USC Institute for Global Health's Breman Global Health Immersion Fellowship is funded by a generous donation to deepen Keck School of Medicine global health students' appreciation of health problems in developing countries. This grant fellowship supports students interested in international health and public service careers by funding clinical, field or laboratory research experience in a foreign country.

General Information Individual grants up to $5,000 for travel to developing regions of Haiti,

Africa, Asia and Latin America (and others). Funds will cover participant fees, travel expenses, lodging, meals, research

activities, personal and liability insurance. All arrangements are the responsibility of the grant recipient and must

adhere to the approved application proposal. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. They are due at least two

months before your intended departure date. Project proposals must involve at least four weeks of travel (six weeks

preferred).

EligibilityWho is eligible

Keck School of Medicine undergraduate, masters, and professional students Master of Public Health students and medical students will be given special

considerationWho is not eligible

Ph.D. students applying for funding on projects related to their dissertations Students who will be completing their studies prior to travel/research

Application SelectionApplicants will be selected based on academic performance, proposal quality, evidence of sincere interest in the research proposed, strength of faculty advisor and proposal's ability to support/add to existing research. Please see the application overview and application template for details.

RequirementsThe Institute for Global Health will meet with all grant recipients to review administrative requirements including the grant contract, disbursement of funds and necessary travel waivers and forms. In addition, students will be required to report on their project during and following travel through the following mechanisms. All grant project blogs and reports will be compiled and shared with the donor in the form of an annual sponsorship report.

1. Blogging

Grant awardees must publish 3-4 academic blogs on the USC Global Health Travel Blog. We recommend supplementing your posts with pictures and/or videos. While personal reflections and experiences are welcome, students should ensure that blog posts are professional and reflective of the research grant project. To get set up as a blog contributor, email global.health@usc.edu. [Note: If you are not an awarded fellow and would still like to become a blog contributor, look into becoming a USC Global Health Ambassador.]

2. Grant Expense Report

Students who receive grant funds are responsible for submitting a grant expense report with itemized project expenses within 30 days of the completion of the project/trip. Templates for the expense report and necessary documentation (receipts, etc.) will be provided.

3. Newsletter

Upon completion of their project, grant recipients should send a few select photos as well as a 3-4 sentence synopsis of their project and experience (including their degree program) to global.health@usc.edu to be featured in our newsletter and website.

4. Final Report

Grant recipients will be required to submit a final report outlining their research project, findings and a reflection on the grant program experience. An outline for the final report requirements will be provided.

5. Grant Evaluation

Please fill out and submit the final grant evaluation survey to provide your feedback on your experience during the grant process. The survey will be provided.

6. Research Presentation

The final part of your involvement in the grant program involves a presentation on your project. The Institute for Global Health will host an annual student showcase where grant recipients will present on their research and experiences to fellow students, faculty and guests.

Application Overview

Candidate Information

Cover Letter & ResumeThe cover letter serves as a 1-page introduction to yourself and your project and should be written in traditional letter format. It should include:

Why you see yourself as a qualified candidate for this research What you have done in the past that makes you qualified What qualities you have that make you a good candidate for the grant

program

Resumé/Curriculum Vitae should be included after cover letter or can be uploaded as an additional document online.

Background StatementThe candidate background statement should give us an idea of who you are. It should include the following:Health Experience & Interests:

Your interests in public health, health care, and/or global health How you became interested in global health

Research Experience: Past research experience The project(s) you worked on and your role Who you worked with on your project(s), the successes/challenges

faced, and skills you gained from the research

Publications (if any) should list: Any publications with you as an author

Interests & Activities: Your interests and extracurricular activities Areas in which you would like to advance and gain more insight Activities you have engaged in that further confirm your interests

Scholarships & Awards: Any scholarships, awards, and/or academic prizes received, either

past or present Awarding institution/funding

Career Goals: Your goals and visions for yourself, your career, and your global

health interests in the next 5 years, 10 years

Research Proposal The research proposal is organized in 7 sections. They include the following: abstract, background, specific aims/objectives, methods, institutional & field support, timeline, and budget/budget justification. More detail is provided below on what each section requires.

AbstractThe abstract is a 250-word summary of what your project will entail. This should include a brief introduction to your topic and introduce your proposed research. This section should also highlight the importance of your proposed research.

BackgroundThe purpose of the background is to summarize the subject you are interested in researching. You should discuss the significance and innovation of the topic of research you are interested in. In two or more paragraphs, discuss the importance of the issue in the country of interest, what the statistics are on the subject, barriers that may be encountered, how you will address those barriers, and how your methods, treatments, or services will change the field if your specific aims are achieved. You should also discuss how your research is innovative; whether it contributes to other research done, if it will improve information on the topic in question, and other significant and innovative factors.

Objectives/Specific AimsThe objectives & specific aims section serves to state the short-term and long-term goals and describe the importance of the research project. Objectives should be brief, realistic, and succinct. State the specific aims in terms of measurable, time-phased objectives. Numbering or bulleting each specific aim is highly recommended. There should be only 1-3 specific aims.

MethodsThe methods section should be a detailed summary of the research design you will carry out and materials you will use to collect and analyze data. Methods are central in the review process of your application. Include 4 main categories (data collection, analysis methods, correlations, and sample size).

Data CollectionDescribe what data will be collected and explain in detail what methods you will use for data collection. This can include, but is not limited to, surveys, collection devices, biological samples, observations, and recorder verbal interviews. How you will be collecting your data will determine what materials are needed.

Analysis MethodsExplain how you will be analyzing your data. The analysis methods used will vary. Possible data analysis tools include, but are not limited to, Excel, SPSS, and SAS. Explain your rationale in selecting this method and how it will be helpful when looking at your data.

CorrelationsExplain the correlations you will look at in your study and the outcomes you will assess and interpret. Correlation is a measure of the relation between two or more variables. For example, if the study is on the Prevalence of Type II Diabetes in India, analyzing blood glucose measurements and gender is one correlation, and analyzing blood glucose measurements and age is a second correlation.

Sample SizeThe sample population will consist of whom you will include in your research. Describe the demographics and sample size of your target population (Example: n = 100). Explain what inclusion and exclusion criteria you will use for your sample population. State whether you will use a sample of convenience or random sampling.

Faculty Advisor & In-Field SupportEach applicant must have a faculty advisor in order to be eligible for a grant. The faculty advisor will be your first line of communication and offer support and guidance throughout the proposal and project development. He/she will act as Principal Investigators (PI) for your IRB approval. Commitment from an in-field/country partner is also required. Name the contact and organization and describe the partnership. Letters of recommendation are required from both the faculty advisor and in-field support). They can be attached and uploaded as additional documents as a single document under the “Letters of Recommendation” section on our website or can be e-mailed to global.health@usc.edu. *Falsifying support of a faculty mentor or in-field support will disqualify you from the grant program

TimelineThe timeline should be a specific and detailed schedule that reflects the time needed to execute each action necessary to complete your research. List actions in chronological order with specifications for month-to-month and day-to-day activities prior, during, and post trip. It can also serve as your own personal task list for the project.

Example:Date ActionMarch 26-30

Meet with advisor | Complete background research on country, demographics, and endemic diseases

April 1-10

Develop intervention

April 11-20

Prepare Protocol, CITI Training | Meet with faculty advisor

May 30 IRB approval should be receivedJune 1 CITI Training finishedJune 2 Meet with faculty advisorJune 7 Travel to siteJune 8 Arrive in country | Meet with in-country teamJune 9 Begin survey assessmentJune 15 Contact institutional mentor for updateJuly 9 End survey assessmentJuly 15 Return to USAugust 15

Begin disseminating research | Meet with faculty advisor

August 30

Expense settlement turned in along with 10 page paper + blogging done

Budget The budget should reflect travel expenses, materials, and other foreseen expenses you will incur related to the proposed research. Use credible websites when estimating transportation and other items. Use the per diem rates provided by the U.S. Department of State for your country.

Budget JustificationBudget justifications should justify the purpose of each item line in the budget. Be as specific as possible in your justification. Explain how you came to the quantity, the type of item, and other things that could help in justification of purchase.

IRB Approval & Training in Responsible Conduct of ResearchSome proposed projects may require students to obtain human subjects research approval from the USC Institutional Review Board (IRB). To learn more about IRB and determine if your project will require human subjects approval and training, please download the "ABC's of the IRB Process for Student Investigators" or visit the USC IRB site. Failure to obtain adequate approvals prior to conducting the proposed research will result in cancelation of a funded grant.

Breman Global Health Immersion Grant Application

APPLICATION PREPARATION

Identify and contact faculty advisor and in-field contact and request letters of recommendation from each.

Develop your proposal. See proposal writing guidelines above.

Update your resume or C.V.

Request transcripts

Fill out application (starts next page)

APPLICATION SUBMISSION

Double-check your application.

Attach application, C.V./resume, transcripts and any other documents to your email to global.health@usc.edu.

Send email at least two months before your intended travel date.

Project Title:

Date Submitted:

For Office Use OnlyDate Received:

Award Notification Date:

Personal InformationLast Name First Name Middle

InitialCurrent Address Apt #

City State Zip Code Country of Citizenship

Home Phone Cell Phone E-mail Address

Permanent Address (If different from above) Apt #

City State Zip Code Alternate E-mail

Student ID # SS # Passport #

Health Insurance Type Insurance Coverage Dates

Emergency Contact Name Telephone Relationship

Address City State

Institutional SupportUSC Faculty Advisor Contact (REQUIRED)Last Name First Name Middle

InitialTelephone Email Address/School Affiliation

In-Country Contact (REQUIRED)Last Name First Name Middle

InitialOrganization Name Address

City State/Providence Country

Telephone Email Address

Dates of Expected TravelStart: ( Month/Day/Year) End: (Month/Day/Year)

Organizational InformationPlease complete this section if you are applying as a student group/organizationName of Student Organization (if applicable)

Length of Time of Organization’s Existence

Organization Goals/Mission

Past Projects

Funding Sources

Education/Academic InformationSchool Major/Field of Study

Year GPA Expected Graduation Date

Other Education1) Name of University Dates Attended

Degree & Field of Study Graduation/Expected Graduation Date

2) Name of University Dates Attended

Degree & Field of Study Graduation/Expected Graduation Date

Foreign Language Background/ProficiencyPrimary Language

Second Language

Oral ProficiencyBeginner Intermediate Advanced

Written ProficiencyBeginner Intermediate

Native Speaker Advanced Native SpeakerThird Language

Oral ProficiencyBeginner Intermediate Advanced Native Speaker

Written ProficiencyBeginner Intermediate Advanced Native Speaker

Employment/Volunteer Experience1) Organization Position/Title

Location (City, State) Location (City, State)

Main Responsibilities

2) Organization Position/Title

Location (City, State) Location (City, State)

Main Responsibilities

3) Organization Position/Title

Location (City, State) Location (City, State)

Main Responsibilities

Candidate Background StatementHealth Experience and Interests

Please describe your previous experience/interest with public health, healthcare, or international health and how you became interested in global health.

Research ExperiencePrior research is not required for the program. If you have research experience please list and describe the project(s) and your role in each.

PublicationsPrior publications are not required for the program. If you have research related publications please list. APA Format.

Interests and ActivitiesPlease describe your interests and extracurricular activities that further confirm your interests in health.

Scholarships and AwardsPlease list any scholarships, awards, or academic prizes and what they were for.

Career Goals and Objectives

Please describe where you see yourself going in the next year? 5 years? 10 years?

Research/Project Proposal

ABSTRACT (max. 250 words)This is a brief paragraph of what you will complete if awarded the grant.

BACKGROUNDThis should be two paragraphs or more on significance and innovation.

OBJECTIVES / SPECIFIC AIMSThis should begin with a brief description of the overall short-term & long-term goals and end with 1-3 main bullet points.

METHODSThis should include great detail about the materials and methods used. As well as answer questions about Data Collection, Analysis Methods, Correlations, and Sample Size.

FACULTY ADVISOR / IN-THE-FIELD SUPPORT (Required)Please describe your faculty support both at USC and in the field.

TIMELINEThis should be as specific and detailed as possible with chronological specifications of month-to-month & week-to-week plans.

BUDGET / BUDGET JUSTIFICATIONSource of Funding

Unit Cost

#of Units Total IGH  External

Travel CostsAir

Lodging and Expenses

Misc. Travel Costs

Sub Total Travel Costs 0 0

Materials & Supplies [Insert Item Name] [Insert Item Name][Insert Item Name]

Sub Total Study Costs 0 0

Total Project Costs 0 0

BUDGET JUSTIFICATIONThis should explain the purpose of each itemized expense and supply. Be specific as to why each item is needed.

By signing below I acknowledge that all the information provided is complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge.

Full Name:

Signature: Date:

Breman Global Health Immersion Fellowship Final Report Guidelines

General. 7-10 pages, double-spaced, 12pt Times New Roman font.

Abstract. One page, single spaced. Include the who, what, when, where, why and how of your project; project title, preceptor agency, and supervisor. Be sure to indicate the following at the top of the page:

o Your nameo Name of your projecto Date of final report submissiono Date of your projecto Institutional support

Background. Briefly summarize your objective(s) and relate this to the problem or issue addressed by your project.

Context/Organization Setting. A description of the agency where you completed your field studies. This should include type of agency, source of funding, mission statement and type of staffing.

Place of Project Within Organization. Where did you and your project fit in the agency? Include discussion of how this affected your project, if applicable.

Results Achieved. Describe results achieved during the course of your field studies. Also, explain any difference between proposed scope of work and results achieved, if any.

Recommendation for Similar Projects. What did you learn in carrying out your work plan that would be helpful in attempting a similar project? What specific skills did you develop and what specific knowledge did you gain? Knowing what you know now, what would you have done differently?

Recommendations for Yourself. What areas have you been able to identify for your own professional or personal development as a result of your field experience?

Experience with the Breman Global Health Immersion Grant Program. Provide feedback and describe your experience with the funding program and how the grant experience has influenced your future career in global health. Students may also include any additional comments/reflections in this section.

Breman Global Health Immersion Fellowship

Student Feedback Form

Grantee name: Project title: Project Location: Date of project implementation:

Thank you for your participation in this fellowship program. Please take a moment to evaluate your experience through the grant process. Your feedback is greatly appreciated and will help us improve the grant program for future participants.

Use the following scale to evaluate the global health grant program:1 = Poor 2 = Fair 3 = Adequate 4 = Good 5 = Excellent  Please check ONLY ONE (1) box for each question

1 2 3 4 5

Application Evaluation:Ease of program information access (easy to find online, etc. )Clarity of online information about fellowship programAccuracy of website content regarding fellowship programEase of email application submission process

Clarity of program eligibility and requirements

Clarity of application instructions

Clarity of application questions

Ability to access additional information from program managerAccessibility of program manager

Accuracy of information provided by program managerSatisfaction with the communication/correspondence of your application statusTimely award notification response

Pre-Implementation EvaluationTimely receipt of funds

Ease of blog registration

Clarity of next-step procedures in fellowship program

Timely inquiry responses from program manager

Overall satisfaction with pre-trip/project preparation

Implementation EvaluationAccuracy of project expectations

Satisfaction with educational project objectives

Satisfaction with your project immersion experience

Effectiveness of blog postings

Overall experience with project implementation

Settlement EvaluationClarity of final report expectations

Clarity of expense settlement requirements

Overall satisfaction with Grant Program

Additional Question(s): How did you hear/learn about the Breman Global Health Immersion Fellowship?

Comments/Suggestions: