Freedman Award Application Information

Call for proposals

The Department of Anthropology is pleased to announce a new round of competition for the Freedman Award for Undergraduate Research in Anthropology.  The award supports anthropological research by undergraduate students, in particular honors students and Anthropology majors.  Research may be undertaken in support of a thesis, as part of a class project, in connection with the Anthropology Collections, or in collaboration with a faculty member. Awards of up to $3000 will be awarded for research conducted in summer or fall of 2024. Proposals must comply with student travel policies. Funds will be disbursed only for expenses deemed eligible under current Cornell guidelines.

Examples of research-related activities that may be funded include, but are not limited to:

  • Acquisition of documents, reports, and books
  • Purchase of research-related software or other specialized equipment
  • The cost of an archaeological or ethnographic field school
  • Local research assistance
  • Compensation/gifts for interviewees
  • Travel expenses

To be eligible, applicants must be:

  • Anthropology majors or minors, with preference for honors students and majors
  • Full time students at Cornell University at both the time of application and the proposed use of the funds
  • In good academic standing, with a GPA of 3.0 or better
  • Preference will be given to students spending three or more weeks conducting research

Application Instructions

The application packet must include:

· The application form, available online here.

· A 2-3 page (double-spaced) proposal that describes the research project and addresses the following:

  • The rationale for the research project, including its purpose and specific research questions
  • How you prepared for the research project (which Anthropology and other relevant courses have you taken, such as anthropological methods, topical, or area study courses?)
  • Any relevant language skills
  • A discussion and justification of the methods you will use to collect the data or documentation for your project
  • The project’s significance
  • A short statement about the project’s relevance to your scholarly and career objectives

· A copy of your most recent transcript (unofficial transcript is acceptable)

· A brief letter of support from a faculty member familiar with you and the project and who has agreed to serve as an advisor during the course of the research

Deadline: April 19, 2024. To be eligible for consideration, the application packet must be complete and submitted by email to Brett Preston Jr (bp454@cornell.edu). Contact Brett Preston Jr for logistical questions regarding the submission. For other information, contact Professor Magnus Fiskesjö (anthropology_dus@cornell.edu), the Director of Undergraduate Studies.

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