2024 UF CVM Competitive Block Grant Awards for New PhD Students

UF CVM will offer up to eight competitive block-grant awards to support new PhD students who start in Fall 2024. Each award will pay tuition, service fees and stipend at an annual base rate of $35,000 per year (plus Fringe and Benefits, 11.8%) for four years.

CVM Office of Research and Graduate Studies (ORGS) will accept Fall 2024 PhD applications (for selection of block grant recipients) until March 15, 2024. The application packets will be distributed to the CVM Graduate Studies Committee for review and ranking by March 29, 2024. CVM ORGS will inform selected award recipients and designed major professors by April 12, 2024.

Block Grant Trainee Eligibility Requirements

• Applicants must have mentors with strong track records and necessary financial support.
• Applicants must have strong academic credentials and excellent communication skills.
• Applicants must commit to teaching assignments and research training requirements of the program.
• Applicants must demonstrate an interest in developing a multidisciplinary career in research.

Block Grant Trainee Expectations

Prior to graduation, trainees will accomplish the following:

• Work with mentor to establish a “flight plan” for success
• Prepare an Individual Development Plan (IDP) in the first semester and submit on annual basis thereafter
• Participate in a clinical-translational team and design at least one related aim for thesis dissertation
• Attend at least six career & professional development events each year
• Participate in program activities
• Present research at the annual Phi Zeta conference each year
• Publish peer reviewed paper
• Complete all degree requirements

The ranking of applicants will be based using the following criteria:

[A] Applicant’s academic and professional credentials: Academic degree(s) (BS, DVM or equivalent, MS, Residency) + GPA + Publications as first author or co-author + abstract presentations + Under Represented Minority applicant’s status.

[B] Applicant’s statement of purpose

[C] Three letters of reference, including letter from the designated major advisor indicating source(s) of funding to cover (a) stipend plus F&B (25%) and (b) PhD student research expenses.

[D] Ranking of applicants will confirmed by CVM ORGS in consultation with designated major advisors.

Stipend: In each award offered, the designated major advisor will contribute to the annual stipend (25% or $8,750) plus F&B (25% or $1,085) for four years; other sources of funding identified by the major advisor or the student can be acceptable. CVM will cover 75% of the annual stipend and F&B, as well as 100% of student fees for four years.

Award recipients are appointed as Graduate Assistants (GA) with research and teaching task obligations (FTE = 0.50). As GA, the PhD student will engage in TA support in the DVM program and/or graduate program in selected courses in Spring or Fall semesters annually for four years. Course selection is based on student interest in consultation with the major advisor, courses that need TA support, and in coordination with CVM ORGS and CVM Office of Academic and Student Affairs.

Block Grant Trainee Expectations (please see schedule below).

Schedule, Plan A

For more information, please contact hernandezja@ufl.edu