Mellon Interdisciplinary Graduate Fellows Program
The Mellon Interdisciplinary Fellows Program brings together advanced, talented graduate students from the humanities and social sciences at Columbia University to foster their capacity for incorporating the methods, approaches and knowledge of the different social sciences into their research. Established in 1999-2000, the program provides an intellectual and material environment for completing high-quality dissertations.
In the past, students have come from humanities departments, such as history and anthropology, and the social sciences as well as Comparative Literature, English, Law, Public Health, and Social Work. We continue to solicit applications from Communications, Religion, and other departments.
Educational Programs
- Bi-weekly Seminar
The bi-weekly seminar is the intellectual focal point of the program. While exposing Fellows to the work of scholars from multiple disciplines, it also gives them the opportunity to present their research. Through participation in this forum, students gain insights into the reasoning, methods, and specific research of the social sciences and related fields and how they could be applied to their work. - Thematic Seminar
Each year, a seminar session is devoted to a particular concept that is analytically important for both the humanities and the social sciences, such as the concept of explanation, the role of research methods or what constitutes evidence in different fields. Fellows work with the Program Director to identify this theme and select readings. - Mini-Courses
Four two-day mini-courses are offered annually on a range of topics that are jointly important for both humanities and social science students. Courses may cover such topics as specific qualitative and quantitative methods and concepts like temporality or geographic space in social science research. - Humanities/Social Science Course
The program admits 10-12 doctoral students into its summer course on select social science methods. This two-week course is targeted towards Fellows admitted for the following fall as well as future program candidates in their third to fifth years of their doctoral programs. Designed for students with little or no formal social science training, this course provides tools to incorporate social science thinking and methods into their dissertation and post-dissertation research. Admission to this course is competitive.
Research Support
- Mini-Grants
The program offers small amounts of funding to Fellows to help them complete their dissertations and gain access to professional networks. Mini-grants allow students to obtain software, complete a particular piece of research, or participate in relevant professional conferences. - Summer Stipend
The program provides a summer stipend after the first summer in the program to help Fellows complete their dissertations in a timely manner. - Mentoring
The Program Director mentors Fellows. He meets with them, provides oral and written responses to their research, participates in their practice job talks and advises Fellows on career opportunities.
Administrative Support
Fellows receive administrative support from ISERP's staff and material support in the form of supplies, photocopying, and the like.
- Office Space
Fellows are provided with a desk in ISERP's open-plan research suite. - Computing
All Fellow offices are equipped with computers and related technologies and access to the ISERP computer network. This allows Fellows to access relevant software for their research and to have technical support on hand.
Applying to the Graduate Fellows Program
ISERP is pleased to invite applications for our graduate fellows program. Advanced doctoral students matriculating at Columbia University who have commenced writing and are within two (2) years of completing their dissertations are eligible to apply. Space is limited and the program is highly competitive. The deadline for applications is Tuesday, April 15th, 2008.
Application materials consist of the following:
- Cover Letter
Describe yourself and address how you would benefit from and contribute to an interdisciplinary setting. The maximum length for cover letter is one (1) single-spaced page. - Current Curriculum Vitae
- Dissertation Description
The dissertation description may be no more than three (3) single-spaced pages with a font size of 11 points. - Biographical Sketch and Abstract
A brief, two- to three-sentence biographical sketch should be accompanied by a 200-word abstract of your dissertation suitable for public reports and ISERP’s publicity materials. - Letter of Reference
The letter of reference should be from your dissertation chair and should include an assessment of when the dissertation will be complete.
Submit seven (7) copies of all application materials to ISERP's main offices. Copies should be collated and clipped (not stapled) in the order listed above. A single copy of the letter of reference is sufficient. Electronic submissions will not be considered. For additional information about ISERP’s Graduate fellows program, contact Jennifer Tromski.
