Writing a Good NJWRRI Proposal
Rutgers University
October 27, 2010
Christopher C. Obropta, Ph.D., P.E.
Extension Specialist in Water Resources
Rutgers Cooperative Extension
732-932-9800 ext. 6209
obropta@envsci.rutgers.edu
www.water.rutgers.edu
Most Important Thing
READ THE
REQUEST FOR
PROPOSALS
Format
FORMAT FOR GRADUATE STUDENT
GRANTS-IN-AID ($5,000)
• Four pages single-spaced
maximum, paginated, 12 pt type
and 1” margins, not including
literature cited, CV and budget.
TITLE: Should be descriptive
and to-the-point
Example of a too long title: “Decision Support Systems
Analysis for Redevelopment of Brownfields with
Focus on Water Related Issues based upon a Case
Study at General Services Administration Belle Mead
Depot Site, Hillsborough, New Jersey.”
Good examples:
• “Microbial Mobilization of Arsenic and Selenium
Oxyanions in Subsurface Aquifers”
• “The Potential Impact of the Asian Isopod,
Synidotea laevidorsalis (Miers 1881), on the
Delaware Bay, USA”
• “Enhancing the remediation of Trichloroethene (TCE)
using double-walled carbon nanotubes (DWNT)”
General Information
2. Graduate student name, degree
sought and graduate program;
institutional address,telephone and
FAX numbers, email address.
3. Thesis advisor name, address,
telephone and FAX numbers, email
address.
4. Amount of funding requested.
Abstract
5. Abstract – 250 words maximum. This
should inform readers about the problem
to be addressed, the general approach to
be taken and the results that are
anticipated. It will be used on the
NJWRRI website and USGS publications.
Priority Issues
6. Priority issue(s) that is/are addressed by
the research. Briefly describe how the
research will contribute to the
understanding and/or solution of the
problem, and why it is important to New
Jersey. Include a brief literature review
that places the proposed research in its
scientific context.
7. Specific Objectives and
Hypotheses of the Study
Examples:
“The objectives of this study are three-fold:
1) estimate properties of the near-surface geology (i.e.
clay content, particle texture) which may influence
local hydrology within individual canopy gaps,
2) make comparisons of the physical properties of the
subsurface between vernal pond canopy gaps and
peat-filled “spongs” and
3) assess the potential of paleo-channels to impact local
and regional ground water flow.
Hypothesis: Variations in the subsurface geology
control vegetation patterning and groundwater
movement.”
Another Example
“Specific Objectives:
• Annotate the genome of Selenospirillum indicus
genome,
• Identify of genes encoding respiratory reductases for
arsenic and selenium by mutagenesis and/or
disruption,
• Characterize gene regulation in presence/absence of
arsenic and selenium and other respiratory electron
acceptors (e.g. nitrate),
– Which oxyanion is preferred? Which genes and to what extend
are functional genes up- or down-regulated?
• Examine arsenic and selenium respiration from
contaminated sites in New Jersey
– Use Selenospirillum indicus as a model organism and compare
its genes to functional genes present in the cultures.
And the Hypothesis
“Hypothesis:
The presence of alternate electron, such as nitrate,
sulfate, iron, will regulate the expression of functional
genes altering the rate of mobilization and speciation
of arsenic and selenium oxyanions in the
environment.”
Research Methods
8. Research methods, experimental design
and expected results. Include sufficient
information so that reviewers on the
Advisory Council can judge the technical
competence of the work, the likelihood
that the work can be completed in the
specified time and that there will be
specific products and outcomes from the
research.
Other Items
9.
Indicate if you have received prior funding from the
NJWRRI and, if so, give a brief progress report. List
any presentations or publications which have
resulted from the prior funding. (not included in 4page limit).
10. Literature Cited (not included in the 4-page limit).
Please be complete and consistent. I hate nothing
more than cleaning up poorly done citations.
11. Budget (use attached form) and a brief, but specific,
budget justification. (not included in 4-page limit).
Other Items
12. One-page CV, describing previous training, any
publications or presentations, and professional goals
(not included in 4-page limit). –more is not better
13. Letter of support from Advisor, A one-page letter
must be submitted from the thesis advisor endorsing
the student's proposal, agreeing to oversee the
work, and taking responsibility for helping the
student manage the financial aspects of the project.
(not included in 4-page limit). –new component of
the RFP
Presenting Your Work
The student will be expected to present the
results as a poster or oral presentation at
meeting of an appropriate research
organization. Travel and conference
registration fees for international
conferences are not eligible for funding
under this grant.
Let’s talk about budgets
You have Questions…We have Answers.
For more information:
Christopher C. Obropta, Ph.D., P.E.
Extension Specialist in Water Resources
732-932-9800 x 6209
obropta@envsci.rutgers.edu
or check out our website:
www.water.rutgers.edu