Faculty research spotlight | |
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Jessica Falcone, professor
cultural anthropology
Research overview:
I am writing an ethnography about the contemporary life of a Japanese Buddhist temple in Hawai'i today to better understand changing religious practices. The Soto Zen Buddhist temple is a lively, and increasingly ethnically diverse, congregation that is balancing traditional ritual and new modern cultural practices. I am writing about the temple's religious practices, but also about significant role that their music, dance, and art worlds play in temple life. I am studying the strategies that this particular temple is employing to bridge generational and cultural gaps to successfully keep the temple going in a time when so many other Buddhist temples in Hawai'i are struggling to survive.
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What motivated you to pursue research in this specific field, and how has your focus evolved over time?
My specialty is Asian religions, and I did much of my early research in India. I have increasingly become interested in Global Buddhism across borders and Buddhism in America.
What is your approach to this research?
I am a cultural anthropologist which means that we rely heavily on interviews and participant observation. So, I don't just read about Zen meditation, I do it at my field site and interview my interlocutors about it. This approach means that you have to develop relationships over time.
Have there been any significant challenges or breakthroughs in your recent research, and how have you addressed or leveraged them?
The temple is over 100 years old and was long a place of religious and cultural refuge for Japanese migrant coffee farmers. Today the demographic changes in Hawaii mean that more and more non-heritage converts to Buddhism are joining the temple, and for better or worse, it's become multicultural.
What is the potential impact of your research on your field and on broader societal issues?
Buddhist studies has struggled to acknowledge the complexity of Buddhism in America today. Many temple congregations that were once composed of migrant communities are changing as the first generation (and/or second generation) passes away. It's important to understand contemporary religious change.
Each week The Office of the Vice President for Research will feature one faculty member and their scholarly work in Research Weekly. If you would like to nominate yourself or a colleague, please fill out the online form.
*Please note that not all nominations will be accepted as there are limited weeks each semester.
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K-State events and announcements | |
Clinical Research Collaboration information session | |
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The Office of the Vice President for Research and Stormont Vail Health invites all to attend the upcoming Clinical Research Coordination informational session highlighting the launch of their new research collaboration.
Through this partnership, K-State faculty conducting novel research will have the opportunity to collaborate with Stormont Vail providers and access patients to include in their clinical studies. The experts can identify funding opportunities and help review and advise on the investigator’s clinical research proposals.
Attendees can also learn more about the K-State and Stormont Vail Health Research Collaboration Center website, which provides researchers and specialists with helpful resources and request forms, in one convenient location.
The session will be held on September 9th from 3 – 4 p.m. in Hale Library, Room 181.
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Water Wednesday: Global Food Systems Seed Grant poster session | |
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The Office of Research Development and the Kansas Water Institute invite all to attend this month’s Water Wednesday luncheon and 2022 Global Food Systems (GFS) Seed Grant poster session in Hale Library, Room 181 on September 11th. The Water Wednesday luncheon will be 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., with the poster session extending from 10:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
This event will highlight the two-year, faculty-led research projects resulting from the GFS Seed Grant program. The GFS initiative at K-State builds on our university’s strengths and aligns with our land-grant mission to address the challenge of sustainably feeding a world population that is expected to grow by 20% by 2050.
During the luncheon, seven teams will showcase their grant-funded research in a guided, interactive session. The researchers will be available for discussion and to answer questions. The poster session will highlight the program's focus on innovation, workforce development and economic impact.
Interested individuals are invited to register online for the luncheon. All K-State faculty, staff and students are welcome, but space is limited to the first 60 registrants. A complimentary lunch will be provided.
Anybody interested in only the poster presentations may drop by between 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. or from 1 – 2 p.m. while the Water Wednesday event is not in session. Registration is not required for these times.
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Biomanufacturing Constellation Hiring | |
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The Multidisciplinary Hiring Initiative in Biomanufacturing is a capacity-building game changer for the university that supports the research enterprise in the expansive area of biomanufacturing, biosciences, and enabling technologies.
Six faculty members were hired in the 2023-2024 academic year and the search has been reopened for 2024-2025. The new faculty members hired to date are listed below. Four have already begun at K-State and Drs. Chakrabarti and Guo will join the faculty in January 2025.
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NSF Graduation Research Fellowship Program (GRFP)
Information Session
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The Graduate School, the Office for Nationally Competitive Scholarships, and the Office of Research Development are hosting an information session on the National Science Foundation’s Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) via zoom at 3:30 pm on August 28, 2024. Both students and their mentors/major professors are invited. This fellowship supports outstanding graduate students, in NSF-supported science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines, who are pursuing research-based Master’s or PhD degrees.
The information session will start with an in-depth look at the requirements for an NSF GFRP submission. This presentation will be followed by a panel of student awardees and faculty members who have served on review panels for this program. They will discuss tips and provide advice that you will not find in this program’s Request for Proposals. If you are serious about submitting to this program, this is a session you should not miss.
Please register here for this session.
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FDA and USRG Programs Now Accepting Applications | |
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The Kansas State University, Office of Research Development’s Faculty Development Award (FDA) and University Small Grant (USRG) programs provide international meeting travel support and seed grant funding to K-State faculty. The FDA award can also be used to meet with program officers from potential external funders. Awards for the FDA program typically range from $1,000 to $3,500. For USRG awards, the range is now $2,000 to $5,000 which is a $500 increase in the funding ceiling for this program. The proposals for both programs are due by 5 pm on October 7, 2024, and should be submitted via ord@ksu.edu.
The Office of Research Development will hold an Information/Q&A Session for the FDA/USRG programs on September 5, 2024, at 3:30 pm via zoom. Registration is not necessary. Please use this link to join. Contact either Mary Lou Marino (mlmarino@ksu.edu) or Kate Kennedy (kate40@ksu.edu) for further information on these programs.
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Identifying Graduate Fellowship Opportunities Session | |
On Wednesday September 11 at 3:30 pm via zoom, the Office of Nationally Competitive Scholarships, the Graduate School and the Office of Research Development will host an overview of fellowship opportunities that are available to Graduate Students. Key funding programs will be discussed including NSF, DoD, DoE, NIH, Hertz Foundation, Fulbright and the American Association of University Women. Opportunities in the Humanities and Social Sciences will also be addressed, plus you will learn to search for fellowships on your own. To attend, please register here. | |
Biomanufacturing Constellation hiring research seminars | |
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The incoming candidates of the Biomanufacturing Constellation hire will be holding research seminars in the upcoming months:
The incoming Mechanical and Nuclear engineering candidate, Dr. Gabriel Converse will be holding his seminar titled “Tissue engineered heart valves for the treatment of congenital heart defects” on September 4, 2024, starting at 1:30 pm in DU 1039.
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Apply for the open Research/Facility Security Officer position | |
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As a Research Security Officer/Facility Security Officer at Kansas State University, you will be responsible for implementing NSPM-33 guidance to safeguard our research initiatives. This role requires a bachelor’s degree and 5-10 years of relevant experience, with a preference for advanced degrees and extensive security program experience. Key qualifications include strong interpersonal skills, the ability to manage competing demands, and the capacity to work independently. Applicants must be able to obtain a high-level security clearance and meet other security requirements.
Learn more and apply here.
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NSF’s EPSCoR Track-2 Program is now the EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement-Focused EPSCoR Collaborations Program | |
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The National Science Foundation’s (NSF) EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement-Focused EPSCoR Collaborations Program (RII-FEC), formerly known as “EPSCoR Track-2 program”, builds interjurisdictional collaborative teams of EPSCoR investigators in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) focus areas consistent with the current National Science Foundation Strategic Plan. Projects are investigator-driven and must include researchers from at least two EPSCoR eligible jurisdictions (states) with complementary expertise and resources necessary to address challenges, which neither party could address as well or as rapidly independently.
The new RFA for this program was released in mid-May announcing the renaming of the EPSCoR Track-2 program. NSF designates a focus area for this program typically announced in the annual RFA. Under the new RII-FEC program, the focus area will be announced in a Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) every two years. The DCL for the current RII-FEC was released late in May. The focus area for this and next year is ‘Building capacity towards use-inspired research’." NSF defines “Use-inspired research” as work whose rationale, conceptualization, and directions are inspired by potential use cases.
This is a limited submission program with K-State allowed to submit only one proposal each year. Thus, if you are interested in submitting to this program, you must notify (working title, team list and a 2 to 3 sentence synopsis of the planned project) the Office of Research Development by 5 pm September 3, 2024, via ordlimitedsubs@ksu.edu. If there are two or more interested groups who notify, an internal competition will be required with preproposals due by 5 pm September 30, 2024. If you have questions, please contact Mary Lou Marino at mlmarino@ksu.edu.
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2025 Active Living Conference | |
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We are excited to announce the 2025 Active Living Conference, taking place March 17-20 in Manhattan, Kansas! Hosted by Kansas State University, this conference will bring together researchers, practitioners, and community leaders focused on creating active and healthy places for all.
The theme for the 2025 conference is Bridging the Research to Practice Gap. We will explore how to develop strong partnerships and effectively translate research findings into actionable strategies. By working together, we can create evidence-based, culturally relevant programming that meets the needs of diverse communities.
The conference will feature:
- Presentations from leading practitioners and researchers in the field of active living
- Interactive workshops and sessions focused on translating research into practice
- Opportunities to network and collaborate with colleagues from across the globe
- A focus on building capacity to create active and healthy communities
To make the most of your experience, we encourage you to arrive on Sunday, March 16th as there will be a networking social that evening, and the conference will kick off on Monday morning. The local airport to fly into is Manhattan, Kansas (MHK).
Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more information! We'll be sharing details about registration, the conference program, and accommodations in the coming months. A Call for Presentation Proposals will be released on mid-July with a deadline of September 16, 2024.
In the meantime, please visit the conference website for more information. You can also contact Convening Coordinator, Amanda Walker, with any questions or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities.
We look forward to seeing you in Manhattan, Kansas in March 2025!
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External events and announcements | |
Jefferson Science Fellowship Program now accepting applications | |
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The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine is pleased to announce a call for applications for the 2025 Jefferson Science Fellowships (JSF). Established by the Secretary of State in 2003, these fellowships serve as an innovative model for engaging the American science, engineering, and medical communities in the U.S. foreign policy and international development process through a one-year immersive experience at the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Jefferson Science Fellowships are a mutually beneficial partnership between government and participating U.S. academic institutions. These fellowships are open to tenured, or similarly ranked, faculty from U.S. institutions of higher learning who are U.S. citizens. After successfully obtaining a security clearance, Fellows are embedded in an office at the U.S. Department of State or USAID where they can expect to learn the foreign policy and international development process while contributing their technical expertise to policy formulation and implementation. Note that a JSF Fellowship does not require faculty to “use up” a sabbatical leave. The year spent in Washington counts as one of the seven years needed to earn a sabbatical.
Online applications will be accepted from August 1 through October 15, 2024.
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Are You Interested in DARPA Funding? | |
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Be sure to attend the DARPAConnect outreach event in Omaha at the University of Nebraska on September 18th. This is a one-day event to engage faculty and help you understand the DARPA culture and its internal processes so you are better suited to pursue funding at this agency. You will have the opportunity to engage directly with DARPA leadership, program managers, and staff who will provide invaluable insights into innovation and opportunities within DARPA.
What’s in store at this event?
Direct Access: Gain first-hand knowledge on effectively navigating the DARPA ecosystem.
Interactive Deep Dives: Participate in focused sessions that explore DARPA’s processes and priorities, aligning your work with DARPA’s mission.
Networking: Growing your professional network with DARPA, others in your field and regional organizations.
This is an excellent opportunity for:
Innovators and Researchers: Looking to bring your cutting-edge ideas to life with DARPA's support.
Industry Professionals/Academics: Seeking to collaborate on national security projects.
New Performers: Eager to break into the DARPA community and contribute to its mission.
To obtain more information and register, be sure to go here.
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Where can I learn everything about NSF proposals and awards? | |
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The NSF’s Policy Office is responsible for developing, implementing, and issuing proposal and award policy for the programs of the National Science Foundation. The NSF’s Policy Office Outreach website maintains numerous resources to learn more about NSF including:
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Upcoming NSF informational events, including a way to sign up to be notified of those events!
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Postings of past recorded webinar series
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An amazing Resource Center that also contains numerous recorded informational videos
For example, you can access recordings from the Spring 2024 NSF Grants Conference that was held June 3 – 5, 2024. This conference included various agenda topics such as:
- Introduction to NSF and the NSF Proposal Preparation
- Discussion of the NSF Merit Review Process
- Introduction to the Various NSF Directorates
- Discussion of the Award Management Process
- Proposal and Award Policy Update
- Research.gov and SciENcv Session
- Financial Management Update
- NSF Research Security Policy Updates
- and many more interesting sessions!
We encourage you to visit this website and access some of these great resources to learn more about the NSF and submitting your proposals to the NSF.
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NSF enhances research security with new TRUST proposal assessment process | |
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The U.S. National Science Foundation has announced a new risk mitigation process, the Trusted Research Using Safeguards and Transparency (TRUST) framework, which will guide the agency in assessing grant proposals for potential national security risks. The revised procedures will help safeguard U.S. taxpayer investments in research and innovation while strengthening international collaboration.
The full news release can be found on the NSF website.
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DOE Office of Science Office Hours | |
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The U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science monthly virtual office hours are opportunities to share information and ask questions about our six research programs and two research and development and production offices. Researchers at all institutions are welcome to attend and learn more about our programs. Topics will vary each month.
Learn more about the programs, dates and times using the links provided below:
The office hour will be in the form of a zoom meeting, starting with a brief presentation on the monthly topic, followed by questions.
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Mathematical Foundations of Artificial Intelligence Office Hours | |
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August 29, 2024, 1 - 3 p.m.
September 19, 2024, 1 - 3 p.m.
See additional dates and times on nsf.gov
Please join Program Officers from NSF's Mathematical Foundations of Artificial Intelligence (MFAI) Program for the upcoming office hour series. This will provide a forum for asking the MFAI team clarifying questions regarding the solicitation. These events are open to researchers interested in submitting proposals to the MFAI Program.
Register here.
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IRES Program Virtual Office Hours | |
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August 29, 2024, 12 - 1 p.m.
See additional dates and times on nsf.gov
The IRES Program Team is hosting a series of Virtual Office Hours to address general questions about the IRES program for prospective PIs. Office Hours will be held on alternating Monday and Thursday afternoons starting in August and running through late October. Please feel free to attend any session that fits your schedule.
More information and zoom links can be found here.
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NSF Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research panelist recruitment | |
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The NSF Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research is recruiting panelists for the EPSCoR Research Incubators for STEM Excellence Research (E-RISE) Research Infrastructure Improvement (RII) funding opportunity, under solicitation NSF 23-588, which has a deadline of August 13, 2024.
For this year’s competition, you are invited to complete a reviewer recruitment survey to assist with the process of setting up merit review panels. Panels will be held in late October and early November 2024.
To be considered, please complete the survey.
Please note that panelist selection will be guided by proposal topics. Panelists will be asked to write reviews before the panel meeting. If you are not selected for this year’s competition, you may be contacted for future competitions.
Thank you in advance for completing the survey by August 30, 2024.
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NSF Innovation Corps Teams Q&A Webinar | |
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September 5, 2024, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
October 3, 2024, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
November 7, 2024, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
See additional dates and times on nsf.gov
Please join this I-Corps Teams webinar to ask an I-Corps program director questions and hear updates about the I-Corps program, curriculum, and important dates. Details will be shared at the beginning of each webinar to view real-time captions. Register for the I-Corps Teams webinar to request other reasonable accommodations for the webinar.
Register here.
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Engineering Research Initiation Program Webinar | |
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September 6, 2024, 1 – 2:30 p.m.
The Engineering Research Initiation program supports new investigators as they initiate their research programs and advance in their careers as researchers, educators, and innovators. This funding opportunity aims to broaden the base of investigators involved in engineering research and therefore is limited to investigators who are not affiliated with “very high research activity” R1 institutions.
Register here.
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Opportunities to Meet NSF Program Directors at Fall 2024 Meetings! | |
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Staff from the U.S. National Science Foundation’s Directorate for Biological Sciences (BIO) will be attending various scientific meetings this Fall. Please check the meeting programs for more details as we will be hosting informational sessions/workshops at some of these meetings and will have a booth in the exhibit hall at other meetings.
At the meetings (and all the time), we’re happy to answer questions about submitting proposals to NSF, reviewing proposals, serving on panels, rotator and job opportunities at NSF, and much more!
Meeting information:
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NSF Eddie Bernice Johnson INCLUDES Initiative Office Hours | |
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September 10, 2024, 2 - 3 p.m.
Program Officers will present an overview of the NSF Eddie Bernice Johnson INCLUDES Initiative. Following the brief presentation, office hour participants will have the ability to ask questions about the INCLUDES Initiative.
Register here.
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Office Hours: Preparing your Phase I Proposal for America's Seed Fund at NSF | |
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September 11, 2024, 3 - 4 p.m.
December 5, 2024, 1 - 2 p.m.
Join this open-ended session to ask questions about what’s needed when creating a Phase I Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) proposal. A SBIR/STTR program director will answer questions and point you to resources. Prior to this session, we encourage you learn more about the proposal process on seedfund.nsf.gov/how-to-submit, then come prepared with any questions you have. You will have an opportunity to submit your questions during the Q&A portion of the webinar. We kindly ask that you please hold your questions until then.
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September 16, 2024, 2 - 3 p.m.
October 21, 2024, 2 - 3 p.m.
See additional dates and times on nsf.gov
ExpandAI office hours are provided for your convenience. NSF Program Directors representing different categories of MSIs will be available on the days and times listed to answer your questions about the program.
More information and Zoom links can be found here.
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2024 NIJ National Research Conference | |
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Criminal justice researchers, practitioners, policymakers, advocates, and those interested in promoting safety, equity, and justice for all are encouraged to join us in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on September 16-18, 2024.
During the three-day research conference, we will cover current and emerging challenges and present strategies for applying research findings into practice, including guidance on equitable and community-engaged research designs.
Plenaries include:
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Ten Years of Law Enforcement Advancing Data and Science
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Violence Against Women Act 30-Year Anniversary
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Advancing Justice for the Missing and Unidentified Through Research
Let’s come together to advance justice through science.
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Division of Biological Infrastructure Virtual Office Hours | |
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September 17, 2024, 2 - 3 p.m.
October 15, 2024, 2 - 3 p.m.
See additional dates and times on nsf.gov
Please join us the third Tuesday of each month from 2 - 3 p.m. for the Division of Biological Infrastructure’s (DBI) Virtual Office Hours. Representatives from across the division will be available to discuss specific programs and funding opportunities. There will then be an open question and answer period – questions can be on any NSF or DBI topic. Join us remotely and bring your questions!
More information and zoom links can be found here.
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NSF Engineering Research Centers Information | |
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NSF Engineering Research Centers (ERCs) are prestigious 10-year awards granted to university consortiums in partnership with an Innovation Ecosystem. NSF funding exceeds $50 million, further amplified by co-funding from the partner IE, leading to substantial total awards. Each ERC adopts a system engineering approach to address high-risk, high-reward challenges with profound societal implications.
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NSF now welcomes proposals - Submit a Letter of Intent by September 3, 2024, and a 10-page preliminary proposal by September 30, 2024. Access the solicitation here: https://lnkd.in/eewyAz95
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Join the upcoming webinar to learn more about the Engineering Research Center Program and get your questions answered: https://lnkd.in/ds4c3s35
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Book consultations with the NSF ERC Team for personalized guidance: https://lnkd.in/dGwqPuiR
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Find answers to frequently asked questions here: https://lnkd.in/dAfDpd83
For additional queries or to schedule an alternate appointment, reach out to nsferc@nsf.gov.
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Alan T. Waterman Award nominations | |
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The Alan T. Waterman Award recognizes an outstanding early career researcher in any field of science or engineering supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation. The annual award is the nation's highest honor for early-career scientists and engineers. In addition to a medal, the awardee receives a grant of $1,000,000 over a five-year period for scientific research or advanced study in the science and engineering disciplines supported by the National Science Foundation at the institution of their choice. Congress established the award in August 1975 to mark NSF's 25th anniversary and to honor the agency's first director.
NSF is seeking nominations for exceptional candidates that represent the diversity of the U.S. Nominations for the Alan T Waterman Award will be accepted from July 22 – September 20, 2024.
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Exploring the Ethics and Societal Interactions of Climate Intervention | |
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Tuesday, October 15, 2024, 10 – 11:30 a.m.
The U.S. National Science Foundation will be hosting a series of workshops in October and November 2024 on the ethical and social dynamics of climate intervention technologies. NSF is looking for social scientists, ethicists, natural and life scientists, and engineers to join the conversation on shaping the governance framework around climate change, focusing on Solar Radiation Management and Carbon Dioxide Removal technologies. While these technologies may offer intriguing and exciting approaches to mitigating climate change, they can result in unintended environmental and societal consequences that require an interdisciplinary approach, weighing the risks of implementing versus the risks of inaction.
Individuals interested in participating should apply online. Please reach out to cdr-srm@nsf.gov with any questions.
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Register for the STARTUP Central program | |
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Are you part of a research team with an innovative biomedical product concept? Are you ready to take that next step toward translation and need funding? Register for the STARTUP Central program by October 25, 2024.
STARTUP Central is an NIH-funded grant program featuring funding opportunities for proof-of concept projects. We’ll help you turn your cutting-edge research into a viable product or solution.
Awarded teams receive a grant between $15,000 - 30,000 and will be required to complete an online entrepreneurial education program called InspireU2 iTi.
We're seeking applications from faculty, academic investigators, researchers and students who are...
- Motivated to shift the research focus of your lab to foster a culture of innovative project exploration
- Interested in translating research to a real-world health-related solution or product
- Part of an existing startup looking for support with commercialization, funding and customer development
More information and registration can be found here.
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Frontiers Clinical and Translational Science Institute's 2025 Request for Applications | |
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We are thrilled to announce the release of the 2025 Requests for Applications for the prestigious Frontiers Clinical and Translational Science Institute's training programs. This is your opportunity to advance your career with our respected KL2 Career Development, Postdoctoral TL1, and Predoctoral TL1 Programs.
KL2 Career Development Program:
Letters of Intent Deadline: October 25, 2024
Full Application Deadline: December 20, 2024
For more information and to apply, click here.
Postdoctoral TL1 Program:
Letters of Intent Deadline: October 25, 2024
Full Application Deadline: December 13, 2024
For more information and to apply, click here.
Predoctoral TL1 Program:
Pre-Meeting Requirement: By December 7, 2024
Full Application Deadline: December 13, 2024
For more information, click here.
This is your chance to join a community of pioneering researchers and dedicated professionals who are shaping the future of clinical and translational science. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to drive your research career to new heights.
If you have any questions regarding the KL2 and TL1 programs, please do not hesitate to reach out to Holly Zink, Ph.D.
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Agency news and trending topics | |
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