Belfer-Aptman Scholars Award for Dissertation Research

Purpose: Supports doctoral students' dissertation research in the field of violence prevention and/or treatment.

Background: The Melissa Institute is a not-for-profit educational, research and consultative organization established to honor the memory of Melissa Aptman, a Miami native who was murdered in May 1995.

Geographic Scope: No geographic restrictions mentioned; students from accredited doctoral programs worldwide are eligible.

Focus Areas:

• Violence prevention research
• Violence treatment research
• Any academic discipline addressing violence prevention/treatment

Award Details:

• Up to three awards available annually
• Minimum of $2,500 per award
• Funds must support expenses directly related to dissertation research

Eligible Uses:

• Subject fees
• Computer time
• Equipment

Ineligible Uses:

• Tuition
• Personal travel
• Personal expenses

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be enrolled in an accredited doctoral dissertation program
• Can be from any academic discipline
• Dissertation proposal must be approved by dissertation committee prior to application submission

Contact Information:

• Phone: 305-284-2930
• Email: info@melissainstitute.org
• Website: www.melissainstitute.org

Selection Timeline:

• Annual selection on or after May 1st

Application Process

Deadline: April 1st (annually)

Submission Method: Electronic submission via email to info@melissainstitute.org

Required Application Materials:

1. Title of proposed thesis
2. Abstract - Brief 300-500 word abstract of proposed study
3. Hypotheses and Research Design - Hypotheses to be tested and research design
4. Subject Description - Number of subjects and how they will be selected
5. Proposed Measures - List of proposed measures
6. Data Analysis Plan - Proposed data analyses
7. Budget Justification - Detailed budget justification (not counted toward word limit)
8. Timeline - Proposed timeline for completion
9. Curriculum Vitae - Including any scientific publications and presentations with brief description of career plan
10. Letter of Recommendation - From dissertation advisor
11. Dissertation Project Report - Report for the approved dissertation project with signatures from committee
12. Dissertation Flyer - Include the dissertation flyer (available on website)

Post-Award Requirements:
Winners will be required to submit:

• One copy of full proposal and committee approval documentation
• Headshot and short biography
• May be asked to create a short video accepting the scholarship and discussing their proposal

Selection Criteria: Winners are selected based on criteria available on the website.