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Research Funding

The History Department has funds to support archival and field research in the United States and abroad. In recent years, History majors have utilized these funds to conduct research in China, Florida, England, Hungary, Singapore, and Texas. Three fellowships of varying award amounts are available to juniors and seniors: Hook, Tow, and Vapnek.

 

Lucyle Hook Travel Grants

The Lucyle Hook Travel Grants (endowed by an emerita Barnard faculty member) provide funding for travel related to research for the Barnard senior thesis. Candidates apply to the Faculty Committee on Honors, which typically awards four or five grants each year. The award amount varies, but normally ranges from $100-$500. Interested students should speak with Dean Leong by early October of the senior year and obtain the Committee guidelines for application from him at that time. Decisions will be announced by mid-December. More information can be found on the Dean of Studies Website.

 

Tow Fellowship Travel Grants

Tow Fellowships support travel related to research for the senior thesis. Candidates apply to the Committee on Honors (CoH) in the spring of their junior year to seek support for travel that will take place during the summer between their junior and senior years. The awards generally range from $1,000-$4,000. Interested students should see Dean Leong during the fall semester of their junior year. More information can be found on the Dean of Studies Website.

 

Bertha Vapnek Research Fellowship for Junior History Majors

This fellowship is intended for students currently in their junior year for thesis research conducted in the summer before their senior year. The student is required to work with a faculty member in the History department to develop a project that may be relevant to the student's intended senior thesis topic for the following year. Please note that the fellowship may meet part but not all of an awardee's request for funds, and funds may be distributed between two or more individuals.

Applications should include the following: 1. A brief description (two pages, maximum) of the proposed research project, which should describe both the significance of the project and the applicant's concrete plans for carrying it out; 2. A brief budget of projected expenses; 3. The name of a faculty member who has been consulted about the proposed project. Deadline for applications is March 26, 2019. Applications should be emailed to dko@barnard.edu
 

Senior Thesis Fellowships in European History

Thinking of writing a senior thesis?  Working on a topic in European history or one that uses European archival sources? Eager to roll up your sleeves, sharpen your pencils, and dive into the archive?

Consider applying for the History Department's summer fellowship for history majors researching senior theses in European archives!

Introductory info session: Thursday, December 5, 5:30–6:30pm, FAY 411


Eligibility

  • Current junior history majors in CC and Barnard 
  • Working on a topic that can be researched through European archives (including topics relating to other parts of the world whose sources are now housed in Europe, such as topics in imperial history)
  • Available to spend 4–6 weeks over the summer conducting archival research, and to attend a workshop in Paris in July
  • Submit a completed application, including a proposal for the topic and research to be undertaken, by the deadline of March 27, 2020


Program Details

  • Supports 6–8 students for 4–6 weeks of research in European archives
  • Includes a $4500 stipend - Workshop in Paris in July to troubleshoot and benefit from advice from Columbia faculty and graduate student instructors
  • Gives participants a head start on their senior theses

Next Steps

  • Attend info session on Thursday, December 5, 5:30–6:30pm, FAY 411 
  • Join our mailing list and stay tuned for information about spring workshops: finding a topic, identifying sources, writing a prospectus - Submit a completed application by March 27, 2020- Applications will be available at the start of Spring 2020 semester.

Questions? Contact program assistant Emily Rutherford, emr2213@columbia.edu

Senior Thesis Fellowships gratefully acknowledge the support of the Columbia History Department, the Barnard History Department, and Columbia College.