UNO's Internal Grant Program

• FY 2022

  Anna Mecugni
  A Slow Dropping

  Dan Rule
  Honest Monument: A Production of 3 Short Animations

  David Rutledge
  Like a Hunger: Joyce Carol Oates and the Need for Belief

• FY 2021

  Anthony Campbell
  The Money Covers Compilation Album (NOCCA)

  Laszlo Fulop
  The Fashion Model: A Screenplay

  Ariya Martin
  Portrait of American Buddhists (As Family) Exhibition and Book

• FY 2020

  Woohyun Cho
  The Impact of Quality and Failure Cost on Passengers Quality Assurance Behaviors in the Air Transport Industry

  Henry Griffin
  Making More from a Musical: An Interdisciplinary SOTA Project

  Marc Landry
  Pooling Nature's Power: An Environmental History of the Transition to Electrical Energy, 1880-1933

  Jeffrey Rinehart
  3D Digital Collage - Exploring the Human Relationship to Climate Change through Multimedia Sculptural Collage

  Cherie Trumbach
  The Impact of Disasters on the Intellectual Infrastructure of the Gulf Coast

• FY 2019

  Elaine Brooks
  Translation of Fernando Contreras Castro's novel Cierto Azul

  Richard Goodman
  The Most Unexpected Thing: Reflection on Aging

  Yotam Haber
  The Lime Works: An opera in 2 parts and 3 experiments

  Ariya Martin
  Portraits of American Buddhists (As Family)

  Brian Seeger
  Songs with Words Composition Residency

• FY 2018

  Laszlo Fulop
  Cinco de Mayo: A play script

  Richard Goodman
  An Anthology of Environmental Writing about the Gulf South

  Yotam Haber
  University of New Orleans Opera Lab

  Tara Lambeth
  Green Infrastructure Course Development

  Dong-Jun Min
  A Polyadic Customization-Engagement Paradox of Hypertargeting in Social Media

  Brian Seeger
  Tribute: An Original Jazz CD Project

• FY 2017

  Laszlo Fulop
  Szilard: A Play Script

  John Gery
  In Clear Disarray: A New Collection of Poems

  Richard Goodman
  An Anthology of Environmental Writing about the Gulf South

  Yotam Haber
  The Voice Imitator: A Chamber Opera

  Elyria Kemp
  Emotions in Organizational Decision Making

  Ed Petersen
  Louisiana Dialect-ic: Compositions for Woodwind Quintet and Wind Ensemble

  Tara Tolford
  Development of a Peer-to Peer Knowledge Sharing Network for Active Transportation Research and Learning

• Submission Instructions
  1. Open and save the Internal Grant Program Application.
  2. Complete your proposal. Your proposal must follow the format given in the IGP Application. Please include the current payroll benefits for appropriate salary lines.
     • Use the External Proposal Plan form on the last page of the application.
  3. Sign the IGP Application. A typed signature is acceptable.
  4. Fill out the UNO Proposal Routing Form.
     1. Attach your proposal and budget as indicated.
     2. Enter the email addresses for your department head/chair/director and your dean/VP.
     3. Submit the form.
     4. All PIs and Co-PIs must then electronically sign the form by signing the Conflict of Interest statements.
     5. The form will forward the proposal to your department head/chair/director and your dean/VP for their review and approval.
• Proposal Format & Contents

  Cover Page

  The required cover page format is enclosed in the IGP Application. Each item on the cover page must be completed. The cover page MUST appear on the top (the first page) of the application.

  Project Summary

  The project summary may contain a maximum of 250 words and must be provided in the format supplied in the IGP Application. It should be a concise description of the project, containing a clear statement of objectives and an outline indicating how the project will operate to achieve its goals. The project summary should also explain concisely why and how the proposed project has strong potential to meet the objectives of the subprogram under which it was submitted.

  Table of Contents

  List all sections and subsections of the proposal, including appendices.

  Goals & Objectives

  The final goal to be reached by the end of the grant period must be clearly specified and must include specific external funding opportunities. Major changes in research programs and/or scientific personnel that can be expected when these goals are achieved must be described. This section of the proposal must be no longer than the equivalent of one, single-spaced, typewritten page.

  List the program title(s) and the corresponding deadline for submission.

  Proposals listing a specific federal funding opportunity or opportunities and an achievable deadline for proposal submission may be given preference. Proposals listing a specific state or private funding opportunity and an achievable deadline for proposal submission will be accepted.

  • Inadequate Response: "I will apply for NSF funding." This may disqualify a proposal.
  • Adequate Response: "One proposal I plan to apply for is NSF Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST) with an annual deadline of the second Wednesday in August."

  Narrative & Bibliography

  The narrative must not exceed five (5) single-spaced pages with a type size of 12 point or greater. Pages must have 1-inch margins and be numbered. Reviewers are not required to read additional narrative pages. Information applicable in several places may be referenced by page and paragraph. The narrative should conform to the following outline, including all major sections and subsections. If an item does not apply to the project, include the appropriate heading followed by "Does not apply." Proposal reviewers will assign points based on the quality and specificity of each section.

  NOTE: The five (5) page limit identified for the narrative does not include the bibliography. The bibliography shall not exceed one (1) page.

  1. Rationale of the Project
     SCoRe proposals must include:
     1. Assessment of potential for achieving national competitiveness, including current status and identification of barriers to achieving competitiveness.
     2. A plan for achieving national competitiveness, including the specific strategies, actions, methods, and additional resources proposed to accomplish the stated goals.
     3. If available, critiques of proposals submitted to Federal funding agencies (or other funding sources) should be appended to the proposal if they provide information that would help IGP reviewers assess either: (1) the potential competitive status of the applicant, in general; or (2) the potential competitive status of the same (or a very similar) proposal, in particular. IGP reviewers will be instructed to give additional consideration to those applicants and proposals for which such critiques indicate a high likelihood of success, contingent upon the applicant's overcoming certain barriers (e.g., collecting preliminary data).
  2. Project Plan
     SCoRe proposals must:
     1. Briefly summarize the expected significance, methods, limitations, and relationship of the study to the present state of knowledge in the field and to comparable work in progress elsewhere.
     2. Provide a schedule of proposed activities within the grant period with benchmarks.
     3. Include performance measures. Indicate how the Office of Research will determine whether your project has been a success and the degree to which it has achieved its goals.
     4. Include plans for external grant proposals and/or publications and a description of how the level of competitive research achieved during the period of the grant would be maintained after financing from the IGP ends.
  3. Involvement and Qualifications of Investigators, Other Faculty, and Students
     Qualifications of investigators to undertake the proposed research should be indicated. A brief statement should be included that describes the responsibilities of each person involved, the amount of time/effort each person will devote to the project, whether release time will be given and, if so, the amount, type, and duration of release time. In particular, SCoRe proposals must clearly identify the role of, and salary request for, any senior personnel. If funds for assistantships, postdoctoral appointments, visiting faculty, etc., are requested, their roles in accomplishing objectives of the program must be clearly identified.
  4. Institutional Capabilities and Commitment
     Institutional capabilities and commitment with respect to the proposed research must be described, including available facilities especially adapted or suited to the proposed project.
  5. Bibliography

  Budget & Budget Narrative

  Format

  A completed budget must be submitted using the Office of Research budget template. A justification page(s) must be attached to the budget page(s) which fully explains every item for which the expenditure of IGP money is proposed.

  Project Activation Date and Anticipated Date of Completion

  • Activation Date: July 1
  • Interim Progress Report Due: January 1
  • Completion Date: June 30
  • Final Progress Report Due: July 31

  Disallowed Budgetary Items

  IGP money may not be used to support regular, ongoing operating costs of existing or proposed programs, entities, or projects. The scope of the program also does not permit: (1) purchase of office furniture or routine office equipment (e.g., Fax machines); (2) construction of facilities; (3) maintenance of equipment; (4) routine renovation, expansion in size, or upgrading; (5) paying faculty to train other faculty; (6) similarly, the payment of honoraria to faculty; or (7) memberships and subscriptions. Support may not be requested for shortfalls or deficits in budgets; scholarships or tuition for student workers; augmentation of salaries of individuals pursuing regularly assigned duties; or unspecified contingencies. Finally, funds may not be requested for proposed centers or institutes. Potential applicants should note that funds may be requested for foreign travel. If the project is funded, however, permission for foreign travel must be obtained following University regulations, as stipulated in the State General Travel Regulations.

  Funds for Principal Investigators and Support Personnel

  Principal Investigator(s) may request partial salary support at an annual amount not to exceed one month of regular salary support. Release time may be requested at the instructor/adjunct salary and payroll benefits amounts. If funds for graduate assistantships, postdoctoral researchers, visiting faculty, etc., are requested, their roles in accomplishing objectives of the program must be clearly identified, and the budget must clearly show the percentage of time they will be involved and the rate of pay. Employee payroll benefits must be included in direct costs for all non-student employees.

  No-cost extensions granted by the Office of Research will not entitle principal or co-principal investigators to re-budget funds for additional salary support.

  Equipment

  The IGP is not an equipment grant program. Equipment may be requested only in the context of the particular research initiative proposed.

  Facility & Administrative (F&A) Costs

  The budget template spreadsheet will automatically add F&A costs to the total of requested expenses. These funds will be in excess of the direct costs requested and will only be available for paying F&A costs. No Principal Investigator Enhancement (PIE) fund distribution will accrue on internal grants (no return to PI, department, college, institute, or any other unit).

  Current & Pending Support/History of Support

  Applicants must complete the "Current & Pending Support" form included in the IGP Application.

  If you previously received a UNO SCoRe award, the Office of Research will confirm if you submitted a proposal to an outside agency after your previous SCoRe award as required.

  Biographical Sketch

  Biographical sketches for all key personnel are limited to two (2) pages and must use the form provided in the IGP Application.

  Proposal Appendix

  Supplemental Information

  Essential material supplementary to the text of the proposal should be included in a single appendix. The appendix must be referenced in the proposal narrative, and under no circumstances may the total page count for all materials exceed ten (10) pages. It is inappropriate to include institutional catalogues, departmental curricula, publications, video tapes, computer diskettes, other non-print items, or general material.

  Attachments

  All general supporting materials (e.g., charts, photos) to which reference is made in the narrative section must be clearly marked and included in this section.

  Letters of Support

  Letters of support should NOT be included.

• Acknowledgements/Reporting

  In acceptance of this award you are acknowledging the following:

  • Interim and Final Report — An interim and final report detailing the specific external grant proposals submitted as a result of the IGP. The report should be one (1) page or less. Eligibility for future Office of Research IGP awards will be jeopardized if the report is not submitted. Continuation of grant funds will be contingent upon submission of an acceptable interim report and demonstration of project progress.
  • SCoRe — As the recipient of a SCoRe award, these funds are intended as seed money for seeking external grants; you will not be eligible for subsequent IGP funding until you have submitted one or more external grant proposals.
  • Compliance — IRB and IACUC committee approved protocols must be submitted to the Office of Research, if applicable, before a speed key will be provided.
  • InnovateUNO — The Office of Research hosts InnovateUNO, an annual symposium for all IGP awardees to present their findings. By applying for this program, you agree to participate in InnovateUNO in November.

• FY 2022

  Charles Bell
  Beyond the accession: Are herbaria a reliable window into past and present plant-fungal interactions?

  Han Chen
  Relational Age in Supervisor-Subordinate Dyads and Hotel Employees’ Job Embeddedness

  Tara Tolford
  Development of Methods and Applications Utilizing Emergent Datasets for Infrastructure Planning

  Mark Trudell
  Seed Funding for NSF Revision: Transition metal@Halloysite Nanocomposites

• FY 2021

  Shaikh Arifuzzaman
  High Performance Computing for Scaling Up Deep Learning Applications

  Leszek Malkinski
  Next Generation Solar Cells With Ferroelectric Tunneling Barrier

  Martin O'Connell
  Testing for the occurrence of microplastics in the gastrointestinal tracts of local estuarine fishes

  Bethany Stich
  The Impact of Changing Trade Policies on Louisiana Port System and State Economic Productivity

  John Wiley
  Topochemically Directed Construction of Interstitial Inorganic and Organic Layers within Layered Oxides

• FY 2020

  Nicola Anthony
  Does spatio-temporal variation in the prevalence of malaria drive host immunogenetic variation?

  Joel Atallah
  Targeted mutagenesis of a zygotically activated gene in a Hawaiian Drosophila fly using CRISPR-Cas9

  Vincent Xiaochuan Yu
  Numerical and experimental study of stochastic behavior of cylindrical objects dropped into waves

  Weilie Zhou
  Electrochemical Water Splitting Using Earth Abundant Transition Metal (Ni, Cu, Fe) Based Chalcogenides for Energy Storage Applications

• FY 2019

  Jim Amdal
  Triple-Bottom Line Assessment of Green Infrastructure Implem.

  Shaikh Arifuzzaman
  Scalable Algorithimic Methods for Mining Rime Varying Graphs

  Ioannis Georgiou
  Hydrodynamic and Geomorphic controls of Marsh Shoreline

  Tara Tolford
  Crash Contributing Factors and Countermeasures Analysis

  Mark Trudell
  Seed Funding for Transition Metal Halloysite nancompositions

  Stephen Ware
  Recognizing the Beliefs and Intentions of Agents Using Narrative

• FY 2018

  Irfan Ahmed
  Towards programmable Logic Controller Forensics

  Uttam Chakravarty
  An Investigation on a Hybrid Energy Harvesting System

  Damon Smith
  Flexible and High-Strength Nanocomposites with Antibacterial Properties for Additive Manufacturing of Biomedical Devices

  Stephen Ware
  Fast, Strong-Story BDI Planning for Intelligent Virtual Narratives

  John Wiley
  Directed Construction of Metal-Organic Frameworks Within Layered Perovskite Hosts

  Minhaz Zibran
  Automatic Detection of Emotions in Valence and Arousal Space in Software Engineering Text

• FY 2017

  Bridget Bordelon, Kim Williams
  Exploring the Role of Virtual Reality for Hospitality and Tourism Applications

  Leszek Malkinski
  Novel approach to tuning resonant microwave absorption in microwave devices

  Marla Nelson
  The Importance of Proximity to Employment for Low Earning workers: Evidence From four Metropolitan Regions

  Xiaochuan Yu
  Reliability and Risk Assessment of Mooring Design

  Minhaz Zibran
  Automatic Identification of Malign Code Clones in Software

• Submission Instructions
  1. Open and save the Internal Grant Program Application.
  2. Complete your proposal. Your proposal must follow the format given in the IGP Application. Please include the current payroll benefits for appropriate salary lines.
  3. Sign the IGP Application. A typed signature is acceptable.
  4. Fill out the UNO Proposal Routing Form.
     1. Attach your proposal and budget as indicated.
     2. Enter the email addresses for your department head/chair/director and your dean/VP.
     3. Submit the form.
     4. All PIs and Co-PIs must then electronically sign the form by signing the Conflict of Interest statements.
     5. The form will forward the proposal to your department head/chair/director and your dean/VP for their review and approval.
• Proposal Format & Contents

  Cover Page

  The required cover page format is enclosed in the IGP Application. Each item on the cover page must be completed. The cover page MUST appear on the top (the first page) of the application.

  Project Summary

  The project summary may contain a maximum of 250 words and must be provided in the format supplied in the IGP Application. It should be a concise description of the project, containing a clear statement of objectives and an outline indicating how the project will operate to achieve its goals. The project summary should also explain concisely why and how the proposed project has strong potential to meet the objectives of the subprogram under which it was submitted.

  NOTE: This funding serves as Phase 1 of your project. The Office of Research may assist in finding external funding opportunities, and/or successful applicants may be eligible for additional funding in a potential Phase 2 opportunity.

  Table of Contents

  List all sections and subsections of the proposal, including appendices.

  Goals & Objectives

  The final goal to be reached by the end of the grant period must be clearly specified. Major changes in research/scholarly/creative programs and/or relevant personnel that can be expected when these goals are achieved must be described. This section of the proposal must be no longer than the equivalent of one, single-spaced, typewritten page.

  The Interim and Final Report should state the progress made on the goals and objectives during the lifetime of the award as outlined in the proposal.

  Narrative & Bibliography

  The narrative pages must be six (6) single-spaced with a type size of 12 point or greater. Pages must have 1-inch margins and be numbered. Reviewers are not required to read additional narrative pages. Information applicable in several places may be referenced by page and paragraph. The narrative should conform to the following outline, including all major sections and subsections. If an item does not apply to the project, include the appropriate heading followed by "Does not apply." Proposal reviewers will assign points based on the quality and specificity of each section.

  1. Rationale of the Project (1 page max)
     Innovation Challenge proposals must include:
     1. The environmental challenge that the team is addressing.
     2. Contribution of the project as an innovative solution to a problem.
     3. Likely impact of the project on the quality of the University (e.g. environmental or reduced operating costs).
  2. Project Plan (3 pages max)
     Innovation Challenge proposals must:
     1. Briefly summarize the expected significance, limitations, and design of the project.
     2. Provide a schedule of proposed activities within the grant period with benchmarks.
     3. Include performance measures. Indicate how the Office of Research will determine whether your project has been a success and the degree to which it has achieved its goals.
     4. Describe how this project would advance environmental sustainability practices, initiatives, and awareness at UNO and beyond.
     5. Describe how the activity achieved during the period of the grant would be maintained after IGP financing ends, as appropriate.
     6. If the project is related to a course, degree program, certificate program, etc. then explain any benefit of having a demonstration project or experiential learning project related to academic recruiting or retention.
  3. Involvement and Qualifications of Investigators, Other Faculty, and Students (1 page max)
     Qualifications of scholars/investigators to undertake the proposed project should be indicated. A brief statement should be included that describes the responsibilities of each person involved. A full-time faculty or staff member must serve as the PI and mentor to a team of at least three currently-enrolled UNO students from at least two different colleges. The students may be undergraduate or graduate students in any combination.
     
     Note: Projects related to any campus grounds or facilities (e.g. bioswales, water monitors, composting) will need to be cleared with UNO Facility Services prior to receiving an award or being implemented. Projects related to other administrative units on campus (e.g. green labs, green offices, green purchasing) will likewise require coordiantion with the relevant unit prior to receiving an award.
  4. Bibliography (1 page max)

  Budget & Budget Narrative

  Format

  A completed budget must be submitted using the Office of Research budget template. A justification page(s) must be attached to the budget page(s) which fully explains every item for which the expenditure of IGP money is proposed.

  Project Activation Date and Anticipated Date of Completion

  • Activation Date: July 1
  • Interim Progress Report Due: January 1
  • Completion Date: June 30
  • Final Progress Report Due: July 30

  Budget Justification

  A budget estimating required costs for a successful project should be submitted. This project does not support additional compensation or stipends.

  No-cost extensions granted by the Office of Research will not entitle PIs or Co-PIs to re-budget funds for additional salary support.

  Biographical Sketch

  Biographical sketches for all key personnel are limited to two (2) pages and must use the form provided in the IGP Application.

  Proposal Appendix

  Supplemental Information

  Essential material supplementary to the text of the proposal should be included in a single appendix. The appendix must be referenced in the proposal narrative, and under no circumstances may the total page count for all materials exceed ten (10) pages.

  Attachments

  All general supporting materials (e.g., charts, photos) to which reference is made in the narrative section must be clearly marked and included in this section.

  Letters of Support

  Letters of support should NOT be included.

• Acknowledgements/Reporting

  In acceptance of this award you are acknowledging the following:

  • Interim and Final Report — An interim and final report will be submitted to inform us as to the outcome(s) and product(s) of the work. The report should be no more than one (1) page and should include deliverables based on the rationale of the proposal. Eligibility for future Office of Research IGP awards will be jeopardized if the report is not submitted. Continuation of grant funds will be contingent upon submission of an acceptable interim report and demonstration of project progress.
  • Compliance — IRB and IACUC committee approved protocols must be submitted to the Office of Research, if applicable, before a speed key will be provided.
  • InnovateUNO — The Office of Research hosts InnovateUNO, an annual symposium for all IGP awardees to present their findings. By applying for this program, you agree to participate in InnovateUNO in November.
• Project Examples & Inspiration

  Below are some project examples that are meant to inspire, but not limit, possible projects at UNO:

  Survey campus and create database of native flora and fauna

  • Develop an interactive website that provides information about the tree or plant, its place in the eco system and what animals rely on it for a host plant or food
  • Partner with a photographer to take pictures for the website
  • Invite a biology student to help identify native versus invasive plants

  Design and install a native plant garden. There are an unlimited number of combinations and purposes for gardens with native plants.

  • Design a garden for monarch butterflies, create informational signs about the plant or migratory patterns of the butterflies
  • Create garden of medicinal plants and describe how Native Americans or early settlers used them
  • Create an Adopt a Garden program similar to the Adopt a Highway program
  • Edible landscapes can incorporate food for students on campus

  Work with Facility Services to design an integrative pest management program.

  • Managing pests in schools can be sustainable by reducing the use of pesticides
  • Properly design programs can be cost effective and healthier for students

  Prevent storm drains from discharging untreated water into Lake Pontchartrain

  • Design an engineering solution to prevent trash from going into the lake
  • Start a media campaign or education program to education the UNO community about the importance of not putting chemicals or invasive species in the drain

  Research history of environmental sustainability at UNO

  • Create a history of efforts to make UNO and its students more eco friendly
  • Include degree programs, certifications, student groups and research centers

  Food waste audit

  • Organize a good waste audit day to determine how much food is wasted
  • Can this waste be reduced and not go in a landfill?
  • Conduct feasibility plan for composting

  Stormwater management

  • Measure and test storm water run-off from parking lots
  • Identify flood prone areas on campus and present solutions

  Labs and art studios

  • Are there greener alternatives for chemicals?
  • Can 3D printing waste be recycled or reused?
  • Conduct energy usage and find solutions for reduction
  • Study indoor air quality

  Energy audit and reduction

  • Take inventory of energy monitors on buildings
  • Gather base line data and for energy consumption in buildings and suggest ways to reduce energy use
  • Suggest passive warming and cooling solutions for energy efficiency

  Office program

  • Research best practices and available audit documents for green office programs
  • Find offices willing to participate and report on findings

  Dorm programs

  • Swap meet for dorms when student move out and new ones move in
  • Energy reduction in the dorms
  • Study indoor air quality and solutions to improve

  Policies for an eco-friendly campus

  • Sustainability plan to supplement the master plan
  • Tree maintenance policy

  Events for education and outreach

  • Organize a campus beautification day
  • Host a beach sweep project
  • Create a website for UNO community about environmental sustainability efforts on campus

Prior Winners

Leveraging External Expertise Program (LEEP)

Budget Cap: $3,500
Rolling Deadline: Proposals must be submitted at least 4 months prior to the planned event.

This program supports visits to UNO by external scholars, researchers, or artists in order to enrich the campus, improve scholarly productivity, or enhance the university reputation. Projects will involve short-term visits to UNO by external experts in any appropriate format, such as college- or campus-wide seminars, participation in UNO-run symposia, or workshops to enhance student or faculty productivity in a specific discipline or area of competence. Additional formats are possible as long as the project clearly contributes to advancing the university mission. One or more experts may be involved in a single visit or across multiple visits (e.g. a seminar series).

Applicants are encouraged to seek additional matching funds from departments, colleges, centers/institutes, or other on- or off-campus constituents.

Download Program Info

How to Apply

Prior Winners

Award for Building Research or Artistic Development (ABROAD)

Budget Cap: $5,500
Rolling Deadline: Proposals must be submitted at least 4 months prior to the planned event.

In order to stimulate research collaborations between UNO and institutions in other countries, the Office of Research anticipates funding one or more collaborative visits of 1-6 weeks by a UNO PI to an institution in another country. During this visit, the PI will develop collaborations and/or conduct research with an appropriate professor or professional collaborator.

Attendance of existing conferences is not supported by this program. Visits must include meaningful and focused interactions with an international partner that develop specific future collaborations. The program does not support or supplement teaching activities. Proposals will be reviewed internally at UNO and competitively awarded.

While funding is open to all disciplines, successful proposals will clearly demonstrate capacity for building UNO reputation, creating unique products, or developing future external funding opportunities.

Applicants are encouraged to seek additional matching funds from off-campus constituents, including for student exchanges.

The Office of Research has established interactions with the University of Innsbruck, the University of Vienna, Université Claude Bernard Lyon-1, Egyptian universities, and Colombian universities and can serve as a resource for identifying potential collaborators. Collaboration with other institutions is also possible if the PI has established relationships, but consultation with the Office or Research should be made before applying for travel to other countries. Leveraging of other funding opportunities will strengthen proposals.

Download Program Info

How to Apply