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J. Steven Reznick Diversity and Psychological Research Grant

Fostering diversity in research is a primary goal of the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience. The Reznick Diversity and Psychological Research Grant will support students from underrepresented backgrounds OR those who are interested in conducting research with, or applicable to, populations traditionally underrepresented in psychological research. This grant will be awarded to two recipients for use during the Spring 2024 semester; each recipient will receive an amount of $2,500. One award will be given to a student who has already been involved substantially in research as a way to encourage further depth of research experiences, and one award will be given to someone who may just be beginning to think about research in order to encourage these interests. The students receiving this award may use the funds for any of the following purposes (alone or in combination): to offset the need for other part-time work, to cover the costs of carrying out research, and/or to attend a professional conference.

Eligibility requires that students:

  • Have PSYC or NSCI declared as their current major; and
  • Be enrolled full-time in Fall 2023; and
  • Be enrolled full-time in Spring 2024; and
  • One of the following:
    • Identify with an underrepresented population, including first-generation in college, current/eligible recipient of need-based financial aid, LGBTQIA+, having special needs/disability status, and/or member of a historically-excluded racial/ethnic minority group; or
    • Be interested in conducting research with, or applicable to, populations traditionally underrepresented in research by virtue of race, culture, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, disability, religious affiliation, age, or socioeconomic status.

How to Apply

Applications are due Monday, November 13 by 11:59pm. Funds in the amount of $2,500 will be distributed to each of two (2) recipients of this award in Spring 2024. To apply, fill out an online application by November 13, 2023.

Included in this application are the following two essays:

  1. Please describe your research interests and the kind of project you would like to work on, should you be funded by the Reznick Grant. (Maximum 500 words.) Be sure to include the following:
    • Your research question – what are you curious to find out?
    • What new knowledge do you hope to contribute? What would be some implications of your project? Why is this research question and the possible findings important?
    • Describe how you might start answering your research question (e.g. what might the study look like)?
  2. 2. How have your personal and/or academic experiences led you to your research interests? Please also briefly describe what you would plan to do with funds from the grant (e.g., pay rent or other personal expenses; fund your research project; conference travel, etc) and why such funds are critical for you personally. (Note: funds can be used however you need them! We just want to hear your thoughts about what they would be used for.) (Maximum 500 words.)

You are also asked to upload copies of your (unofficial) current transcript, and a resume/CV.

Have an additional question? Attend the Reznick Grant Information Session on Monday, October 16th from 5:00-6:00 pm in Davie 347. Please check out our FAQs about the Reznick Grant. 2021 Reznick Grant Information Session recording [Zoom].

Questions regarding the Reznick Diversity and Psychological Research Grant may be directed to Dr. Julian Rucker.

About Dr. J. Steven Reznick

The J. Steven Reznick Diversity and Psychological Research Grant honors Dr. Reznick, a close friend and colleague in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience. He earned his B.A. in Psychology from UNC Chapel Hill, M.A. from Wake Forest University, and Ph.D. from University of Colorado. He was a proud alumnus of UNC Chapel Hill and served on our faculty from 1998 until his death in 2016. Dr. Reznick made many contributions to enriching diversity in student experiences at Carolina and we thank him for his lifelong commitment to education, research, and Carolina.

The J. Steven Reznick Diversity and Psychological Research Grant is funded by the generosity of our alumni and friends through the J. Steven Reznick Diversity and Psychological Research Fund in Psychology and Neuroscience. The Reznick Research Fund honors Dr. Reznick and encourages undergraduate students who conduct exemplary research on topics of concern to diverse populations as well as undergraduates from groups that have been traditionally underrepresented in psychological research.

Past Winners