Grant Writing and Research Proposal Development
COMM432
A structured, skills-development course for second year students to assist with grant writing and Original Research Proposal (ORP) development.
Course Directors: Keary Engle, Laura Solt, Katja Lamia, Ashok Deniz, and Natalie D'Silva
Term: Summer/Fall
Credits: 1.0
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This mandatory, bootcamp-style course introduces students to the fundamentals of grant writing and the development of an original research proposal.
Over the course of three weeks, including dedicated time for independent writing, students will generate research ideas, craft persuasive proposal aims, and learn to communicate their ideas effectively to funding agencies. Whether developing an Original Research Proposal (ORP) or preparing fellowship applications such as the NIH F31, NSF GRFP, or foundation grants, students will gain practical experience to build confidence and strengthen their competitiveness for external funding.
The curriculum covers essential elements of grant writing, including how to identify appropriate funding opportunities, develop hypothesis-driven aims, and draft key proposal sections such as the research approach and contingency plans. Students will also practice presenting their research ideas clearly and concisely through a brief oral presentation and will provide structured, constructive feedback on their peers’ proposal drafts.
