The School of Social Work announces a call for proposals for the Parker L. Smacchi Doctoral Research Fund on Sexual Minority Health and Well-Being for a PhD student with interests that expand the knowledge base for sexual minority health and well-being through research and scholarship.

Two to four awards, depending on budget and application, are available. Budgets should range between $2,000 and $4,000 for the 2026-2027 academic year. Doctoral students are eligible for the fellowship if they are an incoming or a continuing doctoral student in the PhD program at UConn SSW. Students should use the award as support to engage in activities related to sexual minority health and well-being such as a pilot research project, writing a paper for publication, presenting a paper at a conference (conference travel costs), proposal writing or dissertation research, including data collection/analysis and travel.

A sub-committee of the Doctoral Committee will select an award recipient. The fellowship will be awarded based on the review of the following materials submitted by applicants:

• A current Curriculum Vita which demonstrates the potential for continued academic achievement
• A proposal of up to 1,500 words that contains the following:
  • Overview: Summarize your interest area or planned research, conference presentation, paper, and include how it addresses sexual minority health and well-being. If the proposal includes a research project, please include your methodology. Include a timeline that indicates when in the AY you will complete your work and a budget on how this will support your work (approximately 1,000 words);
  • Impact: Identify the relevance of your proposed work/project/research and the expected contribution you will make to the social work profession (approximately 250 words);
  • Outcomes: Identify planned/potential outlets for dissemination of your work (e.g., paper, conference, guest speaking at a class) (approximately 250 words).
• A short statement from your Dissertation Committee Major Advisor or your Advisor that addresses your eligibility for the award (that you are in good academic standing and are committed to the focus of this award).

The deadline for applications is 5:00 pm on May 1, 2026.

Applications should be submitted in PDF format to cristina.wilson@uconn.edu and natalie.oconnor@uconn.edu. Questions about the award should be directed to Cristina Mogro-Wilson, PhD Program Director.