Watson Institute at Brown University
International Relations

Michael Bhatia Fund for Peace-keeping and Conflict Studies

Deadlines

Rolling 
Eligibility IR concentrator doing work for IR concentration credit
Contact Anita_Nester@brown.edu
Amount Project-dependent

NOTE - Award payments may take upwards of 7-10 business days to process.


DESCRIPTION

Established in memory of Michael Vinay Bhatia '99, who died in May 2008 in Afghanistan, where he was working as a social scientist in consultation with the U.S. military, the Fund underwrites field work, study abroad, or thesis research by IR concentrators working on peace-keeping and conflict studies. It is awarded to a student who, like Michael Bhatia '99, hopes to deepen his/her understanding of a region or culture by traveling and studying there, with the ultimate goal of helping to promote cross-cultural understanding that might end or avert violence or military conflict. 

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

    • Completed online application via UFUNDs which includes:
      • detailed budget (amount per week for food, transportation (type), housing (type))
      • resume
      • transcript
      • 750-word proposal
      • faculty recommendation
      • supplemental materials as appropriate

Students receiving an award must:

    • Reply that they accept the award
    • Familiarize oneself with the IRB and HRPP guidelines for undergraduate work involving human subjects
    • If travelling abroad, register Sojourn Abroad with the Office of International Programs


POST-AWARD REQUIREMENTS

All students are required to submit to the IR Program Manager the following:

    • 1-2 page reflective essay summarizing the experience.
    • Completed travel expense accounting form including copies of all receipts
    • 1-3 photographs that highlight the experience.
    • If the student is unable to travel and/or conduct research after the award has been distributed s/he will be required to return the award money in full.
    • If the original project was modified, an updated budget and travel expense accounting is required. Money not accounted for in the modified budget must be returned.
    • Due dates:    Feb 15 (fall/winter break work)      Sept 15 (spring/summer work)


RECIPIENTS

2017-18 Not awarded
2016-17 Not awarded
2015-16 Emily Cunniffee
2014-15 Kevin Dhali
2013-14 Emma Strother