Joshua Tree National Park has instituted a program to encourage independent field research by graduate students enrolled in accredited institutions. The program benefits the student researcher by providing an opportunity to demonstrate how their research can apply to land management issues. In addition, it provides park staff with a better understanding of the resources at Joshua Tree National Park. Thanks to The Lee Family Foundation, grants of up to $4,000 are available to assist students with expenses.

Applying for a Robert Lee Graduate Student Research Grant
The process for applying for a research grant involves several steps. Missing a step could reduce your chances of being selected or even disqualify your application.

1. Review the selection criteria.
2. Familiarize yourself with the resources of Joshua Tree National Park. 
3. Complete the application. 
4. Attach your curriculum vita, references cited, and all tables or figures referenced within the proposal to the end of the application. 
5. Save the entire document as one PDF file. 
6. Email the application to Dr. Vicky Chang (victoria_chang@nps.gov) by February 25, 2011. 
7. A letter of confidence from your faculty advisor is required to complete your application. This letter must demonstrate an understanding of the research proposal and will serve as a professional reference. The letter must be on institution letterhead, received by February 25, 2011 and must be sent directly from the faculty member to the following address:

Joshua Tree National Park
Robert Lee Graduate Student Research Grant
Dr. Vicky Chang
RE: “Applicant Name”
74485 National Park Drive
Twentynine Palms, CA 92277

When your application is complete you will receive a confirmation email. Complete applications will be reviewed and ranked by a selection committee. Awards will be announced March 31, 2011.

Grant recipients will need to obtain a permit from the National Park Service before beginning their research projects. Please remember that the permitting process takes a minimum of 30 days.

Research Categories
Research proposals should focus on some aspect of the natural or cultural resources of Joshua Tree National Park. Appropriate fields of study include, but are not limited to: botany, wildlife, desert ecology, archaeology, ethnography, paleontology, geology, soil science, museum science, resource management, and conservation.

Selection Criteria
Grant proposals will be ranked based on three categories: 1) scientific merit, problem definition, feasibility, and quality of presentation; 2) application to interpretive value and products; 3) application to resource management. More...

Funding
Grants of up to $4,000 will be provided to assist students with field study expenses as well as data analysis, lodging, transportation, field supplies, and research equipment. Funding may be requested for the following: necessary supplies and minor equipment; actual cost of food and travel to, from, and at the park; special logistical costs; computer support; access costs to special analytical equipment, etc. Non-allowable categories include: preparation of thesis copy, salaries and stipends, publication costs, purchase of classroom books, and purchase of computer equipment. Grants are awarded on an annual basis, therefore multiyear projects require resubmitting an application each year.

Application Deadline
To be considered for a grant, students must submit a complete application and a letter of confidence from a primary faculty advisor by February 25, 2011. Materials should be saved in PDF format and emailed to Dr. Vicky Chang (victoria_chang@nps.gov). Grant recipients will be announced during the week of March 31, 2011.

Research Permits
Recipients will need to obtain a research permit through the National Park Service Research Permitting and Reporting System. Please plan on a minimum of 30 days for the permit request to process and plan to contact Joshua Tree’s Science Coordinator to coordinate your research efforts. The park may be able to assist researchers with logistics, though this would be on a case-by-case basis.

Grant Recipient Obligations
This award program is designed to promote the transfer of scientific knowledge to National Park Service managers and to the public. Requirements for the grant include: 1) submitting a written report to park staff; 2) submitting content for a webpage that details the project, materials and methods, and conclusions; and 3) presenting your work at a suitable public forum, ideally in a locally available setting such as the Desert Institute’s lecture series. Recipients should complete all requirements within two years of receiving the grant.