Tequila Harris, assistant professor in the Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, was notified in December 2009 of her Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Award. Presented by the National Science Foundation, the award is one of the most prestigious for junior faculty who “most effectively integrate research and education within the context of the mission of their organization.”

Between her unsuccessful submission to the program and her later successful one, she credits several campus resources that helped refine and fine-tune her proposal, including the annual NSF CAREER Panel Discussion workshop hosted by the Office of Sponsored Programs. Harris will be one of the panel members at this year’s event, on May 26 from 9 to 11 a.m.

“The OSP panel was one of many that I attended,” she said. “However, there was one concept mentioned that I had not heard before—‘Include references in your education plan.’”

Harris says she will contrast her two award submissions, and also gives some advice in advance to those attending the workshop. “Attendees should write the summary of their work and most of the document, such that their specific questions can be addressed [by the panel],” she said.

The NSF encourages submission of CAREER proposals from all junior faculty members and especially encourages women, members of underrepresented minority groups, and persons with disabilities to apply. The panel discussion will be held in the Research Administration Building, 505 Tenth Street. RSVP via the Office of Sponsored Programs Course Registration System at www.osp.gatech.edu/workshops.