The Robert B. Zajonc Scholars Fund of the Research Center for Group Dynamics (RCGD) at the University of Michigan (U-M) was established by colleagues and friends of Bob Zajonc to honor his legacy and continue his work, by enabling early Ph.D. candidates to investigate social problems in innovative ways and by facilitating their development as productive scientists.

Requirements

In making awards, special emphasis will be placed on supporting studies being conducted by early career graduate students. Priority will be given to 1st and 2nd year graduate students conducting research in the Robert B. Zajonc Experimental Labs located in the Institute for Social Research (ISR). Factors considered in evaluating applications will include scientific merit, innovation, and feasibility of the research plan. Possible uses of funds include, but are not limited to, the purchase of experimental research supplies, programmer costs, respondent payments, lab equipment rental fees, duplicating and communication costs.

Eligibility

• Applicant should be a currently enrolled U-M Graduate Student in good standing.
• Applicant must have an assigned U-M faculty advisor directly affiliated and appointed in RCGD.
• Research involving human subjects must have approval of the U-M Institutional Review Board (IRB); note funds will not be released until IRB approval is granted.

Application Process

• Address a letter briefly describing proposed research study design and anticipated scientific results to the Director of RCGD
• Include your name and contact information
• Include proposed start and end date of proposed research study
• Include a detailed budget and budget justification (as a guideline, awards will typically be made between $500-$3,000 but will not exceed $5,000)
• Include a letter of support from an assigned RCGD affiliated faculty advisor
• Include copy of IRB approval form if human subjects are involved in the proposed research study
• Include your CV

Submit material to Professor Richard Gonzalez, RCGD Director.
Rolling application process. Please allow 2-3 weeks for application to be reviewed.
Direct questions to Cathy Seay-Ostrowski.

Zajonc Scholars

2023

• Irene Melani
• Amelie Rossmaier

2021

• Esra Ascigil
• Annika From — Robin Edelstein and Amie Gordon, advisors, “Partner Support for Black Individuals in Interracial and Intraracial Romantic Relationships”

2020

• Sedona Chinn
• Nadia Vossoughi

2018

• Cristina Salvador – Shinobu Kitayama, advisor – “The Neuro-Genetics of Social Norms”
• Rachel Fine

2017

• Iris Wang – Josh Ackerman, advisor – “Behavioral Immune System and Body Focus: Physiological Side”
• Stewart Coles – Muniba Saleem, advisor – “The Intersection of Race and Gender”
• Amelia Couture – Kristen Harrison, advisor – “Conflicting Messages: Empowerment and Objectification”
• Kaidu Wu – Shinobu Kitayama, advisor – “Cultural and Social Comparison”
• Stephanie de Oliveira Chen – Richard Nisbett, advisor – “The Subjective Value of Diversity”

2016

• Veronica Derricks – Allison Earl, advisor – “Attentional Outcomes Resulting from the Receipt of Health Information”
• Ian Hawkins – Muniba Saleem, advisor – “Avatar Race and General Versus Out-Group Specific Aggression”
• Daniel Lane – Sonya Dal Cin, advisor – “Elevation-inducing Narratives

2015

• Joshua Wondra – Phoebe Ellsworth, advisor – “Theories of Facial Mimicry and Empathy”