Fellowship applications now available to University of Nebraska doctoral students
OMAHA, NEB.—Since 2016, the Buffett Early Childhood Institute at the University of Nebraska has invested nearly $700,000 through its Graduate Scholars program to support the research of 27 doctoral students from University of Nebraska campuses related to early childhood education and development. NU graduate students can now apply for $25,000 fellowships from the Buffett Institute to support innovative early childhood research projects.
The program has funded a range of innovative doctoral research projects, including in-depth explorations of vital early childhood issues, including childhood allergies, the development of early math skills, microplastics in baby food and products, and depression and anxiety in mothers of premature babies.
The benefits aren’t just monetary—the program offers students the opportunity to network with and learn from Institute experts and university leaders across the early childhood field. This fosters the growth of ambitious researchers and provides opportunities to communicate, network, and collaborate across campuses, breaking down silos and promoting cross-disciplinary work.
These students further the university’s research priorities by engaging in in-depth explorations of vital early childhood issues, including childhood allergies, the development of early math skills, microplastics in baby food and products, and depression and anxiety in mothers of premature babies.
“Our Graduate Scholars are a great example of tomorrow’s extraordinary, showcased today,” said Walter Gilliam, the executive director of the Buffett Early Childhood Institute. “The fellowship is proud to support the incredible research efforts of students and faculty at the University of Nebraska through its multidisciplinary approach. We are excited about the potential of this research to enhance the lives of young children and families.”
Past Graduate Scholars and their faculty mentors have leveraged this investment to generate additional external funding, and several scholars have gone onto faculty positions with the University of Nebraska System—allowing NU to truly “grow its own” by investing in students and keeping them in-state.
Completed applications for the 2025-26 Graduate Scholars Program are due Friday, April 25, 2025. Applicants will receive decision notifications by the end of June.
For more information and to apply, visit here.