second annual Geographic Information Science (GIS) Scholars Program. This program
is being launched to recognize and support three outstanding undergraduate or graduate
students who have demonstrated interest, potential, and/or experience in GIS and health
research. GIS and health research is broadly defined, and includes, but is not limited to,
using GIS to evaluate the social determinants of health, health behaviors, health
outcomes, access to health care and social services, utilization of health services,
environmental exposures, built environment, and other health-related factors through
mapping and spatial analysis. Anyone from the College of Arts & Sciences, Arnold School
of Public Health, or School of Medicine is welcome to apply. The goals of this program
are to:
1) Enhance students’ research and professional development in the area of GIS and
health research
2) Cultivate students’ interest in GIS and spatial applications to health research
3) Build the technical and writing skills of students to pursue scholarly publications
and reports
4) Develop scholars in health GIS who go on to make important contributions to the
academic, public health, and other related sectors
Two student scholars will be awarded $4,500 each, which can be used toward
professional development activities and expenses including resources and supplies for
data collection and analysis, travel and registration at national or international
conferences where research is presented on this topic, for professional workshops, or for
other continuing education/training opportunities of importance to GIS and health
research. Up to $3,000 can be requested for stipend and fringe for the applicant, with the
additional $1,500 budgeted to other non-salary related costs. These funds are not
expected to take the place of resources available through existing graduate research or
teaching assistantships but are rather intended as supplements.
Scholars will be expected to engage in research and professional development activities
with the Big Data Health Science Center during the award period as well as present
preliminary findings at one or more research events/conferences (e.g., Big Data Health
Science Center Seminar Series, Discover UofSC, and/or the James Clyburn Health
Disparities Lecture) and will be strongly encouraged to submit the full findings from their
study within a year. The award funds must be used within 9 months of receipt and all
expenses must be pre-approved by the Director of the BDHSC Geospatial Core. Each
scholar will have the ability to work with a mentor. Please include the mentor you would
like to work with in your application.
Check out our flyer for more information about the program: Health GIS Scholars Program.
