Travel Grants for ARAFest2024

[Montpetit, Marie-jose [E CPE]]

We are excited to announce the availability of travel grants for AraFest’24, the second annual ARA community event, which will be held from August 24 – 27, 2024, in Ames, Iowa. 

About AraFest’24: AraFest’24 will celebrate the completion of ARA Phase 2, making ARA the first-of-its-kind wireless living lab. This event will gather thought leaders from government, industry, academia, and communities, including aspiring students and innovators. Participants will experience keynotes, panels, live demos, posters, workshops, and field tours. AraFest’24 will also coincide with the 2024 Farm Progress Show, the world’s premier AgTech event, offering a unique opportunity to explore the synergies between agricultural innovation and advanced wireless technologies. 

Travel Grant Details: Thanks to the support by the National Science Foundation, a limited number of travel grants will be made available to students, academics, and researchers from U.S. education institutions and non-profits. Priority will be given to students. 

To apply for a travel grant, please submit the following information in a single PDF file via this application form: 

1. Curriculum Vitae  (CV) 

2. Personal Statement (maximum 2 pages): 

• Discuss your research accomplishments to date. 
• Explain how participation in AraFest’24, especially the ARA User Training Session, will benefit your current and future research. Specify the research topics for which ARA can serve as a testbed. 
• Indicate your willingness to serve as an active user of ARA and share your experiences and insights with the broader community. 

3. Nomination Letter (maximum 1 page) from your advisor/supervisor if you are a student. The letter should include: 

• Confirmation that you are in good academic standing. 
• Your research areas where ARA can serve as a testbed. 
• How you will benefit from attending AraFest, particularly the ARA User Training. 

Application Review Process: We will review applications on a rolling basis starting on June 3, 2024, with evaluations conducted every three weeks until funds are exhausted. We encourage you to apply early to increase your chances of receiving a grant. 

Accommodation Information: Please note that hotels in the area may be more expensive than usual due to the Farm Progress Show. To ensure affordable accommodation, we will provide options via Iowa State University Housing (with rooms less than $90 per night). 

For more information about AraFest’24 (e.g., tentative program, registration, travel grant, and venue) and to explore opportunities to shape the program, please visit our official event page. 

Thanks and look forward to seeing you in August! 

Marie-José Montpetit, Ing. Ph.D.

mj...@iastate.edu