Pamela H. Simpson Presenter’s Fellowships

Since 1989, the VAF Board of Directors has allocated funding for financial assistance to students and young professionals presenting papers at VAF annual conferences. In 2011, the Pamela H. Simpson Presenter’s Fellowships were renamed in memory of long-time VAF member Pamela H. Simpson, whose commitment to mentoring young scholars touched the lives of numerous students and colleagues.

Simpson Fellowships are intended to offset conference and travel cost for students, and to attract developing scholars to the organization. Upon paper acceptance, detailed application instructions are sent to all presenters, who may then choose to apply if eligible.

Any person presenting a paper at a VAF annual conference who is currently enrolled in a degree-granting program, or who has received a degree within one year of the annual conference and merits financial assistance, is eligible to apply for a Pamela H. Simpson Presenter’s Fellowship. The Fellowship is a one-time award not to exceed $500. Previous Presenter’s Fellowship awardees are not eligible to apply, even if their status has changed.

Recipients of Simpson Fellowships are expected to participate fully in the conference, including tours and workshops. The VAF annual conference is an opportunity not only to learn about vernacular architecture, but also to establish professional contacts. The conference’s unique structure lends itself to conversation and study. 

Application Process

If you have been accepted to the annual conference program and are applying for a Simpson Fellowship, please prepare a one page document with the following information:

Name
Institution or Company
Degree Program (if a student)
Date Degree Received (if a graduate)
Street Address
Email Address
Telephone Number
Paper Title

AND

An estimated budget for your travel to the conference: budget should include travel, housing, conference registration, tours, banquet, food and any miscellaneous expenses. 

Applicants should send an electronic copy in PDF format to Jackson-retondo@sbcglobal.net

or, mail 3 paper copies to

Elaine Jackson-Retondo
Chair, Fellowships Committee
2231 Trafalgar Place
Oakland, CA 94611

For the 2012 Conference in Madison, the Simpson Fellowship application deadline is January 10, 2012.