Announcing the

Melissa Institute for Violence Prevention and Treatment Dissertation

Research Award

    The Melissa Institute is a nonprofit, educational, training and consultative service organization that was established to honor the memory of Melissa Aptman, who was brutally murdered in St. Louis on May 5, 1995. A native of Miami, she was just two weeks away from graduating from Washington University.  Melissa's family and friends have established this Institute to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and public policy, between scientific and direct application, in order to reduce violence and to help victims of violence.

    The Melissa Institute will grant several $1,000 dissertation awards annually. This award is open to candidates from any discipline who address issues of violence prevention and treatment.  The award must be used to support expenses that are directly related to the dissertation research (e.g., subject fees, computer time, equipment).  It may not be used for tuition, travel, or personal expenses.

Eligibility
1.  Applicants must be students in a bona fide doctoral dissertation program.  Candidates may be from any discipline.
2.  Applicants must have had their dissertation proposal approved by their dissertation committee prior to their application to the Melissa Institute.

To apply:
Applicants must include the following information in their submission:

1. A one to two page cover letter describing the proposed research project and a brief explanation of proposed use of funds (i.e., a budget);
2. A curriculum vitae, including any scientific publications and presentations;
3. A brief description of your career plan;
4. A letter of recommendation from your dissertation advisor.

Application deadline is April 15; selection annually May 15.

Please submit four copies of your proposal and accompanying documentation.

Mail application to:
The Melissa Institute
For Violence Prevention and Treatment
Attn:  Don Meichenbaum, Ph.D.
6200 SW 73rd Street  Miami, Florida 33143
305-668-5210  (Fax: 305-668-5211)