Application Advice from Hertz Fellows

From drafting your personal essays to selecting references, Hertz Fellows offer their perspective on how to make the most of the Hertz Fellowship application process.


2024 Hertz Fellowship Application Info Session (August 2023)

2023 Hertz Fellowship Application Info Session (August 2022)

Reflections from Hertz Fellows


2024 Hertz Fellowship Application Info Session

In August 2023, Hertz Fellowship Director Derek Haseltine and Hertz Fellows Nikhil Bhattasali, Bailey Flanigan, and Jane Wang host an online information session to help interested applicants learn more about this unique doctoral funding opportunity.

Complete Zoom Session (50 minutes)


How to articulate your research vision


What does the selection committee look for in references?


Preparing for your Hertz Fellowship interview


What if you get stuck during your Hertz Fellowship interview?


2023 Hertz Fellowship Application Info Session

In August 2022, Hertz Fellowship Director Derek Haseltine and Hertz Fellows Jessica Seeliger, Vivek Nair and Lila Neahring discuss this unique doctoral funding opportunity and provide advice to help prepare the 2023 Hertz Fellowship application.

Complete Zoom Session (1 hour)


Components of the Hertz Fellowship Application

Hertz Fellow Jessica Seeliger, associate professor at Stony Brook University, discusses the various components of the Hertz Fellowship application and tips for preparing each part.


What we Look for in Hertz Fellowship Applicants

Hertz Fellow Jessica Seeliger, associate professor at Stony Brook University, provides insights into the Hertz Fellowship review process and the characteristics that set applicants apart.


Tips on What to Emphasize in Your Hertz Fellowship Application

Hertz Fellow Lila Neahring, doctoral student at the University of California, San Francisco, shares tips on what to emphasize when applying to the Hertz Fellowship application.


Choosing References for Your Hertz Fellowship Application

Hertz Fellow Jessica Seeliger, associate professor at Stony Brook University, discusses the importance of choosing the “right” references for your Hertz Fellowship application.


Reflections from Hertz Fellows

Hertz Fellows from a variety of scientific disciplines and fellowship classes share their experiences going through the application process and what it means to be part of the Hertz community.

How I Learned about the Hertz Fellowship

Hertz Fellows share how they first learned about the Hertz Fellowship and what motivated them to apply, and describe how going through the application process is a valuable experience.


Hertz Fellows Invite You to Apply

Hertz Fellows share their experiences as part of the broader community of Hertz Fellowship recipients and encourage prospective candidates to submit an application.

Adele Payman

“Experiences that don’t end in success can still be a compelling part of your story. It’s often the disappointments that help us find our path in life.”

Adele Payman Arrow Right
2023 Hertz Fellow

Vivek Nair

“Practice explaining your work to someone in a totally different field in a way that even they can quickly comprehend why it’s important but also why your work is unique.”

Vivek Nair Arrow Right
2022 Hertz Fellow