The Association on Higher Education and Disability’s Research K&P Community Dissertation Award recognizes exemplary doctoral research connected to disability in higher education. Eligible dissertations must be defended during the 2023-2024 academic year (summer 2023, fall 2023, spring 2024), with the latest scheduled defense occurring by May 1, 2024. The Research K&P Community Dissertation Award application portal is now open and can accessed through this application portal link.
The Research K&P Community Dissertation Award Committee will evaluate submissions based on the following criteria:
- Contribution of knowledge to the field
- Innovative and rigorous use of research methods
- Integration of relevant theory and literature
- Articulation of implications for research, policy, and/or practice
- Alignment with the AHEAD mission and “Research Priorities for the Field of Postsecondary Disability”
- Clarity, quality, and organization in writing
Submissions are due by Monday, May 6, 2024. Please note the following:
- Candidates must be AHEAD members at the point of award ceremony/AHEAD national conference (July 15-19, 2024).
- Helpful guidelines for research on disability and higher education can be found in the following citation, with the article linked here: Madaus, J. W., Dukes III, L. L., Lalor, A. R., Aquino, K., Faggella-Luby, M., Newman, L. A., ... & Wessel, R. D. (2020). Research guidelines for higher education and disability. Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability, 33(4), 319-338.
- The Research K&P dissertation award rubric is available and included here for applicant review.
Award Submission and Evaluation Timeline:
- Submissions are due via this Google Form no later than Monday, May 6, 2024.
- The Research K&P dissertation award committee will review applications and will recommend the awardee no later than Friday, May 31, 2024.
- The awardee will be notified no later than Monday, June 3, 2024.
- The award ceremony will occur during the AHEAD national conference (July 15-19, 2024).
Feel free to draft out your application in a word processing document to ensure that your responses are saved during the preparation of your application. Please feel free to email AHEAD Research K&P Community chairs, Drs. Adam Lalor and Katherine Aquino with any questions.