Student Research Opportunities

Call for Candidates for the Edward Livingston Historical Association Student Research Scholarship

The Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies, in partnership with the Edward Livingston Historical Association, recently announced the creation of a new award supporting student research on southeast Louisiana with an emphasis on Livingston Parish. The initial donation of $12,000 from the ELHA will be awarded to a deserving Southeastern student conducting research highlighting the region on virtually any subject matter, said Samuel Hyde, Leon Ford Endowed Chair and director of the Center.  
“This is a shot in the arm to encourage student research on our home region, which is at the core of the Center’s mission,” he added.
The award is open to both undergraduate and graduate students at Southeastern, Hyde said. The renewable funds will be awarded in $500 increments each semester to the successful candidate.
To apply for the award, interested students should submit a statement clarifying the subject of their research, along with a cover letter to Hyde via email at samuel.hyde@southeastern.edu by the submission deadline of Feb. 15, 2024. 
For more information on the award, contact Hyde via email or call the Center at 985-549-2151 during normal operating hours.

Call for Candidates for the Nicholas Cefalu Graduate Research Assistantship

The Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies at Southeastern Louisiana University announces the creation of the Nicholas Cefalu Graduate Research Assistantship.  The assistantship is designed to encourage graduate student research into long term Louisiana legislator and businessman Nicholas Cefalu’s home region of southeast Louisiana and/or surrounding regions of the state and Gulf South.

The renewable award includes full tuition for the fall, spring, and summer semesters at Southeastern Louisiana University beginning in August 2024, along with a full graduate student stipend and a $1500.00 enhancement each semester, for a total stipend package of $13,000.00 annually.  Submissions will be accepted from existing or entering graduate students in virtually any academic field including:  history, cultural studies, art, music, literature, environmental studies, science, etc.  During the period of the award, the successful candidate will work as a research assistant in the Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies.  Candidates must also be conducting, or planning to conduct, research centered on southeast Louisiana or the wider Gulf South with an emphasis on topics reflecting the professional interests of Mr. Cefalu such as:  regional business development, agricultural interests particularly strawberry and dairy farming, education, philanthropy, and regional politics and culture.  The product of the research should be directed toward the completion of a master’s thesis or publishable paper.

Applicants should submit a brief abstract of their intended course of study or research project, along with a cover letter and c.v., to Dr. Samuel Hyde, director of the Center for Southeast LA. Studies, at the address below.  Candidate applications will be reviewed by an award committee consisting of the director of the Center for Southeast LA. Studies, a representative of the Cefalu family, and an independent scholar.  Applications must be received by May 1, 2024 to be considered for the award.  For additional information contact shyde@southeastern.edu.

Call for Candidates for the Young Sanders Center Graduate Research Assistantship

The Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies at Southeastern Louisiana University announces the creation of the Young Sanders Center Graduate Research Assistantship. The assistantship is designed to encourage graduate student research into Congressman J. Y. Sanders' home region of southeast Louisiana and/or the wider Gulf South, and to facilitate management of the Young Sanders Center materials to be housed in the archives of the Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies.

The renewable award includes full tuition for the fall, spring, and summer semesters at Southeastern Louisiana University beginning in August 2024, along with a $13,000.00 stipend to be provided in three installments.  Submissions will be accepted from existing or entering graduate students in virtually any academic field including:  history, cultural studies, art, music, literature, environmental studies, science, etc.  During the period of the award, the successful candidate will work as a research assistant in the Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies.  Candidates must also be conducting, or planning to conduct, research centered on southeast Louisiana or the wider Gulf South in anticipation of completing a master’s thesis or publishable paper.

Applicants should submit a brief abstract of their intended course of study or research project, along with a cover letter and c.v., to Dr. Samuel Hyde, director of the Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies, at the address below.  Candidate applications will be reviewed by an award committee consisting of the director of the Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies, a representative of the Young Sanders Center, and an independent scholar.  Applications must be received by March 1, 2024 to be considered for the award.  For additional information contact shyde@southeastern.edu.

Dr. Samuel Hyde

Leon Ford Endowed Chair

Director, Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies

Southeastern Louisiana University

P.O. Box 10730

SLU

Hammond, LA.  70402