James A. Ferguson Emerging Infectious Diseases Fellowship Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ferguson Fellowship?

The Dr. James A. Ferguson Emerging Infectious Diseases Fellowship provides public health research and professional development in the area of infectious diseases and health disparities with a special focus on increasing knowledge and interest in public health careers among students from under-represented populations.  The 9-week fellowship program is funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  Fellows may also gain clinical experience and develop leadership skills.

What are the eligibility requirements of Ferguson Fellowship?

• Students must be currently enrolled as a full-time student in a medical, dental, pharmacy, veterinary, or public health graduate program.
• Students must have a 3.0 GPA or higher on a 4.0 scale.
• Students must be able to commit to the full length of the fellowship.

Students should have a strong interest in addressing health disparities related to infectious diseases. Students who are members of under-represented populations (as defined by the federal government, http://www.cdc.gov/minorityhealth/ExecutiveOrders.html) are strongly encouraged to apply!

I am not an underrepresented student.  Can I apply to the Ferguson Fellowship?

All students interested in working in the area of infectious diseases and health disparities are welcome to apply.

Can international students participate in the Ferguson Fellowship?

Ferguson Fellowship is a federal program for U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and permanent residents.  International students (i.e., students with F1 or K1 visa) are not eligible to participate in the Ferguson Fellowship program.

Can undergraduate students participate in the Ferguson Fellowship program?

Undergraduate students cannot participate in the Ferguson Fellowship program.

What program activities are available to students?

All fellows participate in an orientation at the Kennedy Krieger Institute/Johns Hopkins Hospital campus focusing on research design, infectious diseases, urban health issues, and promotion of health equity. Following orientation fellows participate in a variety of infectious diseases research experiences at either the (1) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, GA or (2) Baltimore, MD sites.

What research experiences are available to fellows at the Atlanta site?

Fellows assigned to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention may participate in infectious diseases research in epidemiology, laboratory science, public health education, policy, economics, informatics, and communications. 

What research experiences are available to fellows at the Baltimore site?

Fellows assigned to Baltimore may participate in infectious diseases research at the Kennedy Krieger Institute, Johns Hopkins Schools of Medicine, Nursing, or Public Health, or the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.  The Kennedy Krieger/Johns Hopkins/Maryland Department of Health site integrates clinical opportunities and clinical research experiences in HIV prevention, sexually transmitted infection treatment, epidemiology of drug resistance in the hospital, state, and community settings.

Can students without health insurance apply to the Ferguson Fellowship program?

Students without health insurance can apply to the Ferguson Fellowship program.  All accepted students must have health insurance.

Are students compensated for participating in Ferguson Fellowship program?

Stipend amount is $4000 for the 9 week program. 

Are travel and housing costs taken out the stipend?

Travel and housing costs are not taken out of the stipend.

Are meals program sponsored?

Ferguson Fellowship provides breakfast and lunch for students during the Baltimore orientation.  No other meals are program sponsored.

Who can write my recommendation letter?

Recommendation letters from your professor or research advisor are acceptable.  Letters from student teachers are not allowed.

Who should recommendation letters be addressed to?

Please address recommendation letters to the Ferguson Fellowship Selection Committee.

Is there a standard recommendation form to complete?

No there is not a standard recommendation form to complete.

Can I submit an unofficial transcript instead of an official transcript?

Unofficial transcripts are not acceptable.  Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts are required.  Applications without official undergraduate and graduate transcripts will not be considered.

Are references for essays included in the word count?

References are not included in the essay word count.

When should I expect a decision letter?

Decision letters are sent the end of March.

How many hours do students work during the week?

Students work a minimum of 40 hours per week on their projects.

Where can more information on the Ferguson Fellowship program be found?

Please visit our website for more information on the Ferguson Fellowship.  The URL is www.kennedykrieger.org/Ferguson.

How does one apply to the Ferguson Fellowship program?

An interested student can apply online at www.kennedykrieger.org/Ferguson.

All program activities are contingent on CDC funding.

Address additional questions to: Ferguson_Fellowship@kennedykrieger.org