The Edward Alexander Bouchet Graduate Honor Society (Bouchet Society) recognizes outstanding scholarly achievement and promotes excellence in doctoral education and the professoriate. The Bouchet Society seeks to develop a network of preeminent scholars who exemplify academic and personal excellence, foster environments of support, and serve as examples of scholarship, leadership, character, service, and advocacy. In the spirit of Bouchet’s commitment to these pursuits both within and without the academic realm, inductees into the honor society bearing his name should also exhibit these qualities.
About Edward A. Bouchet
Edward Bouchet (1852-1918) graduated from Yale College in 1874. He went on to be the first African American to earn a doctorate from an American university when he earned a Ph.D. in physics at Yale University in 1876. At that time, Bouchet was the sixth person in the western hemisphere to earn a doctorate in physics. He was also one of the first African Americans to be elected to the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society.
Eligibility
All PhD students at FIU who have been advanced to candidacy (per the requirements in their programs) and/or postdoctoral scholars are eligible for nomination to the Society. Doctoral applicants should currently be enrolled in a Ph.D. program – students in other doctoral programs are not eligible.
All nominees should exemplify the five Bouchet qualities of scholarship, leadership, character, service, and advocacy. (Priority consideration will be given to those who intend to pursue academic careers).
Selected doctoral candidates/postdoctoral scholars will be invited to participate in the Induction Ceremony at Yale University during the Bouchet Graduate Honor Society Annual Conference on April 4-5, 2025. By applying to be selected, scholars commit to taking part in the conference and representing FIU.
Application
The following application materials, per the eligibility requirements outlined above, must be submitted by Friday, December 20th, 2024 at 5:00 PM:
From the doctoral candidate/postdoctoral scholar:
- Statement of purpose (2-page maximum) from the candidate indicating:
- Educational and career accomplishments
- Future professional goals
- Past and current academic experience
- Ways in which they have and will continue to fulfill the five thrusts of scholarship, character, leadership, service, and advocacy
- How the candidate’s educational accomplishments will contribute to the mission of the Bouchet Society
- A 250-word dissertation abstract
- A current curriculum vitae (2-page maximum)
Application materials should be submitted via Qualtrics at: https://fiu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eEvOEHh3867HLsq
From a faculty mentor or dissertation advisor:
- Recommendation form along with a letter addressing the student’s scholarship, academic excellence and overall qualifications for admission to the Bouchet Society (1-2 pages)
Optional – From a community member, additional faculty, or staff:
- A letter of recommendation from a community member or another faculty/staff who is familiar with the applicant’s broader contributions that complement research and teaching, such as advocacy and engagement with specific communities.
Submitted directly by email to Mr. Ivan Melgar at imelgar@fiu.edu by Jan. 6, 2025 with the following subject line: Bouchet Letter of Recommendation_Applicant Last Name, First Name
Selection Process
- Upon receipt of completed application materials for nominees, the Membership Selection Committee will review all applications.
- The Membership Selection Committee will then provide a recommendation of inductees for consideration to the National Steering Committee.
- The National Steering Committee reviews all nominated applications submitted from chapter institutions and reserves the right to approve or decline membership into the Bouchet Society.
Timeline
- Deadline for application materials – December 20, 2024 at 5:00 PM
- Deadline for letters of recommendation – January 6, 2025 at 5:00 PM
- Applicants notified of final decision– February 7, 2025
- Fellow Biographical Sketches Due – Feb. 28, 2025
- Annual Yale Bouchet Conference & Induction Ceremony – April 4-5, 2025 (In-person)