Student Notebook: A Graduate Student’s Guide to Transdisciplinary Research and Grant Writing

Securing funding for graduate research is a significant milestone, and, for me, receiving the Crossing Boundaries Research Award (CBRA) from the Transdisciplinary Studies Program and the Office of Research, Sponsored Programs & Grants at Claremont Graduate University (CGU) was not just a financial achievement but a validation of the interdisciplinary nature of my work. This article reflects on my journey to securing the award, the challenges I faced, the research project it supports, and how the project aligns with the goals of the grant. I hope that by sharing my experience, I can help demystify the grant searching and application process and encourage other students—especially those from underrepresented backgrounds—to pursue similar opportunities with confidence. 

Overview and introduction 

Writing grants can take many forms—whether you’re crafting a proposal for academic research, applying to a fellowship, or requesting support for a community-based initiative. This article offers guidance on how to structure and tailor your proposal for academic, professional, and non-profit contexts, helping you present your ideas with clarity, purpose, and impact. The introduction of your grant proposal is your opportunity to ground readers in your research and convey why it matters. Your first few paragraphs should offer a clear sense of your project’s purpose and potential. Start with a brief overview of your research area, then narrow in on the specific problem or question your project addresses. Explain why this issue is significant—not just within your discipline, but in terms of real-world implications or societal need. Aim to communicate your project’s relevance in a way that resonates across fields and sectors. When I applied for the CBRA, I learned just how important this section is. I began by framing my research on racial disparities in policing within the broader context of social cognition and public policy. Rather than diving straight into data or theory, I used the introduction to set up the problem: a pervasive cultural stereotype in the United States—the belief that Black individuals are inherently threatening or dangerous (Devine & Elliot, 1995; Welch, 2007), and how this belief influences justification of police decisions to use force. I then made a case for why this research matters—not only for advancing academic understanding, but for informing interventions in policing practices and policy reform. Above all, treat the introduction as your chance to draw your readers in. Help them see the world through your eyes—and why your project has the potential to change it. 

Background and overview: Potential challenges 

When preparing a grant proposal, clearly define your research objectives when setting the direction of your project. Your objectives should be specific, measurable, and directly tied to the central question of your study. This is where you identify what you plan to investigate and how you will measure success. In my experience applying for the CBRA, I focused on articulating my research objectives with clarity. I outline how I intended to explore the influence of racial bias on public perceptions of police use of force by drawing on aversive racism theory (Dovidio et al., 1986; Dovidio & Gaertner, 2000; Duncan, 1976; Gaertner & McLaughlin, 1983) and legal frameworks such as the “objectively reasonable” standard established in Graham v. Connor (490 U.S. 386; 1989). My objectives were framed around understanding how racial biases influence justification of police decisions to use force and how perceptions of threat influence justification decisions made by potential eyewitnesses and jurors. I made sure to frame each objective as something that could be directly tested or measured. 

The literature review is where you demonstrate your understanding of the existing body of work in your field. It’s important to summarize key studies related to your topic, highlighting what is already known, and identify where your research fits in and contributes new insights. This section shows why your research is needed and what gaps it aims to fill. For my CBRA application, I had to bridge several disciplines—psychology, criminology, and public policy. One of the biggest challenges I faced was demonstrating how my project transcended traditional boundaries and integrated these perspectives to address a complex societal issue: racial bias in policing. While there is a significant body of research on police use of force, much of it focuses on individual disciplines and doesn’t fully account for how racial bias intersects with social cognition, law enforcement practices, and public policy. This gap in the literature allowed me to position my research as an interdisciplinary study that would offer a more holistic understanding of how racial biases impact policing. In my literature review, I summarized existing theoretical frameworks relevant to my study. I also identified critical gaps in the research—such as the need for studies that explore how implicit biases affect both law enforcement decisions and public perceptions. By highlighting these gaps, I was able to frame my research as a meaningful contribution to the field. By following this approach—clearly defining your objectives, crafting testable hypotheses, and building a literature review that identifies gaps—you will strengthen your proposal and set the stage for a meaningful, impactful research project. 

Project scope and approach 

The methodology section of your grant proposal is where you will outline the strategies and tools you will use to conduct your research. This section is vital because it demonstrates that your research is well-planned, feasible, and capable of answering your research question effectively. It serves to outline the structure of your study, describe the tools and resources you’ll rely on, and detail how your approach will yield useful data. Start by specifying the type of research design you are using. For my CBRA application, I chose a mixed-methods approach. This design allows me to gather both quantitative data—such as surveys measuring racial biases and perceptions of threat—and qualitative data, such as open-ended responses from participants about their thoughts on policing. By combining these two methods, I can gain a richer understanding of how racial bias influences police use of force and public perceptions.  

A strong methodology section not only describes the techniques but also justifies them. In my CBRA application, I highlighted how a mixed-methods design was crucial for examining the complex, multifaceted issue of racial bias in policing. The quantitative data allows me to identify broad patterns, while the qualitative data provides insights into how individuals personally interpret and react to racial bias. Together, these methods provide a comprehensive understanding of the issue. By carefully planning and justifying my methodology, I could communicate how my research would provide valuable insights to scholars and policymakers and practitioners in law enforcement and social justice fields. This experience taught me the importance of presenting a methodology that is transparent, flexible, and aligned with the broader goals of the research. 

Expected outcomes and aligning with award goals 

This section of your grant proposal is where you will articulate the anticipated results of your research and discuss how these findings could influence your field or broader societal issues. It’s essential to clearly explain what you hope to discover and how your work might have a transformative impact. By discussing the expected outcomes, you give the reviewer an understanding of how your research will contribute to existing knowledge and why it matters beyond the academic sphere. Start by describing the specific results you expect to uncover through your research. After detailing the expected results, it’s essential to discuss their broader implications. When I applied for the CBRA, I was particularly focused on how my study could generate meaningful, actionable outcomes. The challenge was not just to outline the expected findings but also to emphasize how those findings could transcend disciplinary boundaries and impact multiple sectors—academic, governmental, and community-based. Through the award, I gained a deeper understanding of how transdisciplinary research can spark systemic change. 

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To fellow graduate students, let this be a reminder that your research holds immense power to challenge and reshape societal norms. As you craft your expected outcomes, think beyond just what your study can tell us about the world today—consider how it can actively contribute to a better future. Don’t hesitate to explore bold, transdisciplinary approaches that blend multiple perspectives, because that’s where innovation and progress thrive. Your research can be more than a degree requirement—it can be a vehicle for justice, equity, and lasting change. Embrace the opportunity to ask tough questions and build connections across fields and communities. The real discoveries often come from unexpected intersections, so let your curiosity lead the way. 

Additional tips for success 

As you embark on your journey of applying for grants and proposals, it’s important to remember a few key strategies to increase your chances of success. Reflecting on my own experience applying for the CBRA, I’ve learned that success in grant writing involves both meticulous preparation and a willingness to embrace feedback and revision. Here are some additional tips for success that may be helpful for you to consider as you approach grant writing: 

1. Follow the Guidelines: Adhering to the specific requirements of the funding organization is essential. This includes format, length, and submission deadlines. The clearer and more aligned your proposal is with the grant’s expectations, the more likely it is to stand out. My CBRA application success was made possible by carefully following their guidelines, ensuring that every element of my proposal was precise and tailored to their criteria. 
2. Seek Feedback: Don’t underestimate the power of feedback. Having a mentor, advisor, or peer review your proposal before submission can catch gaps or areas for improvement that you might have overlooked. Early feedback from my advisor and colleagues helped me refine my CBRA application, ensuring that the narrative was both academically rigorous and practically compelling. 
3. Revise and Refine: Grant proposals often require multiple revisions. Be patient and don’t be afraid to refine your work. A polished, clear, and well-structured proposal will make a huge difference in the review process. During my CBRA application, the process of revising not only improved the clarity of my message but also deepened my understanding of the impact my research could have. Revisions are where ideas get sharper and more precise. 

Reflecting on grant writing process 

Securing grants or awards like the CBRA is not just about writing a successful proposal—it’s about reflecting on your academic journey, honing your research objectives, and communicating the broader impact of your work. For graduate students, my advice is to embrace the iterative process of proposal writing. Even if your ideas are still evolving, take that first step and apply. You’ll be surprised by how much clearer your research vision becomes when you begin articulating it for others. Often, the process itself will reveal unexpected connections and insights. 

The CBRA represents more than just financial support; it signifies a commitment to addressing complex societal challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration. My journey to securing the award has been one of growth, reflection, and determination. Looking back, I realize that grant writing is not just about securing funds—it’s about clarifying your “why” and building a bridge between your passion and its practical applications. When you share your research vision with clarity and purpose, funders are not only looking for polished ideas—they are seeking innovation, heart, and potential. As scholars, we have a unique responsibility to tackle pressing societal issues, and by crossing disciplinary boundaries, we can generate innovative solutions that benefit our society. As you move forward with your own proposals, keep this in mind: the most impactful research often starts with a bold idea, a willingness to collaborate across boundaries, and a commitment to pursuing work that matters. Don’t be afraid to ask big questions because that’s where the true discovery begins. Good luck to all of you! 

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