Proposals are being Accepted for the Inaugural Saleh Energy Storage Scholarship

Saleh Energy Storage Scholarship

This scholarship is made possible by a generous gift to the Student Innovation Center from the loyal ISU Alumnus Charles Saleh. It is intended to bolster research and innovation in energy storage by supporting graduate students or promising undergraduates to join faculty-led research teams. This initial call for proposals aims to award scholarships for the 2025-2026 academic year. 

Charles is a successful business leader with a sustained record of strategically transforming companies for market competitiveness. His passion is climate change, and he recognizes that since renewable energy generation is more cost-efficient than fossil fuels, energy storage is the primary challenge facing our transition to renewables. 

This call for proposals is open to ISU faculty at all ranks. It encourages research in any technology that could enhance energy storage, including battery, hydro, gravity, chemical (or other) energy storage ideas. 

• Applicants can request support for one quarter-time graduate research assistant OR one undergraduate research assistant per application for AY 2025-2026. 

• Two to three Scholarship proposals will be funded, depending on UG/Grad mix. 

• Graduate Scholarships will be funded at $5,218/semester plus 37.5% (master’s students) and 50% (doctoral students) tuition and normal fees. 

• Undergraduate Scholarships will be funded at $15/hour up to 20 hours per week. 

• The nominal scholarship duration is mid-August through mid-May (Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 semesters), although summer support is negotiable. 

• Scholarship funds are intended for the financial support of student researchers. PIs are responsible for mentoring and otherwise supporting the research effort. 

Proposal Format and Submission

1. Energy storage idea 
   1. Describe the technology you are pursuing and its potential 
   2. Provide background experience, potential to leverage of other resources, and/or securing additional funding 
   3. Explain how the scholarship will bolster your research team 
2. Identify the student you will support or how you will recruit one. Indicate whether you will support a graduate or undergraduate student. 
3. Proposals should be limited to no more than five pages. 

Send proposals via email to the Student Innovation Center Director James Oliver: oliver@iastate.edu 

Deadlines and Reporting Requirements

• Proposal submission: June 2, 2025 

• Awards announced: June 23, 2025  

Faculty recipients of the Saleh Energy Storage Scholarship will be required to submit a progress report in January 2026 and a final report in June 2026. 

Proposal Evaluation 

Proposals will be evaluated by a committee comprised of the Student Innovation Center leadership and Charles Saleh.