Research Grants and Scholarships

Below are listed some of the possible funding sources and their approximate yearly deadlines. I would encourage everyone to apply for as many as possible. If you need any help or additional information, let me know. Also any links that you follow will open up a new window.

Symposia Research Assistance Grant: ISU Graduate School (application deadlines: June 30)

Graduate or undergraduate students are eligible to apply for assistance funds to help them carry out a planned project of research, scholarship and creative endeavor for the Symposia or to present their planned Symposium project at a refereed conference or juried exhibition in their field between July 1, and June 30, 20XX. Deadline for application submission is June 30, 20XX.

Application

http://www.grad.ilstu.edu/symposium/

Illinois State Foundation Fellowship (Application deadline March 15)

The Illinois State University Foundation Fellowship is an award of three thousand dollars ($3,000) to students who have demonstrated a potential for academic excellence at the graduate level. Applications will be accepted from those applying for, or already admitted to, a degree program. However, successful applicants must be admitted to the degree program by the application due date of March 15, but not have begun work as a graduate student in a degree program at Illinois State. Applicants must have attained a cumulative grade point average of 3.6 on a 4.0 scale on previous undergraduate and graduate course work.

http://www.grad.ilstu.edu/downloads/illinoisstatefoundationfellowshipapp.pdf

Donald F. McHenry Fellowship – (Application deadline March 15)

Applicants must be U.S. citizens of African, Asian, Hispanic, or Native American ethnicity, admitted into an Illinois State University graduate degree program, attend on a full-time basis, demonstrate financial need, and academic potential. The stipend for the Fellowship is $6,000. A tuition waiver for the academic year (two semesters) will also be provided. Priority in selection will be given to first year students. The McHenry Fellowship recipient may also accept a graduate assistantship, awarded by the academic department, if the fellow meets the qualifications for that award.

http://www.grad.ilstu.edu/downloads/donaldmchenryapp.pdf

Geological Society of America Graduate Student Research Grant – DEADLINE FEB 1.

You must be a GSA member to apply for this, but if you are currently not a member it is worth joining for both the chance to apply and for discounts to any up coming meetings. A proposal of your research project is needed along with a budget for the amount of money you ask for. Typical awards are around $4000. Here is a link for more information: http://www.geosociety.org/profdev/grants/gradgrants.htm

The American Association of Petroleum Geologists Foundation Grants-in-Aid – DEADLINE January 31

The purpose of the AAPG Foundation’s Grants-in-Aid program is to foster research in the geosciences. Grants are made to provide financial assistance to graduate students (currently enrolled in Masters or Ph.D. programs) whose thesis research has application to the search for and development of petroleum and energy-mineral resources, and/or to related environmental geology issues. Grants are based on merit, and in part, on the financial needs of the applicant. Although the focus of the program is the support of qualified candidates for Masters or equivalent degrees, qualified doctoral candidates are also encouraged to apply. Factors weighed in selecting successful applicants include: the qualifications of an applicant as indicated by past performance; originality and imagination of the proposed project; support of the department in which the work is being done; and perceived significance of the project to petroleum, energy minerals and related environmental geology. Grants range from $500 to $2,000 and are to be applied to expenses directly related to the student’s thesis work, such as field work, laboratory analyses, etc. Here is a link for more information: http://foundation.aapg.org/gia/

Illinois Groundwater Association (IGA) – Deadline: April or November

The IGA offers small grants to partially support student research on groundwater or related topics. Applications are evaluated on the basis of scientific merit, capability of the applicant, and the level of requested funding as it relates to the proposed work. These grants are open to any graduate or undergraduate student registered at an accredited Illinois college or university. A condition of the grant is that grant recipients present the findings of their research at an IGA meeting.

Applications must be postmarked by the 2nd Friday of November and the 4th Friday in April for consideration during the fall and spring cycles, respectively. For more information, contact the IGA Student Grants Coordinator, Ed Mehnert or view http://www.illinoisgroundwater.org/sgrants.html

Environmental Protection Agency Science to Achieve Results (STAR) Fellowship – Deadline: Fall

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as part of its Science to Achieve Results (STAR) program, is offering Graduate Fellowships for master’s and doctoral level students in environmental fields of study. The deadline is November 5, 2010 at 4:00 PM for receipt of paper applications, and November 5, 2010 at 11:59:59 PM ET for submittal of electronic applications to Grants.gov. Subject to availability of funding, the Agency plans to award approximately 105 new fellowships by June 30, 2011. Master’s level students may receive support for a maximum of two years. Doctoral students may be supported for a maximum of three years, usable over a period of five years. The fellowship program provides up to $42,000 per year of support per fellowship. For more information either talk with me or follow the link: http://epa.gov/ncer/rfa/2011/2011_star_gradfellow.html

American Water Resources Association – Richard Herbert Scholarship – Deadline April

In 1980, AWRA established the Endowment‐Memorial Fund to be used for the enhancement of education in water resources. The fund has since been renamed the Richard A. Herbert Memorial Educational Fund to honor Richard A. Herbert — a champion for water resources education– who passed away in 1994. In order to carry out his vision, AWRA is proud to announce the availability of $4,000 in scholarships derived from the proceeds of this fund. Follow the following link for more information: http://www.awra.org/news/2010%20Herbert%20Scholarship%20Request%20Form.pdf

Society for Wetland Scientists – Deadline February 2

One objective of the Society of Wetland Scientists is to “develop and encourage wetland science as a distinct discipline by supporting student education, curriculum development, and research.” As such, the primary goal of the Scholarship Committee of the International Society of Wetland Scientists is to provide partial support of wetland-related research conducted by qualified undergraduate and graduate students from any accredited college or university worldwide. Grants are intended to aid student research, but not be the sole source of research support. Because the total amount of funding requested always exceeds available funds, proposals are evaluated on a competitive basis. There is no predetermined funding limit, but the maximum award will not exceed US $1,000. Follow the following link for more information: http://www.sws.org/studentgrants/index.mgi

Sigma Xi Grants-in-Aid of Research Program (GIAR) – Deadline March 15 & October 15 every year.

Requires a short research proposal, budget justification, and letters of reference. Typical awards are ~$1000. Follow the following link for more information: http://www.sigmaxi.org/programs/giar/index.shtml

Air & Waste Management Association – Deadline: Early January 3

A&WMA takes pride in supporting the future environmental leaders of our world in research, teaching, engineering, and environmental practice. For more than a decade, the Association has awarded scholarships to the most promising environmental students.

Full-time graduate students who are pursuing courses of study and research leading to careers in air quality, waste, or sustainability/management pertaining to air quality or waste are eligible to apply for the 2011 / 2012 A&WMA Scholarship Endowment Trust Fund. If you have questions see me or follow the following link for more information: http://www.awma.org/awards/scholarship_programs/index.html

NASA Graduate Student Research Program – DEADLINE February

This is a fellowship that is worth around $24,000 a year and can be renewed twice. A research proposal along with other material is needed. Here is a link for more information: http://fellowships.hq.nasa.gov/gsrp/

Ralph W. Stone Graduate Fellowship in Cave and Karst Studies – DEADLINE March.

As the title suggests any viable proposal must be related to karst research. Here is a link for more information: http://caves.org/committee/rac/ralphstone.html

The Cave Research Foundation (CRF) – Karst Fellowship – Deadline: March-April

CRF sponsors a Karst Fellowship competition, which is supported by the CRF Endowment Fund. The Foundation may award as much as $10,000 distributed among one or more Karst Research Fellowships and as one or more Grants for graduate research in karst-related fields of study. The truly exceptional proposal may receive a Karst Research Fellowship (limit of $3,500); meritorious proposals that do not receive a Karst Research Fellowship may receive a Karst Research Grant, typically in amounts less than $2,000 awarded to qualified students in the natural or social sciences. Work at either the Masters or Ph.D. level is eligible for the awards. For more information, go to http://www.cave-research.org/grants.cfm

The William L. Wilson Scholarship in Karst Science – Deadline February 15

The William L. Wilson Scholarship in Karst Science was established in 2002 to recognize the significant karst science contributions of the late William (Bill) L. Wilson. Bill Wilson used a variety of techniques, and unusual creativity, to tackle some of the most difficult karst science questions in Florida and elsewhere. He developed the leading karst consulting company in the United States, Subsurface Evaluations, Incorporated. To stimulate the development of new, energetic, motivated, and creative karst scientists, and to remember the person of Bill Wilson and his dedication to karst science, the scholarship has been established in his memory. The value of the scholarship as a one-time award is $1,000. http://www.karstwaters.org/scholarship/apply.php

Ken Thomson Research Award – Missouri Speleological Survey

This $200 recurring stipend is to be given to a college student or other speleological researcher to help defray the cost of registration and/or travel for that inpidual to present research findings at a speleology related professional meeting. http://www.mospeleo.org/docs/Ken%20Thomson%20Research%20Award%20Announcement.htm

Society of Wetland Scientists (SWS) – Deadline February

See the link below for additional information: http://www.sws.org/studentgrants/index.mgi

Association for Women Geoscientist provides a number of scholarships with various deadlines see the link below for additional information: http://www.awg.org/eas/scholarships.html

National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships – Deadline: November 9

The National Science Foundation (NSF) seeks to ensure the vitality of the human resource base of science, mathematics, and engineering in the United States and to reinforce its persity. A competition is conducted for Graduate Research Fellowships, with additional awards offered for women in engineering and computer and information science. NSF Graduate Fellowships offer recognition and three years of support for advanced study to approximately 900 outstanding graduate students in the mathematical, physical, biological, engineering, and behavioral and social sciences, including the history of science and the philosophy of science. Awards made in carry a stipend for each fellow of $27,500 for a 12-month tenure (prorated monthly at $2,291 for lesser periods) and an annual cost-of-education allowance of $10,500, paid to the Fellow’s institution in lieu of tuition and fees. Details are available at: http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=6201&org=NSF&from=home

Fannie and John Hertz Foundation Graduate Fellowship Application – Deadline: October 28

The sponsor provides support for graduate students working towards the Ph.D. degree in the applied physical sciences. Eligible applicants are college seniors wishing to pursue the Ph.D. degree in any of the fields of particular interest to the sponsor, as well as graduate students already in the process of doing so, who are citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. The Hertz Foundation’s Graduate Fellowship award, which is based on merit (not need) consists of a cost-of-education allowance and a personal-support stipend. The cost-of-education allowance is accepted by all of the tenable schools in lieu of all fees and tuition. Hertz Fellows therefore have no liability for any ordinary educational costs, regardless of their choice among tenable schools. The personal stipend, paid over the nine-month academic year, is $25,000 for Fellowships awarded for the 2003-2004 academic year. The Fellowship award is renewable annually (upon a showing of satisfactory progress toward receipt of the Ph.D. degree) for a total Fellowship tenure of no more than five years. http://www.hertzfndn.org/dx/fellowships/award.aspx

National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship – Deadline: January

This program seeks to identify inpiduals whose scientific and engineering credentials will support study through doctoral degrees. The prevailing goal is to provide the United States with talented, doctorally trained American men and women who will lead state-of-the-art research projects in disciplines having the greatest payoff to national security requirements. This program is highly competitive. This fellowship is worth applying for if you know your are going on to a PhD program. Follow the following link for more information: http://ndseg.asee.org/about_ndseg

Evolving Earth Student Grant Program – Deadline:

I am not very familiar with this program. I would encourage you to follow the link to investigate the program: http://www.evolvingearth.org/evolvingearthgrants/grantsmain.htm

National Physical Science Consortium (NPSC) – Graduate Fellowships in the Physical Sciences – Deadline Application by November

Applicant must be studying Astronomy, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geology, Material Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Physics, and their sub disciplines and related engineering fields: Chemical, Computer, Electrical, Environmental, and Mechanical. To be eligible you must also be (1) a US citizen and (2) in your senior year with at least a 3.0/4.0, OR in your first year of a grad program pursuing a Ph.D., OR in a terminal master’s program (no Ph.D. in your discipline at your university), OR returning to the workforce with no more than a master’s degree. All qualified students are encouraged to apply, but emphasis will be placed on under represented minorities (African American; Hispanic; Native American Indian, Eskimo, Aleut; Pacific Islander – Polynesian;) and/or female. Award include Tuition, Fees; Stipend: Years 1-4 $12,500/yr., Years 5-6 $15,000/yr; plus two summers paid research employment. Valued at $156,000 to $200,000 depending on the University. Visit www.npsc.org for more information and an application.

Dr. W. Wesley Eckenfelder, Jr. Scholarship – Deadline: January 31

The sponsor provides a $3,000 grant to one or more students majoring in Civil, Chemical, or Environmental Engineering or one of the environmental sciences. Eligible applicants are full-time undergraduate or graduate students enrolled at an accredited college. Fields supported by the scholarship are Civil, Chemical, or Environmental Engineering or one of the environmental sciences (e.g. geology, hydrogeology, biology, ecology or industrial hygiene toxicology.). Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Applicants must submit a 250-word essay on “Why I chose to major in one of the environmental disciplines.” Applicants must have a cumulative 3.0 GPA or higher on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent on a 5.0 scale). For more information visit http://www.brownandcaldwell.com/EckenApp.pdf.

Illinois Lakes Management Association – Deadline: December 31

The sponsor provides two scholarships, one for $1,000 and one for $500. The awards are for students attending an Illinois college or university or, any Illinois resident attending college or university in Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio, or Wisconsin. The goal is for the student to meet the mission of the Illinois Lake Management Assocition, whcih is “To promote understanding and comprehensive
management of lake and watershed ecosystems”. For more information visit http://ilma-lakes.org/scholarshipgrant.

This is a generic link to a list run by Cornell University on Minority Student Research Grants: http://cuinfo.cornell.edu/Student/GRFN/list.phtml?category=MINORITIES

This is just an abbreviated list of what is available. If you find additional sources, please let me know and I will update the page.

Thanks,

Eric

Last updated Febraury 2012

Research Grants and Scholarship​s

Research Grants and Scholarships