Graduate students enrolled in SIB departments or SIB-sponsored graduate programs are eligible to apply for several grants or awards to support their research or to advance their professional development. Click on the name of the grant or award below to obtain more information about eligibility and application procedures.

In addition, the Graduate College has a web page on which financial aid to graduate students is discussed, including assistance with travel.

Please be sure to read the information for each award carefully, as some require additional information or have specific deadlines. If your award requires a letter of support from your advisor, please send your advisor this link SIB Awards - Letter of Reference Form (illinois.edu)

SIB Graduate Student Awards

The following awards are available to graduate students across the School of Integrative Biology, to include Departments of: EntomologyEvolution, Ecology, and Behavior (EEB); and Plant Biology; as well as the Program in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology (PEEC).

The Francis M. and Harlie M. Clark Research Support Grant

Administered by the Integrative Biology Fellowship Committee, these grants are given in recognition of outstanding achievement in the biological sciences and for the support of the students' professional development or research.

Dr. Francis M. Clark joined the then Department of Bacteriology, later the Department of Microbiology, as an instructor in 1933, after having completed his undergraduate and graduate work here previously. He had a distinguished career, teaching microbiology and conducting research in the microbiology of foods. He was past president of the Illinois Society for Microbiology.

The Clark Research Support Grants were established to honor Dr. Clark and his wife, Harlie M. Clark, are administered by the IB Fellowship Committee, and are awarded in recognition of outstanding achievement in the biological sciences by graduate students. In recent years, grants have been awarded primarily for expenses relating to presentation of papers at international and national meetings, short specialty courses offered off campus, and conducting research or making collections away from the UIUC campus.

Eligibility:

Graduate students majoring in a program of study sponsored by the School of Integrative Biology are eligible to apply. Applicants must have completed or be nearing completion of a significant field, laboratory, or informatics research project. Applicants must provide evidence for outstanding academic achievement in the biological sciences. Students that have previously received the award will be given low priority and may not receive the award more than twice.

Allowable Expenses:

One or more grants may be made to help defray expenses incurred during the upcoming summer involving research, training or conference participation. Legitimate expenses include payment of:

  • Tuition, fees, and housing costs incurred while participating in a summer course at a biological station or similar facility;
  • Research-related expenses and housing costs incurred while acquiring research techniques in a laboratory at another university or research center;
  • Travel, registration, and housing costs incurred in relation to participation in a scientific meeting (student must be presenting); and
  • Costs of supplies required for completion of research at the University of Illinois (will be given low priority).

Grants may not be used to defray ordinary living expenses while attending the University of Illinois, to defray expenses related to meeting requirements for a graduate degree at another university, or for purposes unrelated to academic activities in the biological sciences.

Grant Amounts:

The IB Fellowship Committee may award multiple grants up to $1,000 per award. Applicants are urged to trim their requests to the minimum to permit maximum utilization of available funds.

Important Notes:

  • CV must clearly indicate starting date of MS and/or PhD program(s) in SIB.
  • Letter of recommendation from research advisor must indicate need for funds and proposed project and that project is tied to student's research project carried out for student's degree.
  • Budget proposal must include a clear statement of objectives to be accomplished, project timelines, and a justification of intended use of funding. This should include current and pending funding from other sources.
  • Students who have previously received award will be given low priority and may only receive the award twice.

Application Procedure:

The applicant, with the help of his/her advisor, is responsible for gathering and assembling information required on the application form. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Applicants must complete this form and submit all required materials by February 27th, midnight. Questions may be directed to sibawards@life.illinois.edu.

The Francis M. and Harlie M. Clark Summer Fellowship

Administered by the Integrative Biology Fellowship Committee, these fellowships are given to support graduate students who would otherwise not have summer support.

Dr. Francis M. Clark joined the then Department of Bacteriology, later the Department of Microbiology, as an instructor in 1933, after having completed his undergraduate and graduate work here previously. He had a distinguished career, teaching microbiology and conducting research in the microbiology of foods. He was past president of the Illinois Society for Microbiology.

The Clark Summer Fellowship was established to honor Dr. Clark and his wife, Harlie M. Clark.

Purpose:

The Francis M. and Harlie M. Clark Summer Fellowship, administered by the IB Fellowship Committee, is to provide 2 months of summer support to continuing graduate students.

Eligibility:

Candidates must have completed (or currently be completing) two years of graduate study in the School of Integrative Biology.

Application:

  • Recipient(s) of the fellowship(s) must enroll for the summer session.
  • Description of planned research must include clear statement of objectives that will be accomplished over the summer.
  • Letter of recommendation must state that no other summer support is available.
  • During the selection process, the Fellowship Committee will place strong emphasis on need and on a clear statement of research objectives for the period of summer support.
  • Note: Students may not receive both a Clark Summer Fellowship and a Clark Research Support Grant in the same year. Award will be rescinded if recipient receives any other summer appointment.
  • Students may be considered for the Emerson Award in addition to this award.

Application Procedure:

Each IB Department or Program may submit one candidate. Submit ONLY those items requested under enclosures.

Applicants must complete this form and submit all required materials by February 27th, midnight. Questions may be directed to sibawards@life.illinois.edu.

The Robert Emerson Memorial Award

Administered by the Integrative Biology Fellowship Committee, this award is given to recognize exceptional academic achievement and research potential.

The School of Integrative Biology announces this year's competition for the Robert Emerson Memorial Award. This prestigious award is given annually to a graduate student in the School of Integrative Biology to recognize exceptional academic achievement and research potential. The amount of this award is $2,500.

Dr. Emerson, a former professor in the Department of Botany, was a distinguished and dedicated scientist of international stature in the field of photosynthesis. Dr. Emerson's research explored the action of pigments, including the carotenoids and phycobilins, in photosynthesis. His collaborative research efforts were directed toward studies of the efficiencies of various wavelengths of light in promoting energy transfer among pigments involved in photosynthesis, and he discovered the enhancing effect of shorter wavelengths upon the efficiency of long wave red light. Dr. Emerson and Dr. Eugene Rabinowich established and nurtured the growth of a leading center for research in photosynthesis at the University of Illinois. Dr. Emerson received many honors in recognition of his scientific achievements and was a member of the National Academy of Sciences. His brilliant career was brought to a close by his death in a plane crash in 1959.

Eligibility:

Each Department or Program in IB is eligible to nominate three PhD candidates whose studies (including graduation) will likely be completed during the current calendar year.

During the selection process, the IB Fellowship Committee will place strong emphasis upon research promise, excellence in research and teaching, record of publications and presentations at scientific meetings, and upon the quality of the research statement. A significant indicator of research promise will be the student's independent role in defining and carrying out the research project.

Note: Letter of recommendation must stress the independence of the nominee’s research program and should evaluate candidate’s teaching.

Application Procedures:

Each IB Department or Program may submit three candidates. Submit ONLY those items requested under enclosures.

Applicants must complete this form and submit all required materials by February 27th, midnight. Questions may be directed to sibawards@life.illinois.edu.

The Lebus Fund Award

Administered by the Integrative Biology Fellowship Committee, this award provides funds to support meritorious graduate students during the summer. 

The Lebus Fund was established by James Hagan to honor the memory of his aunt, Bertha Lebus.

Purpose:

To provide summer research support for meritorious MS and PhD students at the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in the life sciences and other fields. This award is intended to recognize students with outstanding potential to succeed in their chosen academic field. Multiple awards up to $1,000 will be granted.

Eligibility:

  • Students must be enrolled in a MS or PhD degree-granting program within the School of Integrative Biology.
  • The 2-page, single-spaced, research description should include current research and plans for future research. The research description should include a clear statement of objectives to be accomplished.
  • The letter of recommendation from the applicant’s research advisor should discuss the applicants’ potential to succeed in the chosen academic field.

The Fellowship Committee will place strong emphasis on need, on a clear statement of research objectives, and on the promise of the student for a successful career in their chosen academic field in making its decision.

Application Procedures:

  • Each IB Department or Program may submit up to three candidates. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
  • Submit ONLY those items requested under enclosures.

Applicants must complete this form and submit all required materials by February 27th, midnight. Questions may be directed to sibawards@life.illinois.edu.

The Isabel Norton Award

Administered by the Integrative Biology Fellowship Committee, this award provides funds to support graduate students who are within one year of graduation in order for them to complete their thesis or dissertation research.

Purpose:

To provide research funding for advanced master's and PhD students for the completion of their thesis or dissertation research. This year, award(s) are up to $1,000. The IB Fellowship Committee may choose to make one award of that total amount or two or more awards of lesser amounts to fund or partially fund more than one application.

Eligibility:

  • Graduate students majoring in a program of study sponsored by the School of Integrative Biology are eligible to apply.
  • Applicants must be within one year of graduation from the University of Illinois (MS or PhD program), and the funds requested must be to complete their thesis or dissertation research.
  • Applicants must provide evidence for outstanding academic achievement in the biological sciences.

Allowable Expenses:

  • One or more awards may be made to help defray expenses incurred by students completing their master's thesis or PhD dissertation research.
  • Legitimate expenses include but are not limited to payment of costs of supplies or experiments required for completion of research at the University of Illinois.
  • Requests for routine research supply costs will be given low priority.
  • Grants may not be used to defray ordinary living expenses while attending the University of Illinois, to defray expenses related to meeting requirements for a graduate degree at another university, or for purposes unrelated to academic activities in the biological sciences.
  • Applicants should plan to make use of funds awarded in this competition; moderate extensions may be requested in special circumstances.
  • Applicants are urged to trim their requests to the minimum to permit maximum utilization of available funds.

Application Procedure:

Applicants must complete this form and submit all required materials by February 27th, midnight. Questions may be directed to sibawards@life.illinois.edu. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The Harley J. Van Cleave Research Award

Administered by the Integrative Biology Fellowship Committee, this award provides research support for graduate students investigating new frontiers and demonstrating promise and high aptitude in the fields of Cell and Structural Biology, Physiology, Ecology, Microbiology, Genetics, and related fields.

The School of Integrative Biology announces competition for the Harley J. Van Cleave Research Award. Dr. Van Cleave was a Professor of Zoology at the University of Illinois from 1913-1952. This award is funded by a generous gift from Malcom and Ruth Ferguson to support a graduate student investigating new frontiers and demonstrating promise and high aptitude in the fields of Cell and Structural Biology, Physiology, Ecology, Microbiology, Genetics and related fields. The award is intended to recognize outstanding academic achievement and research potential. Multiple awards up to $1,000 will be granted.

Eligibility:

  • Graduate students majoring in a program of study sponsored by the School of Integrative Biology are eligible to apply.
  • Applicants must provide evidence for outstanding academic achievement in the biological sciences.
  • During the selection process, the IB Fellowship Committee will place strong emphasis upon scholarly excellence and research promise.

Important Notes:

  • Research must be investigating new frontiers and demonstrating promise and high aptitude in the fields of Cell and Structural Biology, Physiology, Ecology, Microbiology, Genetics and related fields.
  • Description of graduate research must include a clear statement of objectives and findings.
  • Committee will place a strong emphasis upon scholarly excellence and research promise.
  • Budget proposal must include a clear statement of objectives to be accomplished, project timelines, and a justification of intended use of funding. This should include current and pending funding from other sources.

Application Procedure:

  • Each Department or Program in IB is eligible to nominate two PhD candidates who have demonstrated excellence in academic achievement and research. Use the application form provided.
  • Submit ONLY those items requested in the application description.

Applicants must complete this form and submit all required materials by February 27th, midnight. Questions may be directed to sibawards@life.illinois.edu.

The Mary F. Willson Graduate Research Fund

This fund was established to help cover the cost of supplies and travel associated with graduate student field research. All graduate students in the School of Integrative Biology who are working in the field of Evolutionary Ecology are eligible to apply.

The Mary F. Willson Graduate Research Fund was established to help cover the cost of supplies and travel associated with graduate student field research.

Eligibility:

All graduate students in the School of Integrative Biology who are working in the field of Evolutionary Ecology are eligible to apply.

Application:

To apply, please submit one copy of each of the following:

  1. A proposal describing the research to be conducted. The proposal should not exceed two single-spaced pages.
  2. A current C.V.
  3. Estimated costs (supplies, travel, lodging, registration, meals, etc.). If travel is by car, will costs be shared with others?
  4. Amount (expected) to be covered from other sources (identify them).
  5. Total amount requested from the Mary F. Willson Graduate Research Fund.
  6. Advisor's letter of endorsement.

Applicants must complete this form and submit all required materials by February 27th, midnight. Questions may be directed to sibawards@life.illinois.edu.

Departmental Awards - Entomology

The Fred H. Schmidt Summer Scholars Award - Entomology

Administered by the Department of Entomology, this award is given to an enrolled entomology student who has a demonstrated need for summer support.

The Fred H. Schmidt Summer Scholars Award, endowed by his niece and nephew Margaret and Ed Larsen, commemorates alumnus Fred H. Schmidt, who received his BS (’57) and an MS in entomology (’59) from the University of Illinois and spent many years at the USDA Forest Service Laboratory in Corvallis, OR. The Schmidt Summer Award is used to support recruitment and retention of students during the summer months. The Schmidt Summer Scholars Award is given to an enrolled, out of state Entomology student who has a demonstrated need for summer support.

Purpose:

This award supports graduate students in entomology during the summer.

Eligibility:

Applicant must be a graduate student in entomology, registered in ENT 599, during the summer. Note: There is no coursework to take in the summer; the applicant must instead be registered for ENT 599, Thesis Research hours to qualify.

Application Procedure:

To apply, please submit one copy of each of the following:

  1. A proposal describing your summer classes, planned scholarly activities, and financial need. The proposal should not exceed two (2) single-spaced pages, not including references.
  2. A current C.V.
  3. Letter of recommendation from your advisor that indicates financial need.

Applicants must complete this form and submit all required materials by February 27th, midnight. Questions may be directed to sibawards@life.illinois.edu.

Departmental Awards - Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior

The Edwin Banks Memorial Fund

Administered by the Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior (EEB), this fund provides supplementary fellowship support for graduate students.

The Edwin Banks Memorial Fund was established by Dr. Banks' wife, Mrs. Hilda Banks, and family to honor his long and distinguished career as a faculty member in the Department of Ecology, Ethology, and Evolution (now EEB) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (1957-1985). Dr. Banks was a pre-eminent researcher in the areas of mammalian sociality and reproduction.

Purpose:

To support graduate student research in animal behavior. Amounts will be awarded following a positive evaluation by the Graduate Programs Committee.

Eligibility:

Any graduate student in the Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior (EEB) studying any aspect of behavior may apply.

Application Procedure:

To apply, please submit one copy of each of the following:

  1. A proposal describing the research to be conducted. The proposal should not exceed two (2) single-spaced pages, not including references.
  2. A current C.V.
  3. Letter of Support from the Advisor.

Applicants must complete this form and submit all required materials by February 27th, midnight. Questions may be directed to sibawards@life.illinois.edu.

The Eugene P. Odum - S. Charles Kendeigh Fund

Administered by the Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior (EEB), this fund provides research support for graduate students in the fields of ecology, behavior, and evolutionary biology.

Dr. Eugene Odum established the Odum-Kendeigh Fund for graduate research in the fields of ecology, behavior, and evolutionary biology, within the Department of EEB, in honor of both: his major professor, Dr. Charles Kendeigh, and the Department of Zoology (now EEB) from which he received his PhD. Dr. Odum is one of the most influential figures in the field of ecology. He has been dubbed "the father of modern ecology" and is credited with pioneering the concept of the ecosystem. His textbook Fundamentals of Ecology, published in 1953, was the catalyst that changed ecology from the study of the microcosm to the study of the macrocosm. Dr. Odum was inducted into the Ecology Hall of Fame in 2002.

Purpose:

To support graduate student research in ecology, behavior, and evolutionary biology. Multiple summer research awards of up to $1,000 will be granted, and one or more requests receiving positive evaluations by the Graduate Programs Committee will be funded.

Eligibility:

Applicants must be graduate students in the Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior (EEB).

Application Procedure:

To apply, please submit one copy of each of the following:

  1. A proposal describing the research to be conducted. The proposal should not exceed two (2) single-spaced pages, not including references.
  2. A current C.V.
  3. Letter of Support from the Advisor.

Applicants must complete this form and submit all required materials by February 27th, midnight. Questions may be directed to sibawards@life.illinois.edu.

The EEB Summer Block Grant

Administered by the Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior (EEB), this grant is funded by the graduate college block grant program and provides stipend support for continuing graduate students over the summer months.

The EEB Summer Block Grant is funded by the graduate college block grant program and provides stipend support for continuing graduate students over the summer months.

Eligibility:

All graduate students in the Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior (EEB) may apply.

Application Procedure:

To apply, please submit one copy of each of the following:

  1. A proposal describing the research to be conducted. The proposal should not exceed two (2) single-spaced pages, not including references.
  2. A current C.V.
  3. Letter of Support from the Advisor.

Applicants must complete this form and submit all required materials by February 27th, midnight. Questions may be directed to sibawards@life.illinois.edu.

Departmental Awards - Plant Biology

The Govindjee and Rajni Govindjee Award for Excellence
in Biological Research

Administered by the Department of Plant Biology, only in odd years, this award provides research support for any student conducting research in plant biology.

Applications will be accepted, only in odd years, for the Govindjee and Rajni Govindjee Award for Excellence in Biological Research.

Govindjee is Professor Emeritus of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Plant Biology at the University of Illinois. He studied with the founding fathers of photosynthesis research and Govindjee now stands among the discipline's luminaries. From his seminal research on the mechanisms of Photosystem II and chlorophyll fluorescence by plants to his recent unique work on the history of photosynthesis research, Govindjee's scientific reach and impact are considerable. He once was introduced with the opening assertion, "We depend upon photosynthesis and photosynthesis depends upon Govindjee." Dr. Rajni Govindjee, who also studied with the founding fathers of photosynthesis research, made fundamental discoveries on the two-light effect and two-pigment system in the Hill Reaction in chloroplasts and then on the molecular mechanism of proton transport in bacteriorhodopsin from Halobacterium halobium, using site-directed mutants.

The Govindjee and Rajni Govindjee Award for Excellence in Biological Research was established in 2006 to support expenses for students conducting research in any aspect of Plant Biology. The award will be up to $3,000. Applicants must be full-time graduate students currently enrolled in the any of the graduate programs administered by the School of Integrative Biology and the School of Cell and Molecular Biology.

To apply, please submit the following:

  1. Your curriculum vitae (with current GPA).
  2. A brief cover letter describing your research and how you will use these funds.
  3. A letter of recommendation from your advisor.

Applicants must complete this form and submit all required materials by February 27th, midnight. Questions may be directed to sibawards@life.illinois.edu.

The Harold C. and Sonja L. Labinsky Award

Harold C. and Sonja L. Labinsky have established an award for students working with faculty in the Department of Plant Biology that use plant genetics in their research program.

The award may be given to:

  1. recognize graduate student research achievements using the methods and approaches of plant genetics,
  2. recognize meritorious research using the methods and approaches of plant genetics by an undergraduate, or
  3. as support for participation by a graduate student in a scientific workshop or meeting that will assist in the application of genetic approaches to the student's thesis research.

Call for Nominations:

The Harold C. and Sonja L. Labinsky Award committee requests nominations from the faculty of the Department of Plant Biology.

The nomination package should include:

  1. A two-page summary, written by the nominated student, detailing their overall research accomplishments, including clear linkages to their use of the methods and approaches of plant genetics, defined in the broadest possible terms ranging from research examining mutant phenotypes to ecosystem level questions in population genetics.
  2. A letter of recommendation from the nominating faculty member of Department of Plant Biology.
  3. A copy of their transcripts at the University of Illinois (unofficial copies are acceptable); submit your transcript as an additional file using the application form below.

Applicants must complete this form and submit all required materials by February 27th, midnight. Questions may be directed to sibawards@life.illinois.edu.

The John R. Laughnan Fund

Administered by the Department of Plant Biology, this fund provides support for graduates students in the Department of Plant Biology for travel to scientific meetings.

The John R. Laughnan Fund was established in 1995 to support travel to scientific meetings for graduate students in the Department of Plant Biology at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Retroactive awards normally will not be considered.

Eligibility:

Applicants must be full-time graduate students currently enrolled in graduate studies in the Department of Plant Biology. Applicants must be presenting either a talk or a poster in a national or international scientific meeting, as opposed to merely attending. Both the research and scholarship record of the applicant will be considered. Students who previously received a Laughnan award will not be eligible a second time.

Application:

Applications should include the following information:

  • Curriculum Vitae (CV).
  • Advisor’s letter of endorsement.
  • A document including:
    • Name, location and date(s) of meeting to be attended. A statement about the benefits of attendance must be included.
    • Copy of abstract or paper to be presented: has it been accepted for the program?
    • Estimated costs of attending the meeting by category (travel, lodging, registration, meals, etc.). If travel is by car, will costs be shared with others?
    • Amount (expected) to be covered from other sources (identify them).
    • Total amount requested from the J.R. Laughnan Fund.

Applicants must complete this form and submit all required materials by February 27th, midnight. Questions may be directed to sibawards@life.illinois.edu.

It is expected that if, for any reason, the travel cannot be accomplished or there are anticipated changes, the Graduate Affairs Committee must be notified at once. If there is an opportunity in the student's presentation to acknowledge the John R. Laughnan award, it would be greatly appreciated.

Program in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology (PEEC) Awards

The PEEC Summer Research Assistantship

Administered by the Program in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology (PEEC), this assistantship provides stipend support for graduate students over the summer months.

Purpose:

The PEEC Summer Research Assistantship provides stipend support for graduate students for 1-2 summer months.

Eligibility:

Applicants must be MS or PhD students in PEEC.

Application:

To apply, please submit one copy of each of the following:

  1. A proposal describing the research to be conducted. The proposal should not exceed two (2) single-spaced pages, not including references.
  2. A current C.V.
  3. Recommendation letter from Advisor to support the student request.

Applicants must complete this form and submit all required materials by February 27th, midnight. Questions may be directed to sibawards@life.illinois.edu.

The PEEC Summer Research Grant

Administered by the Program in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology (PEEC), this grant provides research funds for graduate students over the summer months.

Purpose:

The PEEC Summer Research Grant provides research funds for graduate students over the summer months.

Eligibility:

Applicants must be MS or PhD students in PEEC and use the funding for research expenses between May 15 and August 10, 2022.

Application:

To apply, please submit one copy of each of the following:

  1. A proposal describing the research to be conducted. The proposal should not exceed two (2) single-spaced pages, not including references.
  2. A budget indicating how the research grant funding will be used before August 10, 2022.
  3. A current C.V.
  4. Recommendation letter from Advisor certifying that the requested funds are required for the student's research.

Applicants must complete this form and submit all required materials by February 27th, midnight. Questions may be directed to sibawards@life.illinois.edu.

Mentoring Award

The Sharon Gray Memorial Award

The objective of the Sharon Gray Memorial Award is to support a post-doctoral researcher or graduate student and their undergraduate mentee. All postdoctoral fellows and graduate students supervised by faculty in the School of Integrative Biology are eligible to be nominated.

This fund was set up by Cody Markelz in honor of his wife, Sharon Gray, who was killed in an accident in Ethiopia in 2016. Sharon received her PhD in Plant Biology in 2013. In addition to her outstanding science, she was an exceptional teacher and mentor for undergraduates.

The objective of the Sharon Gray Memorial Award is to support a post-doctoral researcher or graduate student and their undergraduate mentee.

Eligibility:

All postdoctoral fellows and graduate students supervised by faculty in the School of Integrative Biology are eligible to be nominated.

Application:

To apply, please submit one copy of each of the following:

  1. The nomination letter, written by the faculty member, should identify the postdoc or graduate student mentor and undergraduate student mentee(s) and clearly describe the mentoring relationship and the science it has produced or is expected to produce following the completion of the project. Additional information regarding the postdoc or grad student’s record of mentoring and teaching should also be included.
  2. A CV for both the mentor and mentee(s).

Nominators may submit their materials to the form at go.illinois.edu/SIBAwardReference by February 27th, midnight. Questions may be directed to sibawards@life.illinois.edu.

Illinois Natural History Survey Awards

The following awards have separate application instructions and deadlines; please read each carefully.

The R. Weldon Larimore/Jordan Creek Endowment Fund

Administered by the Illinois Natural History Survey, a part of the Prairie Research Institute at the University of Illinois, this scholarship provides research support for graduate students conducting research in the area of stream ecology.

Invitation for Larimore Stream Ecology Internship Application

The family and friends of Dr. R. Weldon Larimore have established a legacy fund in honor of his long and distinguished career at the Illinois Natural History Survey (1946-2002) and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (1969-1988). Dr. Larimore is a pre-eminent researcher in the area of stream ecology and a pioneer in many research techniques used today. His research has taken him all over the world, but Dr. Larimore's passion was the study of Jordan Creek in Vermilion County, Illinois. The establishment of this fund is to maintain ongoing research in stream ecology, a vital and important part of natural history and aquatic biology.

This biennial internship with the Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS) Stream Ecology Lab will provide you with real-world research experience. It is a great opportunity for individuals interested in pursuing a graduate program in stream or aquatic ecology. The position will involve a mix of field and office work under the mentorship of a senior stream ecologist. Fieldwork will be focused on Jordan Creek in Vermilion County, Illinois (approximately 40 minutes away from UI campus).

Successful applicants will learn a suite of aquatic ecology research skills including:

  • Water quality measurement & habitat quality assessment
  • Electrofishing and macroinvertebrate sampling
  • Fish identification and measurement
  • Statistical analysis of aquatic biodiversity and community structure
  • Scientific writing

The internship includes an award totaling $4,000 as well as travel and supply reimbursement up to $500. If no suitable applications are received, the committee reserves the right not to fund the internship in the current year.

Eligibility:

Any students currently enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program with the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana are eligible to apply. Individuals engaged in degree programs in environmental sciences, natural resources, biology, animal biology, and entomology will receive highest consideration. Must possess a valid driver’s license and ability to drive a University vehicle.

Application Procedure:

Applicants should submit the following

  • Resume/C.V.
  • Unofficial transcripts including courses taken and grades
  • Two letters of recommendation

Closing Date:

Award is offered every other year.
The next award will be available in 2024
Please look for a call for applications in March 2024.

Submit Completed Application by Closing Date to:

Dr. Yong Cao, yongcao@illinois.edu.
Include the email subject: Stream Ecology Summer Internship.
Attach all application materials as PDF files.

More Information:

For specific questions about the internship please contact Dr. Yong Cao at 217-244-6847 or yongcao@illinois.edu.

For more information about Dr. Larimore or past endowment fund projects please see:
stream-ecology.inhs.illinois.edu/opportunities/larimore-internship.

For more information about the Illinois Natural History Survey, please visit: inhs.illinois.edu.

The William H. Luckmann Award for Research in Applied Entomology

Administered by a committee from the Illinois Natural History Survey, The William H. Luckmann Award for Research in Applied Entomology provides funds to support undergraduate or graduate student attendance and presentation of research results at the annual meeting of the Entomological Society of America (ESA) or a meeting of another appropriate professional society.

Applications will be accepted until 5 pm, Friday, 22 March 2024 for The William H. Luckmann Award for Research in Applied Entomology. This award provides funds to support student attendance and presentation of research at this year's Entomological Society of America (ESA) Meeting, or a meeting of another appropriate professional society within 12 calendar months following receipt of the award.

The Award:

Dr. William H. Luckmann served as a researcher and administrator for applied entomological programs at the Illinois Natural History Survey from 1949 through 1984. His work contributed greatly to advances in integrated pest management in field and vegetable crops. Upon his retirement, an endowment was established to foster and reward research in applied entomology.

The first William H. Luckmann Award was granted in 1994. This year's award will provide up to $1,000 for travel, lodging, and related expenses for presenting research results at the North Central Branch, ESA, Annual Meeting of the ESA, or a meeting of another appropriate professional scientific society. Participation in professional society meetings provides students with valuable experience and professional contacts.

Eligibility:

Current graduate and undergraduate students at the University of Illinois are eligible to compete for this award. Research may be carried out in any department of the University, may be basic and/or applied, but should have some focus on aspects of applied entomology such as arthropod pest management, use of insects in biological control programs, pollinators, or natural areas health. The research may be carried out for agricultural, horticultural, urban, medical or natural areas systems. Previous award winners are not eligible to apply.

To Apply:

Completion of application form and a brief written summary of the applicant's research goals, methods, and results is required. Please submit the application as one document.

Application Must Be Received By: 5 pm, Friday, 22 March 2024.

I. Applicant Information (submitted as Page 1)

  • Name:
  • Address:
  • Phone:
  • E-mail address:
  • Degree for which research was conducted (BS, MS or PhD):
  • Academic Department:
  • Advisor:
  • Title of thesis, dissertation, or research report:
  • Year(s) during which research was conducted:
  • Indicate the meeting you intend to use this award to attend?

II. Research Summary-maximum 2 additional pages, single-spaced, 12-point font. (Reference list is not included in page count.)

  • An explanation of the purpose of your research, including background on the context of your research topic.
  • A brief summary of your methods and results.
  • A discussion of how your findings might contribute to your applied entomology discipline.
  • A brief explanation about why the meeting you plan to attend is appropriate for presentation of your work.

Please submit the application (Sections I and II) as one document, either as MS Word or PDF. Email the completed application to: spencer1@illinois.edu
Questions can be directed to Dr. Chris Stone at the above email address.

Application must be received by: 5 pm, Friday, 25 March 2022.

The Herbert Holdsworth Ross Memorial Fund

Administered by a faculty committee from the Illinois Natural History Survey and the Department of Entomology, this fund provides research support for graduate students in the field of systematics, including taxonomy, phylogeny, biogeography, and related subjects.

Charles A. Ross and June R. P. Ross Fund established the Fund in honor of Charles A. Ross' parents, Dr. Herbert Holdsworth Ross and Jean Alexander Ross for their many accomplishments in education and research, he in entomology and she in zoology.

Dr. Herbert Holdsworth Ross was one of the most productive entomologists in North America. He produced about 220 scientific publications, including six books and chapters in seven others. Dr. Ross was a leader of several professional organizations, including president of the Entomological Society of America, Society for the Study of Evolution, and Society of Systematic Zoology. A Guggenheim Fellow, Dr. Ross was also a fellow of both the Entomological Society and the Royal Entomological Society of London.

Jean Alexander Ross was not only Herbert Holdsworth Ross' devoted wife of 46 years but also shared his deep love of biological science and was his valued colleague. After obtaining her bachelor's and master's degrees, she came to the University of Illinois and worked with Dr. Harley J. Van Cleave in his studies of Acanthocephala intestinal parasites. Mrs. Ross published papers on zoology laboratory techniques and co-authored several of Dr. Van Cleave's Acanthocephala papers. She also played a prominent role in the development and writing of her husband's Textbook of Entomology. An accomplished artist, she drew many of the original illustrations in the Textbook of Entomology and re-drew and clarified many other drawings in the book.

Purpose:

The Herbert H. Ross Memorial Fund supports research in biological systematics, including taxonomy, phylogeny, biogeography, and related subjects. Individual awards up to $6,000 will be made.

Eligibility:

Staff, faculty, and graduate students of the Illinois Natural History Survey and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign are eligible for this award. Multi-investigator proposals must have as the principal investigator (PI) someone who meets these eligibility requirements.

Application:

Submit proposal as either Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF files to Dr. Kevin Johnson, kpjohnso@illinois.edu.

 

For Detailed instructions please click on the file below. 

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Closing Date:  March 11, 2024

The Phillip W. Smith Memorial Fund

Administered by a committee from the Illinois Natural History Survey, this fund provides research support for graduate students in the fields of systematics or ecology of living organisms.

Dorothy M. Smith and friends established the Fund in honor of her husband, Dr. Philip W. Smith, in recognition of his many accomplishments in education and research.

Dr. Smith was a renowned herpetologist and ichthyologist. He was intensely interested in the taxonomy, natural history, and distributions of animals. After completing his PhD at the University of Illinois, he spent his entire career at the Illinois Natural History Survey, retiring in 1979. He served as curator of the fish, reptile, and amphibian collections, as a researcher, and administrator. For the last 14 years of his career, he also served as a Professor of Zoology at the University of Illinois. He produced over 100 scientific publications. He is probably best known for his two authoritative monographs, The Amphibians and Reptiles of Illinois (1961) and The Fishes of Illinois (1979).

Purpose:

The Philip W. Smith Memorial Fund supports research in any area of natural history, including, but not limited to, ecology, behavior, conservation biology, and systematics. Award amounts are typically up to $1,000.

Eligibility:

Staff and graduate students of the Illinois Natural History Survey and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign are eligible for this award. Multi-investigator proposals must have as the principal investigator (PI) someone who meets these eligibility requirements.

Application Instructions: 

Proposals are expected to be carefully written and succinct. Those not following the prescribed format, lacking any category below, or exceeding the page limit will be immediately rejected. It is highly recommended that proposals be proofed by colleagues or faculty advisors before submission.

The Abstract, Background, Objectives, Methods, and Significance of Research combined must not exceed three single-spaced pages, with a minimum 12-point font and 1-inch (2.5 cm) margins. Literature Cited, figures, tables, and Budget and Budget Description are not included in this limit. All pages must have a header that includes the award name (Smith Memorial Fund), the PI's last name, and the page number (numbered consecutively).

The following categories must be included in the proposal, in this order (if figures and tables are included, they should follow the Literature Cited):

  • Title: must be short but convey topic adequately.
  • Full Name.
  • Address, Phone, E-mail.
  • Affiliation: INHS or U of I Department.
  • Graduate Advisor: for graduate students.
  • Abstract: stand-alone paragraph summarizing the problem, objectives, methods, and significance of the project.
  • Background: succinctly state the issues you are trying to address, including the broader context for your project.
  • Objectives: clearly state what hypotheses you intend to address or what accomplishments are expected from the research.
  • Methods: succinctly state the methods you will use. Illustrations may help in this regard.
  • Proposed Timeline: include a timeline for your research including an estimated end date.
  • Significance of Research: how will this study aid you in attaining your research goals, impact the scientific community, and be useful to society in general?
  • Literature Cited: citing current literature allows reviewers to assess how well PIs know their discipline. Please cite literature in the text, where appropriate, and include full bibliographic information in this section.
  • Budget and Budget Description: present a budget that clearly shows how Smith Memorial Fund funds will be used. You may state in the Budget Description how these funds relate to a larger project, but we do not want to see the budget for that project. Budget categories normally used are Personnel, Supplies, Travel, Contractual Services, and Equipment. Overhead is not allowed on these funds. In the Budget Description, explain how the figures presented in the budget were calculated and provide any additional budgetary information you feel is appropriate. The Budget and Budget Description must not exceed one page in length.
  • A Curriculum Vitae for each investigator (no transcripts).

Application Procedure:

Submit proposal as either Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF files to Dr. Jeff Hoover, j-hoover@illinois.edu.

Closing Date:

March 29, 2024