Search: Student funding opps, Natural Sciences

Mission: Each year, the Nathan and Violet David Scholars Program gives talented and service-minded students the opportunity to participate in undergraduate research in the sciences. It is the mission of this program to facilitate positive social change by enabling students with promising talent, but financial need to participate in undergraduate research, gain admission to a competitive graduate programs, and thus have the choice to pursue scientific careers at the highest level. The David Scholars Program now includes a public service component. Through a scientific community outreach program that includes volunteer teaching and mentoring in public schools located in low-income areas, undergraduate David Scholars will create scientific enthusiasm in children from low-income backgrounds who would otherwise not be directly exposed to scientific research. Such "scientific evangelism" may increase the number of future scientists from diverse economic backgrounds. The Award: The Nathan and Violet David Scholars Program enables talented undergraduates who demonstrate capability and zeal for science to engage in unpaid laboratory research during the term and over the summer by providing financial assistance so that students do not have to work. Beginning in Spring 2002, three students will be chosen as new David Scholars each year. In addition, scholars receiving the award as juniors will be eligible to apply for the continued support of the NVDF in their senior year. Program benefits include: • $6,500 as a summer scholarship to pursue an independent research project in a campus lab. This money will cover the students' summer living costs and pay for expenses associated with application to graduate school. • $6,000 for the academic year to eliminate or reduce the student's need to work or go more deeply into debt. • Up to $4,000 will be available for each new scholarship recipient to purchase research supplies, to pay for conference fees, and to travel to and from conferences. Of this money, $2,000 will be allocated for a one-time purchase of a personal computer. • Up to $2,000 will be available for supplies and expenses for scholars renewing for a second year • An opportunity to inspire future scientists via teaching and mentoring in local public schools. • Two events during the year to create community and discuss research.

Objective: The purpose of these grants is to provide research opportunities for undergraduates in the biological sciences during the academic year, especially for students whose financial need would make such work difficult on an unpaid basis. The emphasis of this program has been to increase the number of students from underrepresented ethnic groups and women doing research. However, all qualified undergraduates are encouraged to apply and have an equal chance for awards based on ability and drive. This research program also seeks to enhance interaction among the peer group of undergraduate researchers by encouraging student-run activities to include seminars, research ethics, and career planning sessions. All students working in undergraduate research in the biological sciences are included in these activities. Grants: Ten grants of $1500 will be awarded for the semester. These are stipends for research activities, and thus you can also receive course credit for your research. The intent of these awards is to supplement and not replace university or federal grants or scholarships. Eligibility: * A laboratory position arranged prior to when you apply for this grant. * An interest in pursuing a career in some aspect of the biological sciences. * Some laboratory experience (whether in university coursework or work outside the university). * Awards in previous summers or semesters do not guarantee an award this year. * Prior awards also do not disqualify one from receiving a subsequent award. * Financial need must be justified, and this does not mean that you must now be receiving financial aid.

The EPA provides funding through six different fellowships. The fellowships are 1)STAR Fellowships, 2) GRO Graduate Fellowships, 3)GRO Undergraduate Fellowhips, 4)American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Science and Engineering Fellows Program, 5)Association of Schools of Public Health (ASPH) Fellows Program, and 6) EPA Marshall Scholarship Program.