Undergraduate Scholarships and Awards 

The Odum School of Ecology believes in the growth and development of our undergraduate students. That’s why we’ve worked with our alumni and friends to establish thousands of dollars in scholarships to support our students’ participation in impactful pursuits such as research, experiential learning, internships and more. In addition to scholarships, OSE also recognizes the accomplishments of our students by providing named awards for leadership and/or service, exemplary undergraduate research and outstanding involvement in sustainability and conservation.

Scholarships are available to support Ecology undergraduates in: 

• Research and research-related expenses 
• Study away 
• Internship expenses 
• Conference expenses 
• Study away/internships/research in coastal ecosystems 
• Other expenses related to Experiential Learning 
• Sustainable projects 
• Service-learning expenses 
• Hosting workshops/community projects/guest speakers/etc. 

Scholarships are up to $2,000 each and will be deposited directly into the recipient’s student account. A portion of the above scholarships will be made available as need-based. 

Deadlines: 

• October 15 at 5 p.m.- For fall and spring activities 
• February 20 at 5 p.m.– For spring, Maymester and summer activities 

Application Requirements: 

• Must be in good academic standing (3.0 grade point average or higher)
• Resume or CV (1-2 pages)
• Short essay based on the type of scholarship selected:
  • Research and research-related expenses
    • (500-700 words) Research proposal:
      • Please provide an abstract of your proposed or ongoing research. Abstracts should address the goal(s) of the research or central question(s), the approach being taken to address those goals (experimental, field observation, computational), and a statement of why the research is interesting or important from an ecological or applied perspective.
    • (150-300 words) Plan of work:
      • Please discuss the plan of work for your research and how you will distribute the time devoted to your research. Be as specific as possible. This may include literature to be reviewed, analysis of data, discussion, presentation of results, writing, etc.
    • For a sustainable project:
      • Project information:
        Project title, proposer’s name(s) and email address(es)
      • (200 words) Project objective and significance:
        Explanation of the project’s main objective and how it addresses ecological dimensions of sustainability.
      • (800 words) Project description:
        Explanation of how the project will achieve its objective and a timeline for the project. The description should specify any potential consultations or permissions that may need to be sought by campus offices in order to conduct the project. (Applicants do not need to seek such consultations and permissions prior to applying.) Demonstration of background research into related projects elsewhere via the citation of primary literature should be included as support for feasibility of the proposed project.
      • Proposed Budget:
        A table describing the project’s expenses that clearly links to the project description. A budget justification of up to 200 words can also be included if needed to explain the expenses.
      • OSE Faculty Endorsement:
        Name and email address of an OSE faculty or staff member(s) who endorses the project. Endorsing the project signifies that this person has discussed the project with you and thinks the project is a good idea, not that they are responsible for overseeing the project.
    • For all others:
      • (500-700 words) Statement describing:
        • How this opportunity will affect your academic, professional and/or personal development
        • How financial support from OSE will affect your engagement in the activity, including your travel plans (if applicable, with dates and location).
• Name and contact information of faculty member who has agreed to serve as a reference: 
  • Only needed for research, study–away scholarships, conferences and workshops/community projects/guest speakers.

Apply here for Odum School of Ecology Scholarships:

Recognition awards for undergraduate Ecology majors: 

• Recognition for student leadership and/or significant contributions to OSE and beyond. The Thelma Richardson and Frank Golley Undergraduate Award. (Must be a junior or senior.) 
• Recognition for exemplary undergraduate research. The Josh Laerm Memorial Award. (Must be a senior.) 
• Recognition for outstanding involvement in sustainability and conservation on campus and beyond. The Rutherford Seydel Sustainability Award.

Awards will be up to $2,000 and will be in the form of a scholarship deposited directly into the recipient’s student account. 

Deadline: March 1 at 5 p.m. 

Application Requirements for Recognition Awards: 

• Must be in good academic standing (3.0 grade point average or higher) 
• Written statements: 
  • For recognition for student leadership and/or significant contributions to OSE and beyond. The Thelma Richardson and Frank Golley Undergraduate Award. 
    • (750 words or less) Statement describing: 
      • Your involvement in the Odum School to date, highlighting key contributions and achievements you have made in leadership and/or service to the Odum School or broader community. 
  • Recognition for exemplary undergraduate research. The Josh Laerm Memorial Award. 
    • (500 words or less) Statement describing: 
      • Your engagement in research and/or internship activities in the Odum School of Ecology and/or UGA to date. 
      • Your plans for continued engagement in research/internship activities, along with an estimated timeline for future activities. 
      • The research or internship expenses for which this award will be used. 
      • How receiving this award will help you reach your professional goals. 
  • Recognition for outstanding involvement in sustainability and conservation on campus and beyond. The Rutherford Seydel Sustainability Award. 
    • (750 words or less) Statement describing: 
      • Your involvement as a leader in making UGA a more sustainable campus and enhancing the quality of life on campus and beyond. 
• Letters of support: 
  • Recognition for student leadership and/or significant contributions to OSE and beyond. The Thelma Richardson and Frank Golley Undergraduate Award. 
    • Two letters of support from a reference who can speak to your leadership and/or service contributions. At least one letter must be from a faculty member in the Odum School of Ecology. 
  • Recognition for exemplary undergraduate research. The Josh Laerm Memorial Award. 
    • One letter of support from a mentor or TA who can provide insight into your research contributions. 
  • Recognition for outstanding involvement in sustainability and conservation on campus and beyond. The Rutherford Seydel Sustainability Award. 
    • One letter of support from a mentor or TA who can provide insight into your sustainability and conservation involvement on campus and beyond.
  • The reference(s) must submit a signed letter of support on your behalf directly to the undergraduate program coordinator (Amanda Rugenski, [email protected]) by March 7. Applicants are responsible for making reference(s) aware of the deadline. 

Apply here for Odum School of Ecology Recognition Awards:

Horseshoe Bend Georgia Power Award 

This award supports an undergraduate ecology major’s research and/or internship activities at UGA in honor of Dr. Josh Laerm, a former UGA professor, Curator of Zoological Collections, and Director of the Museum of Natural History. Award funds can be used to support research-related travel expenses and publishing expenses, conference participation, internship-related expenses or other professional training.

Teacher Awards

Ecology Educator Award

The Odum School of Ecology Educator Award recognizes outstanding educators from around the country who have supported and inspired their students to study ecology and achieve at high levels. This award allows OSE to honor and celebrate educators who motivate and inspire future ecologists.

Applications will be reviewed by the Undergraduate Committee, which is made up of several faculty members, staff and students in late October and late February/early March. The committee will make selections, and then the chosen scholarship recipients will be notified by November 15 for the fall deadline and March 20 for the spring deadlines. 
 
These scholarships are made possible by the generosity of Odum School alumni and friends who believe in our students’ potential to make a lasting impact. They recognize that the future of our planet depends on ecological leadership—and they see Odum students as future leaders ready to lead that charge!

Thank you to our impactful supporters of the Ron Carroll and Carol Hoffman Costa Rica Travel Scholarship, Thelma Richardson and Frank Golley Undergraduate Scholarship, James W. and Karen G. Porter Undergraduate Research Scholarship, Ray Jakubczak and Mary Ann Hollick Undergraduate Research Scholarship, the Birkley Heynan Coastal Resilience Scholarship, Josh Laerm Memorial Scholarship, Rutherford Seydel Sustainability Scholarship, Odum School Coastal Resilience Scholarship, and Odum School Experiential Learning Scholarship. 

Additional Resources

Some scholarships require financial need for eligibility. To be considered, students must apply for financial aid through the UGA Office of Financial Aid and will need to complete a FAFSA application.