Scholarships

UMass Amherst offers multiple scholarships specifically aimed at undergraduate students studying or working with insects, plus more general scholarships that club members may be eligible for. Applications are conducted through UMass AcademicWorks. These scholarships are not associated with the Fernald Club, but all UMass undergrads interested in insects should consider applying for them!

Entomology Scholarships

Deadline: 4/15/2025

Henry B. Peirson Endowment Fund

The Henry B. Peirson Endowment Fund supports a scholarship for at least one student with need who is studying forest and shade tree insects.

Henry H. and Sylvia Richardson Scholarship

The Henry H. and Sylvia Richardson Scholarship is awarded to one or more undergraduate students studying entomology at UMass Amherst on the basis of financial need. Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better and provide two letters of recommendation from faculty. Preference will be given to U.S. citizens.

Robert W. Burrell Memorial Scholarship in Entomology

The Robert W. Burrell Memorial Scholarship in Entomology supports undergraduates studying entomology in the College of Natural Sciences. The recipients shall be rising sophomores, juniors, or seniors who demonstrate financial need and academic ability (demonstrated by a GPA of 3.0 or above in the most recent marking period). Preference shall be given to students interested in biological control or entomology research.

Biology Department Scholarships

Deadline: 4/14/2025

Undergraduate students conducting research on insects may also be eligible for these scholarships offered by the UMass Biology Department. These scholarships are not insect-specific and are generally open only to biology majors, or to students of any major working in a biology lab.

David M. and Nancy Winsor Clayton Biology Scholarship

Established to provide annual scholarships for rising juniors or seniors majoring in biology and interested in pursuing a biology career. Preference will be given to a socioeconomically disadvantaged student, who is disproportionately impacted by the lack of resources to continue their educational pursuits. The scholarship may be awarded for up to 4 (four) semesters as long as the recipient maintains a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater. Should the recipient fall below the required GPA, they will have two semesters to bring their GPA up to 3.0. Their GPA cannot fall below 2.75.

Doctors Irving and Joan Ratner Endowment Fund

Established to support undergraduate research in the Department of Biology. The award will provide support for undergraduate biology majors conducting research with a Biology faculty member over the summer or during the academic year. Applicants must 1) provide a brief (~1 pg single spaced) summary of proposed research with clear objectives for the funding period, 2) identify a research lab where the work will take place, 3) an updated CV, 4) a brief letter of support from the PI indicating the lab has the resources required to complete the proposed research.

Kofi Cash Award

The Kofi Cash Award is given to a well-rounded student with a passion for research. The award recipient must be an undergraduate student who is currently working in a lab in the Biology Department (but need not be a biology major) and have a demonstrated enthusiasm for research. GPA is not the sole criterion. Preference will be given to applicants within the Commonwealth Honors College. Applicants with a late start in the research arena are welcome to apply. A letter of support from the applicant’s advisor and an unofficial copy of transcript are required.

Theresa Biuso Maravelas Memorial Scholarship

The Theresa Biuso Maravelas Memorial Scholarship provides financial support for an undergraduate student in the Department of Biology. The scholarship is awarded annually to a student who is a rising junior or senior, has a minimum GPA of 3.0, and demonstrates financial need, as determined by the Financial Aid Office. Preference will be given to students transferring from a community college within Massachusetts. The recipient of this scholarship will receive funding for one year only.

Applicants must submit a resume (no more than 2 pages); one letter of reference; and a one-page statement explaining their passion for biology, especially in the context of research. The statement may also cite classwork, community service, and/or biological experiences outside UMass.

William and Margaret Nutting Award

The purpose of the William and Margaret Nutting Scholarship is to recognize and reward achievement of excellence by an undergraduate at the University of Massachusetts in the biological sciences. The award is named in honor of the late distinguished zoology professor and his wife, an artist who assisted him. The funds for the scholarship were generously donated by Professor Nutting’s former students. The award is given to freshman, sophomore, or junior students who have an overall grade point average of at least 3.0 in both general and biological science courses after a minimum of 12 science credits have been completed. Applicants must submit a resume (no more than 2 pages); a one-page statement describing their contributions to society beyond the boundaries of the laboratory or field; two letters of reference that address the applicant’s “high moral standards and commitment to excellence as a member of the community.”

Environmental Conservation Department Scholarships

Deadline: 4/14/2025

Many scholarships are offered by the UMass Environmental Conservation department for undergraduate students majoring in Natural Resources Conservation or Environmental Science, and graduate students in the Environmental Conservation program. These scholarships are not insect-specific.

https://www.umass.edu/environmental-conservation/current-students/awards-scholarships