Scholarships and Awards offered in the Spring

The Howieson Opportunity Fund has been established to assist KU undergraduate students who wish to travel to off-campus research laboratories, field research sites, or academic/scientific conferences.

Eligibility: Any undergraduate student conducting research in the biological sciences at the University of Kansas is eligible. Priority is given to applications that include active research and/or intent to present papers/posters at scientific conferences. The amount of the award will be based on a budget provided by the student (budget cap of $1500).

HOWIESON OPPORTUNITY FUND WINNERS

Mrs. Jeanne Ellermeier graduated from KU, and worked for 39 years as a medical technologist and research technician in what was formerly the Division of Biological Sciences at KU, retiring in 1996.

Eligibility:This award is for undergraduate doing biochemical research.

Jeanne Ellermeier Award Winners

Established by colleagues and former students in honor of Dr. Paul Kitos, Emeritus Professor of Molecular Biosciences. Dr. Kitos retired from the Department of Biochemistry (now part of Molecular Biosciences) in 1996 after 37 years of teaching. This award is used to enhance research opportunities for undergraduate students working in Molecular Biosciences.

This fund shall be used to provide awards for deserving undergraduates in Molecular Biosciences. These awards are based on achievement in a research laboratory.

Paul A. Kitos Opportunity Winners

This award was established in memory of Nathan B. Parker, Ph.D., through the generosity of his family and friends. Dr. Parker earned his bachelor’s and Ph.D. in microbiology at KU, after which he began a biology teaching career at Austin Community College in Austin, Texas.

This $1000 award gives preference to graduating biology seniors who are pursuing acceptance to a master’s or Ph.D. program in biology or a related field. Award funds are meant to help alleviate financial costs associated with program application fees, moving expenses, or costs of attending an academic/scientific conference

Nathan B. Parker Award Winners

Established in 1989 through contributions received from family and friends of Lance S. Foster. Lance was a native of Stillwater, Oklahoma, and a transfer from Oklahoma State University. He earned his bachelor's degrees (granted posthumously in 1989) in Systematics and Ecology and Political Science from The University of Kansas. Lance lived in Stephenson Scholarship Hall for three years of his undergraduate studies and was actively involved in scholarship hall government; he also rose to the highest student position of program director at radio station KJHK. Lance supplemented his course work through his involvement with the KU Democrats and Biology Club. He was also voted a life member of Phi Beta Kappa. In his spare time, Lance enjoyed playing guitar, running, and intramural sports. He died on May 7, 1989, at the age of 23. 

Through the generosity of the Foster family, the KU Undergraduate Biology Program will present an award of $1000 to an outstanding KU Junior majoring in biology and planning on further study or work in any area of biology

Lance S. Foster Award Winners

This fund will present up to $1500 to an undergraduate student studying biological sciences at the University of Kansas. Priority is given to applicants with demonstrated financial need.

Smiley Gillian Fund Winners

Established in memory of Professor R. T. Hersh to honor an outstanding graduating senior in the Human Biology program whose course of study best exemplifies the interdisciplinary nature of the scientific study of humans, their origins, development, biology, and behavior. The idea for a human-oriented biology curriculum grew from Dr. Hersh's interaction with undergraduate students and discussions with colleagues. Dr. Hersh was Director of the Human Biology Program until his retirement in 1995. During his tenure at KU, Dr. Hersh was chair of the Biochemistry Department (now part of Molecular Biosciences). His dedication to teaching earned him an Outstanding Educator Award in 1973 and the Chancellor's Career Teaching Award in 1991.

The Undergraduate Biology Program will present this award of $1500 to $2000 to an outstanding graduating senior with Honors in Human Biology, who has demonstrated interest in Fine Arts. This can include: Music, Visual Arts, Theatre and Film & Media Studies.

Robert Tweed Hersh Scholarship Winners

Established through a gift from Dr. Pauline Kimball Skinner of Newark, Delaware. Dr. Kimball graduated from KU in 1919; she studied for three years and served as an assistant instructor at the University of Iowa. She received her doctorate in 1928 from New York University, after which she became head of the department of biology at Women's College, University of Delaware. Following her marriage to Dr. Glenn S. Skinner in 1930, she retired from teaching and developed an interest in the work of patriotic societies.

Through the generosity of Pauline Kimball, the KU Undergraduate Biology Program will present an award of $500 to a graduating student expected to go on to a higher degree.

Pauline Kimball Prize Winners

The Ken and Helen Nelson Opportunities in the Biosciences Award will be present $1500 to an undergraduate student studying biological sciences at the University of Kansas. Priority is given to applicants with demonstrated financial need.

Nelson Opportunity Award Winners