Award recipients will be recognized at a student awards ceremony in Biology Building A100 at 6 p.m. Friday, April 25, 2025.
Download a printable PDF of the awards ceremony program here.
Awards & Scholarships
Support for your studies
We offer several undergraduate scholarships and awards to help our students fund their academic and research pursuits. You can find additional funding opportunities offered through Indiana University and the IU College of Arts and Sciences.
Award amounts vary from year to year. Most Department of Biology awards are between $500 and $3000; a few are larger. Not all awards are offered every year.
How to apply for IU Biology awards and scholarships
Applying for most IU Biology awards and scholarships is done annually in the One.IU “IU Scholarships” portal.
This single portal for finding funding optimizes your opportunities by matching you to recommended awards of which you might not otherwise be aware. Please follow the instructions below to ensure that the IU Biology awards selection committee has all information necessary for reviewing your application.
Step-by-step guidance:
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Initiate a general application by answering the asterisked questions and electronically signing before submitting. For questions that don’t seem applicable to Biology’s departmental awards, enter “not applicable.” We will NOT use your general essay as a basis for the departmental awards, so if you have previously completed the general essay, make sure that you restate any relevant information in your personal statement. If you have not completed the general essay, enter “not applicable” in that space.
Note that one of the required questions asks whether you have or will file a FAFSA for the coming year. Because some funding opportunities are given to students who demonstrate financial need, please consider filing the FAFSA to provide the greatest access to funding.
The rest of the general application contains many questions that are designed for IU applicants—as opposed to current IU undergraduates and graduate students who are eligible for departmental awards.
After completing the general application, you will be invited to complete the Biology conditional application which will request items applicable to all Biology awards (e.g., resumé, research statement).
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Upload your resumé or CV to the Biology conditional application.
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Write and upload a personal statement to the Biology conditional application. Please summarize your academic, professional, and scientific development, accomplishments, and goals. Please also:
- Mention any awards that you are specifically targeting, or that you think are an especially good match to your interests and experiences.
- Let us know if you’d like to be considered for the Ferguson scholarship, which requires that you do a three-hour-per-week internship at Hilltop Gardens during the following spring semester.
- Highlight any interests or experiences that make you a good fit for certain awards. For example—the Clark, Ferguson, and Frey scholarships are geared towards students interested in botany, so if you are targeting any of them, make sure to describe any past experiences that demonstrate your botanical interests.
- Consider describing how receiving the award is likely to affect your education/life (for example, if scholarship money would allow you to scale back your hours at a paid job, making time for other activities).
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Submit the names of one or more science faculty members or postdocs who have agreed to write you a letter of recommendation. Letters MUST be written by science faculty members or postdocs (not graduate students).
The “IU Scholarships” portal will contact your recommenders to request a letter, but we recommend that you contact potential letter writers before you submit their names to the portal to make sure that they are willing and able to write a letter for you.
Most awards require a single letter, but a few require two letters. See the individual departmental award descriptions below for details.
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Refer to the individual awards listed below for additional required application materials.
Start your general application today! Search in One.IU for the “IU Scholarships” tile.
Departmental awards and scholarships
Aldred Family Scholarship
Must be a junior or senior pre-med students who have declared a major in the IUB Department of Biology and who have a minimum GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale. Preference will be given to students from either Allen or Switzerland County in Indiana.
Learn more about the Aldred Family Scholarship and view recent recipient(s) of the award.
Award info + recent recipients
Barwe/Rexing Scholarship
Must be undergraduate students who will be at least sophomores in the fall semester of their second undergraduate year, have declared a major in the IUB Department of Biology, have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, and have demonstrated financial need. Preference will be given to students from the following Indiana counties: Dubois, Gibson, Perry, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Vanderburgh, and Warrick.
Learn more about the Barwe/Rexing Scholarship and view recent recipient(s) of the award.
Award info + recent recipients
Biology Outstanding Thesis Award
This award honors undergraduates from the IUB Department of Biology who are writing exemplary Honors theses.
Faculty/Postdoc Fellows: Deadline for nominations is usually in early April. Submit nominations via the Undergraduate Advising Office “dropbox.”
Learn more about the Biology Outstanding Thesis Award and view recent recipient(s) of the award.
Award info + recent recipients
Biology Undergraduate Research Award
This award is given for the best research paper written by a student. Must be an undergraduate with a declared major in the Department of Biology who is enrolled in BIOL-X 490, or its equivalents such as BIOT-X 498-499, MSCI-M 450, or CHEM-X 399. (A copy of the paper will be presented to Cook Incorporated.) Additional application materials: Include your research paper (or draft) with your application. Letter of recommendation must come from applicant’s research mentor and describe the student’s contribution to the research paper (including the percentage of the research that the student contributed).
Learn more about the Biology Undergraduate Research Award and view recent recipient(s) of the award.
Award info + recent recipients
Blatchley Nature Study Club Scholarship
Must be a junior or continuing senior with a declared major from the IUB Department of Biology who plans to apply to a graduate plant biology or ecology and evolutionary biology degree program, have a minimum grade point average of 3.0, and have financial need. First preference is given to Indiana residents. See the Rules Determining Resident and Nonresident Student Status on the Registrar’s website to see if you qualify. Recipient MUST be willing to prepare and present a program to the club at a mutually agreed upon time, usually the following spring, and therefore should not be graduating. (Research conducted through BIOL-X 490 or its equivalent could provide material for this presentation.) Additional application materials: Include in your personal statement a brief description of your research or other experiences that would enable you to present a program to the club.
Learn more about the Blatchley Nature Study Club Scholarship and view recent recipient(s) of the award.
Award info + recent recipients
Karen Bush and Daniel J. Watts Scholarship in Biotechnology
Must be a third year or above undergraduate student currently enrolled in the BA, BS, or BS/MS in the Biotechnology Program in the IUB Department of Biology.
Howard W. Clark Scholarship
This award is intended for juniors or seniors with a declared major from the IUB Department of Biology who are interested in botany, soil building, and plant breeding. Must have a GPA of 3.3 or better.
Learn more about the Howard W. Clark Scholarship and view recent recipient(s) of the award.
Award info + recent recipients
Sears Crowell Scholarship
Open to any junior or senior undergraduate with a declared major from the IUB Department of Biology who is enrolling in an internship program or course at a marine lab or field station. To receive funds, the recipient must present a formal invitation showing acceptance into the internship program or course. Additional application materials: Include in your personal statement: details of your career goals, how the summer marine lab or field station experience will help you achieve those goals, and all expenses involved in this experience.
Learn more about the Sears Crowell Scholarship and view recent recipient(s) of the award.
Award info + recent recipients
William E. Dailey Scholarship
Must be an undergraduate student with a declared major from the IUB Department of Biology, a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, and financial need.
Carl H. Eigenmann Undergraduate Scholarship
Must be an undergraduate student with a declared major from the IUB Department of Biology who is interested in zoological or other biological research, have a GPA above 3.3, and have a sincere interest in biology. To qualify for this award, your application should demonstrate how you have applied your interest in biology to academic, research, and/or professional experiences.
Learn more about the Carl H. Eigenmann Undergraduate Scholarship and view recent recipient(s) of the award.
Award info + recent recipients
Arlene Ferguson Biology Internship
Open to undergraduates with at least sophomore standing; graduating seniors are not eligible. Must have a declared major from the IUB Department of Biology, a minimum GPA of 3.0, and a demonstrated interest in botany. Internship is 5-8 hours a week during the spring semester.
Learn more about the Arlene Ferguson Biology Internship and view recent recipient(s) of the award.
Award info + recent recipients
Fox Glen Research and Education Fund
The fund will recognize the best research paper submitted by IUB biology and microbiology undergraduate majors who are engaged in research through the independent study class, BIOL-X 490, or an equivalent course and have taken at least one previous semester of BIOL-X 490 or its equivalent. The award is based on scientific merit and is unrelated to financial need or grade point average. Additional application materials: a research paper or draft (written by the applicant) submitted in the form of a publishable manuscript. Paper must define a hypothesis, describe why this is important, propose an experimental test of the hypothesis, carry out the experiment, and interpret the results and impact of the evaluation of the hypothesis, and finally, propose future work.
Learn more about the Fox Glen Research and Education Fund and view recent recipient(s) of the award.
Award info + recent recipients
Sarah Elizabeth Frey Indiana Daffodil, Inc. Scholarship
This award is intended to help upper-level undergraduates with their studies in botany, horticulture, and landscape design. Must be a junior or senior obtaining an undergraduate degree from the IUB Department of Biology, with an emphasis of study in botany—preferably ornamental crops. Must have a GPA of 2.8 or better. The group is opposed to supporting genetic modification of plants that bypass natural selection. Acceptable areas of interest include plant breeding (providing any deliberate genetic crosses use naturally isolated alleles); genetics; ecology (natural culture conditions); and plant evolution. Preference will be given to an applicant with a strong interest or experience in the growing, breeding, and/or showing of daffodils. Students in the field of plant molecular biology or biochemistry can apply if their work in these fields does not directly produce or optimize strains that would be used in the field. The recipient must attend one of the Indiana Daffodil Society events held at Holliday Park in Indianapolis, IN, or at the Bloomington Farmers’ Market during the year following receipt of the award. Additional application materials: Include in your personal statement our detailed qualifications for the award, including any extracurricular or volunteer work. Financial need should also be addressed in the statement. Two letters of recommendation are required; one must be from a science faculty member or postdoc.
Learn more about the Sarah Elizabeth Frey Indiana Daffodil, Inc. Scholarship and view recent recipient(s) of the award.
Award info + recent recipients
John C. Hanes Memorial Scholarship
Must be a junior or senior pre-med student with a declared major in the IUB Department of Biology, have a minimum GPA of 3.3, and have research experience. Preference will be given to students with an interest in gastrointestinal and/or liver cancer research, early detection, treatment, or potential cure while pursuing future medical education.
Learn more about the John C. Hanes Memorial Scholarship and view recent recipient(s) of the award.
Award info + recent recipients
Elvin H. and Evelyn Hewins Scholarship in Avian, Wildlife, and Habitat Studies
Must be an undergraduate student with a declared major from the IUB Department of Biology who is involved in avian and wildlife research and/or related endeavors such as habitat protection and development and have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. (Letter of recommendation should come from applicant’s faculty or postdoc research mentor.)
Learn more about the Elvin H. and Evelyn Hewins Scholarship in Avian, Wildlife, and Habitat Studies and view recent recipient(s) of the award.
Award info + recent recipients
John R. and Wendy L. Kindig Scholarship
Open to undergraduates with a declared major from the IUB Department of Biology who have a demonstrated record of excellence. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.5 or greater on a 4.0 scale.
Learn more about the John R. and Wendy L. Kindig Scholarship and view recent recipient(s) of the award.
Award info + recent recipients
George M. Malacinski Biology Scholarship
Open to any undergraduate with a declared major in the IUB Department of Biology who has a minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale and has demonstrated financial need.
Learn more about the George M. Malacinski Biology Scholarship and view recent recipient(s) of the award.
Award info + recent recipients
Dr. L.S. McClung Scholarship Fund
Open to any IUB Department of Biology undergraduate microbiology major. Must have a minimum overall GPA of 2.0 or greater on a 4.0 scale and a minimum science GPA of 3.0. Must be Indiana resident as defined by Indiana University and who, upon graduation, intends to work in the field of microbiology or plans to pursue an advanced degree in that field. Graduating seniors are not eligible. See the Rules Determining Resident and Nonresident Student Status on the Registrar’s website.
Learn more about the Dr. L.S. McClung Scholarship Fund and view recent recipient(s) of the award.
Award info + recent recipients
Microbiology Undergraduate Summer Research Program Scholarship
Open to IUB Department of Biology undergraduate microbiology majors. Must be enrolled in at least one hour of BIOL-X 490, or its equivalents, on the IUB campus during summer session. First preference given to L.S. McClung Scholarship recipients. Award recipients must write a paper in the form of a publishable manuscript based upon their research experience. Paper must define a hypothesis, describe why this is important, propose an experimental test of the hypothesis, carry out the experiment, and interpret the results and impact of the evaluation of the hypothesis, and finally, propose future work. The paper (or draft) should be submitted at the end of the summer. The faculty member with whom you work should submit separately a letter evaluating your research. (Letter of recommendation should come from applicant’s [faculty or postdoc] research mentor.) Additional application materials: Include in your personal statement a brief description of your research.
Learn more about the Microbiology Undergraduate Summer Research Program Scholarship and view recent recipient(s) of the award.
Award info + recent recipients
Alfred Parson Mower Scholarship
Open to undergraduates with a declared major from the IUB Department of Biology. Candidates must be U.S. residents, be entering their junior or senior year, and must have an overall minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale and a science GPA of 3.0 or better. See the Rules Determining Resident and Nonresident Student Status on the Registrar’s website to see if you qualify as a U.S. resident.
Learn more about the Alfred Parson Mower Scholarship and view recent recipient(s) of the award.
Award info + recent recipients
Elizabeth A. and Stephen J. Pietsch Undergraduate Research Scholarship
Open to undergraduate students enrolled in a summer research course to conduct full-time research during the summer in collaboration with a faculty member of the IUB Department of Biology. Must have a minimum 3.4 GPA on a 4.0 scale, and a declared major in Biology.
Sid Robinson Biology Scholarship
Open to undergraduate students with a declared major in the IUB Department of Biology. Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.5 or better on a 4.0 scale. Renewable if recipient maintains academic requirements of the IUB College of Arts and Sciences and the IUB Department of Biology. (A past recipient eligible for renewal of the Robinson Scholarship should fill out a general application via the online One.IU “Scholarships” application site. Select “Opportunity/Portfolio/Opportunities” and search for the Robinson Scholarship. Apply for this opportunity and answer the question indicating that you are a past recipient of the Sid Robinson Scholarship.)
Learn more about the Sid Robinson Biology Scholarship and view recent recipient(s) of the award.
Award info + recent recipients
William G. Roessler Microbiology Scholarship
Must be an undergraduate majoring in microbiology in the IUB Department of Biology.
Learn more about the William G. Roessler Microbiology Scholarship and view recent recipient(s) of the award.
Award info + recent recipients
Fred Seward Award
Open to an undergraduate student of at least sophomore standing with a minimum grade point average of 3.0. Must has a declared major in the IUB Department of Biology and be working in ecology, environmental biology, or in sustainable forestry or gardening through curricula, research, or outreach. Additional application materials: Include in your personal statement a brief description of your work in ecology, environmental biology, or in sustainable forestry or gardening through curricula, research, or outreach.
Learn more about the Fred Seward Award and view recent recipient(s) of the award.
Award info + recent recipients
Swonder Family Scholarship
Must be an undergraduate student earning a degree from the IUB Department of Biology.
Michael Tansey Outstanding UTA Award
IUB Biology annually recognizes an Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Assistant (UTA) who is nominated by faculty members or postdocs for exceptional work. We can recognize either an individual UTA or a UTA team from a specific section who taught an IUB Department of Biology course during the previous summer session(s) or fall semester or the current spring semester.
Faculty/Postdoc Fellows: Deadline for nominations is usually in early April. Submit nominations via the Undergraduate Advising Office "dropbox."
Learn more about the Michael Tansey Outstanding UTA Award and view recent recipient(s) of the award.
Award info + recent recipients
William J. Tatum Scholarship
Open to any undergraduate with a declared major from the IUB Department of Biology. Must have a minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale and have demonstrated financial need.
Learn more about the William J. Tatum Scholarship and view recent recipient(s) of the award.
Award info + recent recipients
Tufford Family Scholarship
This gift is to be used to support students who are studying ecological sciences and are pursuing field research in the year in which they receive funding.
Award info + recent recipients
David M. Yajko Scholarship
Open to undergraduate students pursuing a major in the IUB Department of Biology.
Scholarships + awards in the College of Arts + Sciences
The College of Arts and Sciences, of which Biology is a part, offers more than 350 scholarships and awards to students. Incoming students who are directly admitted to the College of Arts and Sciences with Biology as their intended major may be eligible for a number of merit-based scholarships within the College.
More Indiana University funding support
Financial aid + costs
Other forms of financial aid are available to undergraduate students. You can learn more about costs and finances on the College of Arts and Sciences website.
The College of Arts