CALS GRADUATE STUDENT AWARDS
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Jimmy G. Cheek Graduate Student Medal of Excellence
This award was created to honor Dr. Jimmy Cheek's 33 years of service to UF as a faculty member in agricultural education and communication, CALS Assistant Dean and Dean, and senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources. It is presented to a graduate student who demonstrates high academic potential and achievement, leadership and community involvement, commitment and passion about his or her chosen field of study, personal sacrifice for his or her education, and effort above and beyond the call of duty.
Past Recipients
Academic Year Name Major 2022-2023 Joshua Clay Hurdle Agricultural Education and Communication 2021-2022 Carley Rusch Nutritional Sciences 2020-2021 Peyton Beattie Agricultural Education and Communication 2019-2020 Shinichi Nakahara Entomology and Nematology 2018-2019 Kirsten Hecht Interdisciplinary Ecology 2017-2018 Arun Jani Agronomy 2016-2017 John Hargrove Wildlife Ecology and Conservation 2015-2016 Esteban Rios Agronomy 2014-2015 Amanda Ford Nutritional Sciences 2013-2014 Ricardo B. Valladares Microbiology and Cell Science 2012-2013 Matthew H. Shirley Wildlife Ecology and Conservation 2011-2012 Cory J. Krediet Interdisciplinary Ecology 2010-2011 Andrew Barbour Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 2009-2010 Andrew Thoron Agricultural Education and Communication 2008-2009 Sebastian Galindo-Gonzalez Agricultural Education and Communication/Animal Sciences -
Jack L. Fry Graduate Student Teaching Award
This award is given in honor of Dr. Jack L. Fry, professor emeritus and former CALS Assistant Dean for Graduate Programs.
Past Recipients
Academic Year Name Major 2022-2023 Tyler Carney Forest Resources and Conservation 2021-2022 Bradley Coleman Agricultural Education and Communication 2020-2021 Kylie Philipps Animal Sciences 2019-2020 Melissa Fenton Family, Youth and Community Sciences 2018-2019 Kevin Kent Agricultural Education and Communication 2017-2018 Amanda Desormeaux Interdisciplinary Ecology 2016-2017 Michael Vickers Entomology and Nematology 2015-2016 Bertrhude Albert Agricultural Education and Communication 2014-2015 Chris Mott Agricultural Education and Communication 2013-2014 Jessica Holt Agricultural Education and Communication 2012-2013 Kelly Monaghan Interdisciplinary Ecology 2011-2012 Dana Bigham Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 2010-2011 Catherine Shoulders Agricultural Education and Communication 2009-2010 William Pelletier Agricultural and Biological Engineering 2008-2009 Karen Cannon Agricultural Education and Communication 2007-2008 Roslynn G.H. Brain Agricultural Education and Communication 2006-2007 Nicholas E. Fuhrman Agricultural Education and Communication 2005-2006 James Dunford Entomology and Nematology 2004-2005 Amanda Ruth-McSwain Agricultural Education and Communication 2003-2004 Christy Bratcher Animal Sciences 2002-2003 Jennifer Gillett Plant Pathology 2001-2002 Susan Moyers Food Science and Human Nutrition 2000-2001 Hector Perez Horticultural Science 1999-2000 Kerry Smith Animal Sciences
TRAVEL GRANTS
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UF/IFAS CALS Graduate Student Travel Grant
Purpose
The IFAS/CALS Graduate Student Travel Grant Program provides matching funds up to $250.00 to each graduate student applicant who is presenting a paper or poster on their original research at a regional, national, or international scientific meeting (one award per fiscal year). This travel grant must be matched 1:1 by funds provided through the student's department/program or advisor. The grants are reimbursed directly to the department, not the graduate student.
Eligibility
All graduate students in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, School of Forest Resources and Conservation, and School of Natural Resources and Environment are eligible.
Apply: Application
Deadlines: Depends on the date of your travel:
For Conference Dates: Apply By: January 1 - March 31 November 1 April 1 - June 30 February 1 July 1 - September 30 May 1 October 1 - December 31 August 1 -
James Davidson Graduate Travel Scholarship
Purpose
The purpose of these scholarships is to provide funding to help defray travel expenses for graduate students presenting a paper or poster at a national or international professional meeting or conference. These scholarships are named after Dr. James M. Davidson, former Vice President for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, who established the endowment to fund these scholarships.
Eligibility
All graduate students in CALS
Apply: Application
Deadlines: depend on the date of your travel:
For Conference dates: Apply by: January 1 - June 30 November 1 July 1 - December 31 May 1 -
UF Graduate Student Council Travel Grants
The UF Graduate Student Council provides travel grants of up to $350.
Apply online: Apply here
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UF Research and Graduate Programs Travel Grant
Purpose
Travel to conferences, symposia, and special research opportunities are essential for the professional development of advanced research students. The University also benefits by being represented at such events. The Office of Research and Graduate Programs (RGP) has therefore established a program to supplement student travel when other funding sources are insufficient. RGP guidelines for travel funding cap awards at $300 per trip and require 1:1 matching funds from the department and/or college. These funds are primarily for assistance with the cost of travel, particularly airfare. These grants are one-time awards to Graduate Students. RGP can not provide any retroactive reimbursements.
Apply: Application
UF FELLOWSHIPS
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The Graduate School Grinter Fellowships
Purpose
Grinter fellowships are named in honor of Dr. Linton E. Grinter, who was Dean of the Graduate School, 1952-1969. The intent of the Grinter Fellowship is to facilitate the recruitment of truly exceptional graduate students to the University of Florida through partial stipend support.
Eligibility
Students entering into a Ph.D. program administered within the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. For more information, please contact the Graduate Coordinator of your intended Ph.D. program. Grinter Fellowship stipends are normally in the $2,000-$4,000 per year range. Continuation of the Grinter beyond the first year (up to a total of three years) is contingent upon satisfactory student progress.
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Madelyn Lockhart Dissertation Fellowship Award
The Association for Academic Women (AAW) at the University of Florida established the Madelyn Lockhart Fellowship to honor a Ph.D. Candidate who is both an outstanding researcher and who has contributed to creating a more inclusive and diverse community. One Fellowship in the amount of up to $2,000 will be awarded annually to assist in the dissertation phase of the doctoral degree. The recipient must be enrolled in dissertation credits the semester (or summer) s/he receives the fellowship.
Past UF Recipients
Academic Year Name Major 2019-2020 Ana Violato-Espada School of Forest Resources & Conservation
2018-2019 Andressa Freitas Soil and Water Sciences
UF INTERNATIONAL CENTER AWARDS
The recipient and their faculty advisor (for graduate students) must attend the UFIC International Student Awards Ceremony during the Fall semester.
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Alec Courtelis Award (Ph.D students)
Purpose
The Alec Courtelis Award is given annually to three outstanding international Ph.D. students. The award was first given at the 1996 International Student Awards Ceremony by Louise Courtelis in honor of her late husband, Alec Courtelis, a well-known financier and former Chairman of the Board of Regents. A wall plaque bearing the name of the award recipients and the year it was awarded is located at the University of Florida International Center. The University of Florida International Center is pleased to announce they will be presenting three awards this year of $2,000.00. These recipients will also receive a plaque.
Eligibility/Nominating Criteria
- Currently enrolled in a doctoral program.
- Demonstrated academic excellence.
- Outstanding teaching and mentorship.
- Community service and civic involvement in Gainesville or the local REC community.
- Leadership in innovation.
- Developing creative solutions to global problems.
- Contributions to global research projects.
To nominate international graduate student(s), the academic unit should submit to the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Dean’s Office a nomination packet that includes the following items:
- Nomination form.
- A letter of nomination from the student's advisor or other mentor.
- One additional letter of support.
- An essay or statement by the student addressing how they are contributing to the global dimensions of UF's missions of teaching, research, and/or service (600 word limit).
- A current C.V.
The CALS Awards, Scholarships, and Fellowships committee will rank the nominees and the top two nominees' packets will then be forward to the University of Florida International Center's selection committee.
Past Recipients
Academic Year Name Major 2020 Ana Caroline Vasco Animal Sciences 2019 Ana Pula Carvalho Entomology and Nematology 2018 Hao Gan Agricultural and Biological Engineering 2013 Julius Adewopo Soil and Water Sciences 2011 Miguel Castillo Agronomy -
Outstanding Post-Graduate (MS and Professional School) International Student Awards
Purpose
This award recognizes master's and post-graduate professional level international students, including students in law, the health sciences and related fields.
The University of Florida International Center is pleased to announce they will be presenting three awards this year of $1,500.00. These recipients will also receive a plaque.
Eligibility/Nominating Criteria
- Currently enrolled in a master's program or professional school program.
- Demonstrated academic excellence.
- Outstanding teaching and mentorship.
- Community service and civic involvement in Gainesville or the local REC community.
- Leadership in innovation.
- Developing creative solutions to global problems.
- Contributions to global research projects.
To nominate international graduate student(s), the academic unit should submit to the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Dean’s Office a nomination packet that includes the following items:
- Nomination form.
- A letter of nomination from the student's advisor or other mentor.
- One additional letter of support.
- An essay or statement by the student addressing how they are contributing to the global dimensions of UF's missions of teaching, research, and/or service (600 word limit).
- A current C.V.
The CALS Awards, Scholarships, and Fellowships committee will rank the nominees and the top two nominees' packets will then be forward to the University of Florida International Center's selection committee.
Past Recipients
Academic Year Name Major New award in 2021 -
Outstanding Undergraduate International Student Awards
Purpose
This award recognizes bachelor's level international students in any major or discipline.
The University of Florida International Center is pleased to announce they will be presenting three awards this year of $1,000.00. These recipients will also receive a plaque.
Eligibility/Nominating Criteria
- Currently enrolled in a bachelor's program or professional school program.
- Demonstrated academic excellence.
- Outstanding teaching and mentorship.
- Community service and civic involvement in Gainesville or the local REC community.
- Leadership in innovation.
- Developing creative solutions to global problems.
- Contributions to global research projects.
To nominate international undergraduate student(s), the academic unit should submit to the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Dean’s Office a nomination packet that includes the following items:
- Nomination form.
- A letter of nomination from the student's advisor or other mentor.
- One additional letter of support.
- An essay or statement by the student addressing how they are contributing to the global dimensions of UF's missions of teaching, research, and/or service (600 word limit).
- A current C.V.
The CALS Awards, Scholarships, and Fellowships committee will rank the nominees and the top two nominees' packets will then be forward to the University of Florida International Center's selection committee.
Past Recipients
Academic Year Name Major New award in 2021 -
Outstanding International Student Awards
Purpose
During the Fall semester, the Dean’s Office will forward a list of international students in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences to all CALS academic units. Each academic unit can nominate one international student (undergraduate and graduate) to be recognized as an outstanding international student. The CALS Awards, Scholarships and Fellowships committee will choose five students from the pool of nominees. The recipient and their faculty advisor (for graduate students) must attend the UFIC International Student Awards Ceremony during the Fall semester. Other faculty and unit administrators are encouraged to attend. This is not a monetary award; students will receive a certificate signed by the College Dean.
Eligibility/Nominating Criteria
- Minimum GPA of 3.5.
- Exceptional scholarly research activity.
- Outstanding participation in the department.
- Service to the University community.
To nominate an international student, the academic unit should submit a letter of nomination to Dr. Al Wysocki (Associate Dean) addressing the eligibility/nominating criteria. The letter of nomination should be signed by the undergraduate coordinator for undergraduate students or the graduate coordinator for graduate students. The Unit Leaders signature is required on the nomination letter for both undergraduate and graduate students.
A selection committee appointed by the University of Florida International Center will choose and rank the submitted nominees.
ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
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Rotary Global Grant Scholarship
The Rotary Global Grant Scholarship is for a graduate student who is committed to study abroad in one of the Six Focus Areas of Rotary. The Applicant can be a graduating senior, recent graduate or a professional who wishes to return to school at the graduate level. The student must have a local Rotary Club sponsor. The student must have identified an institution abroad, and by time the application reaches Rotary International, must have been accepted by the institution and a contact at that institute known. In addition a local Rotary Club host must be identified. The guidelines, applications and the Six Areas of Focus are available here.
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NACTA Graduate Student Teaching Award
The purpose of this award is to recognize and reward NACTA graduate student members who are involved in classroom instruction who excel as teachers in the agricultural disciplines.
The NACTA Graduate Student Teaching Award is a criterion-based award and is reviewed by a committee of NACTA members. To qualify for the award, a graduate student must have been involved in classroom teaching for a minimum of one year. Criteria included in the evaluation are the graduate student's teaching philosophy, statement of support from supervising faculty, evaluations submitted by students and an administrative officer, a self-evaluation, involvement in teaching outside and a description of the candidate's specific teaching involvement.
Past Recipients
Academic Year Name Major 2023 Amy Brown Agricultural Education and Communication 2023 Heather Nesbitt Agricultural Education and Communication 2023 Connor Meenan Microbiology and Cell Science 2023 Beatrice Pierre Family, Youth, and Community Sciences 2023 Teagan Young Environmental Horticulture 2022 Katrina Alford Agricultural Education and Communication 2022 Kenzie Bastian Agricultural Education and Communication 2022 Tyler J. Carney School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences 2022 Selana Garrison Family, Youth, and Community Sciences 2022 Clay Hurdle Agricultural Education and Communication 2022 Liva LaMontagne Family, Youth, and Community Sciences 2022 Kelley Lobean Microbiology and Cell Science 2022 Annie Muscato Agricultural Education and Communication 2022 Heather Young Agricultural Education and Communication 2021 Jacqueline Aenlle Agricultural Education and Communication 2021 Peyton Beattie Agricultural Education and Communication 2021 Bradley Coleman Agricultural Education and Communication 2021 Natalie Ferand Agricultural Education and Communication 2021 Ashley McLeod Agricultural Education and Communication 2021 Taylor Nash Agricultural Education and Communication 2021 Jonathan Orisini Agricultural Education and Communication 2021 Whitney Stone Agricultural Education and Communication 2021 Lauren Trotta Wildlife Ecology and Conservation 2021 Jackie Yourell Family, Youth, and Community Sciences 2020 Tara Counts Family, Youth, and Community Sciences 2020 Jamie Dougherty Environment Horticulture 2020 Afiya De Sormeaux Agricultural Education and Communication 2020 Melissa Fenton Family, Youth, and Community Sciences 2020 Madeline Vroom Microbiology and Cell Science 2019 Wesley Boone Wildlife Ecology and Conservation 2019 Lauren Cirino Entomology and Nematology 2019 Austin Council Agricultural Education and Communication 2019 Katherine Dorman Family, Youth and Community Sciences 2019 Tyler D'Angelo Agricultural Education and Communication 2019 Isabella Damiani Agricultural Education and Communication 2019 Kevin Kent Agricultural Education and Communication 2019 Andrew Marx Wildlife Ecology and Conservation 2019 July Nelson Agricultural Education and Communication 2019 Cameron Outlaw Agricultural Education and Communication 2019 Tiffany Rogers-Randolph Agricultural Education and Communication 2019 Brianna Shanholtzer Agricultural Education and Communication 2018 Blake Colclasure Agricultural Education and Communication 2018 Sarah LaRose Agricultural Education and Communication 2018 Ruth Taylor Agricultural Education and Communication 2018 Anna Warner Agricultural Education and Communication 2017 Sky Georges Agricultural Education and Communication 2016 Eric Stubbs Agricultural Education and Communication