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College of Agricultural and Life Sciences

College of Agricultural and Life Sciences

CALS GRADUATE STUDENT AWARDS

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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 YearNameMajor
    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. 

  • 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

    1. Currently enrolled in a doctoral program.
    2. Demonstrated academic excellence.
    3. Outstanding teaching and mentorship.
    4. Community service and civic involvement in Gainesville or the local REC community.
    5. Leadership in innovation.
    6. Developing creative solutions to global problems.
    7. 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:

    1. Nomination form.
    2. A letter of nomination from the student's advisor or other mentor.
    3. One additional letter of support.
    4. 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).
    5. 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 YearNameMajor
    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

    1. Currently enrolled in a master's program or professional school program.
    2. Demonstrated academic excellence.
    3. Outstanding teaching and mentorship.
    4. Community service and civic involvement in Gainesville or the local REC community.
    5. Leadership in innovation.
    6. Developing creative solutions to global problems.
    7. 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:

    1. Nomination form.
    2. A letter of nomination from the student's advisor or other mentor.
    3. One additional letter of support.
    4. 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).
    5. 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 YearNameMajor
    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

    1. Currently enrolled in a bachelor's program or professional school program.
    2. Demonstrated academic excellence.
    3. Outstanding teaching and mentorship.
    4. Community service and civic involvement in Gainesville or the local REC community.
    5. Leadership in innovation.
    6. Developing creative solutions to global problems.
    7. 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:

    1. Nomination form.
    2. A letter of nomination from the student's advisor or other mentor.
    3. One additional letter of support.
    4. 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).
    5. 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 YearNameMajor
    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

    1. Minimum GPA of 3.5.
    2. Exceptional scholarly research activity.
    3. Outstanding participation in the department.
    4. 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

  • 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.

  • 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
    2024 Orlando Acevedo-Charry School of Natural Resources and Environment
    2024 Carol Atkins-Hayes Agricultural Education and Communication
    2024 Carrie Baker Agricultural Education and Communication
    2024 Madison Dyment Agricultural Education and Communication
    2024 Matthew Gold

    Agricultural Education and Communication

    2024 Brynn Johnson-Chace Everglades REC and Entomology and Nematology
    2024 Caroline Nickerson Agricultural Education and Communication
    2024 Kimber Sarver Family, Youth and Community Sciences
    2024 Gabriel Spandau Agricultural Education and Communication
    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