Scholarships and Awards

2009 Recipient: Ellyn McFadden
2008 Recipient: Dan Steinhoff
2007 Recipient: Lijia Wei — first recipient!

• Endowed Fund information for this scholarship
• Join the Facebook Group for this scholarship

Dr. E. Richard (Rick) Toracinta was a talented research scientist with the Polar Meteorology Group of the Byrd Polar Research Center at The Ohio State University. In addition to his polar work, Rick had a passion for severe weather and was a volunteer storm chaser on the Great Plains during many springs. This scholarship commemorates Rick's lasting interest in the atmosphere as well as his desire to be a teacher.

The scholarship is awarded annually to a graduate student studying atmospheric science, broadly defined, at The Ohio State University. Please note: After the 2009 scholarship is awarded, this scholarship will change to a biennial competition with the next call for applications in 2011. Preference will be given to students specializing in severe weather (e.g., thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes), polar meteorology or polar climatology. The selection criteria include academic performance, excellence as an instructor (if appropriate), and intended use of the scholarship funds to advance one's graduate studies. This year particular emphasis will be placed on the financial need criterion.

To apply, send a brief (typically 1-2 pages) statement of eligibility and intended usage of the scholarship funds. Examples of the latter include travel to a conference or to undertake fieldwork for one's degree, payment of page charges on a refereed manuscript, etc. Include copies of your undergraduate and graduate transcripts. Provide a cover page that specifies your name, phone, email address and advisor's name.

By Sunday, May 31, 2009 send these materials to:

Professor David Bromwich
Polar Meteorology Group, Byrd Polar Research Center &
Department of Geography, Atmospheric Sciences Program
108 Scott Hall
The Ohio State University
1090 Carmack Road
Columbus, Ohio 43210

The $1,000.00 scholarship will be awarded on Wednesday October 7th, 2009 at a BPRC gathering (more details on this to follow). The recipient will be selected by a 3-member committee. For more information, contact David Bromwich at 614-292-6692 or .

To UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS working with Byrd Polar Research Center scientists. You are encouraged to apply for research support from the G. McKenzie Undergraduate Scholarship Fund. The funds can be used to support undergraduate research (salary support, travel to meetings, fieldwork, etc.).

Applications are due by Monday, November 30, 2009 and are to be submitted to:
Dr. W. B. Lyons
School of Earth Sciences
275 Mendenhall Lab
125 S. Oval Mall
Columbus, OH 43210

The scholarships will be awarded by January 1, 2010.

Applications must include: a one-page description of your project, a short detailed budget and a letter of endorsement by the BPRC member with whom you are working. Requests can be in the amount of $300.00 or less.

Any questions should be directed to Dr. Lyons at or 614-688-3241.

Updated 09/22/2009