Scholarships and Awards

2007 recipient: Lijia Wei — first recipient!

Endowed Fund information 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. 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.

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.

Applications will be accepted until Thursday, May 31, 2007, and are to be submitted 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 at the start of Fall Quarter 2007. The recipient will be selected by a 3-member committee. For more information, contact David Bromwich at 614-292-6692 or .

Shawn P. Wight Scholarship Fund

To GRADUATE STUDENTS in the Department of Geological Sciences who are also affiliated with the Byrd Polar Research Center.

Any of you who are involved in high latitude geology related research are encouraged and invited to apply for the Shawn Wight Scholarship.

Established in 1997, with gifts from friends and colleagues in memory of Shawn Wight, a student in the Department of Geological Sciences and member of the Byrd Polar Research Center.  The Scholarship is used to support graduate students in the Department of Geological Sciences who are conducting projects in polar and alpine research.  It is awarded to outstanding students who demonstrate both scientific creativity and the tenacity to achieve their goals.

The scholarship will be awarded by January 1, 2007. Applications will be accepted until November 30, 2006 and are to be submitted to:
Dr. W. B. Lyons
108 Scott Hall
1090 Carmack Rd
Columbus, OH 43210-1002
Any questions should be directed to Dr. Lyons at <lyons.142@osu.edu> or 614-688-3241.

Applications must include: A cover sheet with your name, phone, email address and advisor's name; a one to two page statement that includes a brief summary of your research project, why you should receive the award and how you will use the $500. Applications are not to exceed four pages.

Updated 12/05/2006

G. McKenzie Undergraduate Scholarship Fund

2007 recipient: Brent Johnson (School of Earth Sciences)

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 November 30, 2007 and are to be submitted to:
Dr. W. B. Lyons
108 Scott Hall
1090 Carmack Rd
Columbus, OH 43210-1002
Any questions should be directed to Dr. Lyons at <lyons.142@osu.edu> or 614-688-3241.

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. The scholarship will be awarded by January 1, 2008.

Updated 12/14/2007