The scholarship has been established through the kind donations of the late Francis and Evelyn Clark out of their belief in the importance of continued research in soil biology and keeping the Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory on the cutting edge of science. The scholarship Fund is to benefit students at Colorado State University who are desirous of pursuing studies in Soil Biology. The term "Soil Biology" is inclusive of soil microbiology, biochemistry, biogeochemistry, nutrient cycling, molecular microbiology, and the impact of soil organisms on ecosystem functioning and the global environment, from the gene to global scales.

This scholarship is to provide support to undergraduate or graduate students affiliated with the Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory. The scholarships are open to students who have an affiliation with the Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory or the Department of Ecosystem Science and Sustainability and a broad interest in either soils and soil biology research project.

Students interested in applying for this scholarship should submit an application package consisting of:

• • • A brief description of current research, or a short research proposal, no longer than 5 single-spaced pages including all diagrams and references.
    • A budget outlining how the awarded funds will be used, including financial need,
    • A CV,
    • Academic transcripts (undergraduate and graduate where applicable),
    • One (1) letter of recommendation, often from the student's advisor.

Scholarships shall be awarded to students on the basis of the overall quality of the application package, scholastic merit, quality of the research proposed, and financial need, without bias as to gender, age, ethnic origin, religion, or state or nation of home residence or citizenship. Favorable consideration will be given to applicants who show how the research will contribute to the public welfare.

To be eligible, students must be enrolled in courses or in research instruction credit during the award period. International students must provide documentation of their lawful presence in the US. Please see CSU’s Student Financial Services for more discussion on scholarship eligibility requirements.

Applications must be submitted by email to Lauren Ackein, Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory, Natural Environmental Sciences Building, 1499 Campus Delivery. Scholarships are awarded annually in the Fall semester.