The Drake and LaCross awards are restricted to SNRE or PitE students. The Chase Award is not restricted to unit, but students who are applying should propose an activity in systematic botany, plant geography, or other phases of botany. In addition, we've just received a gift from a donor who would like the funds to be used to support studies of natural history, promote the preservation of biodiversity, and/or encourage the studies of rare species or ecosystems. We are particularly interested in encouraging studies related to rare plant and animal species or the conservation of ecosystems found on our properties.
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Cash prizes and awards are made each year to encourage and recognize creative work and scholarship related to the mission of the UM Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum (www.mbgna.umich.edu). Only currently enrolled University of Michigan undergraduate and graduate students are eligible. Preference is given to students who have not won previously. All applications and nominations are due by 5:00 pm Friday, January 25, 2013.
Nanette R. LaCross Prize(s) and William D. Drake Prize(s)
These Prizes are intended to recognize and honor past, current or proposed work by students in SNRE or PITE who link their studies with the Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum in some way. Examples include regular volunteering, proposing or working on special projects related to our mission,
conducting research or artistic endeavors related to the properties, or prticipating as student employees at the MBGNA in a way that leads to meaningful growth and development. Nominations can be made by fellow students, staff or faculty, or students can apply themselves. For students proposing a new project relevant to MBGNA, examples might include botanical, zoological, or ecological studies; environmental stewardship projects; green technologies and design related to the built environment; gardening with children, and local food production.
The LaCross Prize honors the student who best exemplifies the spirit of Nanette LaCross who as a lawyer worked tirelessly for women’s rights, animal welfare, and many other environmental concerns.
The Drake Prize honors the student who best exemplifies the spirit of William Drake who as a professor in the School of Natural Resources and Environment was dedicated to a variety of environmental concerns at both global and local scales.
Restrictions: Only students in SNRE or PITE may apply. To apply for these prizes you must submit a 1-2 page statement describing past affiliation or
proposing some new activity, describing how it has or will contribute to your personal and career goals. Also include a copy of your resume with names of at least three references. To nominate someone, please submit a short one paragraph statement about the person you’d like to nominate and their connection to Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum. We will then
ask the student nominated to submit an application. Prize range: $500 -$2,000.
Winifred B. Chase Fellowship
The purpose of this Fellowship is to aid students in research in systematic botany, plant geography, and other phases of botany requiring field study or for the accumulation of plant materials for garden, herbarium, or laboratory investigations.
Restrictions: no academic restriction, but typically supporting projects in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology (EEB), SNRE or PITE. To apply for this Fellowship, you must submit a description of your proposed study (3 page
maximum), a budget, and a copy of your resume with names of at least three references. Prize range: $500 -$2,000.
Submission & Announcement
To submit an application for these awards, apply by email to: michener@umich.edu. For questions, please contact Dr.
Michener at 734-647-8711 or by email. Deadline for applications/nominations: 5:00 pm Friday, January 25, 2013.
Decisions will be announced by mid-March, 2013. Awards to students graduating in PITE or SNRE in April, 2013, will be
listed in the graduation program.
