The Robert E. Malouf Marine Studies Scholarship

Applications due: August, 2009 (date TBA)

Guidelines for Application

The scholarship is awarded to a graduate student at any of the Oregon University System institutions for support while working towards a degree in any field of marine studies that is compatible with Oregon Sea Grant’s mandate and areas of interest. Oregon Sea Grant, founded in 1968 and based at Oregon State University, supports research, education and public outreach to help people understand, responsibly use, and conserve ocean and coastal resources. There are no restrictions on the discipline which may include but is not limited to: the biological, geological, physical and chemical sciences; marine resource management and policy; marine resource economics; social sciences; engineering; geology; education or public health.

Dr. Robert Malouf was the director of Oregon Sea Grant from 1991 until his retirement in 2008. Through his outstanding leadership Dr. Malouf has made the Oregon Sea Grant College Program a benchmark program among the thirty national Sea Grant programs. Dr. Malouf received his Ph.D. in Fisheries from Oregon State University in 1977. His own area of technical expertise is in the biology and ecology of marine bivalve molluscs. To honor his career and contribution to the Oregon Sea Grant College Program, t his annual scholarship will support the efforts of students in marine-related fields whose studies focus on research, education, or public engagement, or in recognition of his own principles that combine these interests.

Eligibility

The applicant is not limited to the degree programs indicated above. The scholarship is for graduate students working on a Masters or, Ph.D. or professional degrees (e.g. Veterinary Medicine) in any discipline whose emphasis of study is marine-related.

While preference will be given to an applicant who combines research with education or public engagement, it is not a requirement. Moreover, the award is not “need-based,” but its overriding purpose is to make a difference by providing a significant contribution to students seeking advanced degrees and to contribute to building the nation’s future capacity in the marine sciences.

Applications may be submitted prior to enrollment accompanied by a letter from the department or college of acceptance.

Award

The 2009 award amount is not to exceed $10,200 dispersed in 12 monthly payments of $850 beginning in the fall of 2009.

How the funds are used is up to the recipient. The scholarship may be used for tuition, supplies, research, travel for field work, attendance at professional and academic meetings, or general living expenses. The scholarship is not renewable; that is, no individual will receive the scholarship more than once.

Application Deadline

The application deadline will be announced soon.. Electronic submissions will be accepted and are due by close of business, 5:00 p.m. PST on the day of the deadline as long as a hard copy follows.

Application Materials

The application must include:

a) A personal narrative, not to exceed two pages, which in essence tells Sea Grant why the applicant deserves the scholarship. It may describe their personal background but only as it relates directly to their candidacy for the award. The narrative should describe the applicant’s career plans to the extent that he/she knows them at the time. Current graduate students must describe the focus and relevance of their studies.

b) Official transcripts of all college-level course work. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable at time of application.

c) A letter of support from a teacher, advisor or school administrator who is in a position to comment on the applicant's past academic performance as well as on the applicant’s suitability for the scholarship.

d) A letter of support from the university department (or college if there is no department, e.g. COAS) confirming enrollment and/or acceptance as full-time student in good standing.

Criteria for selection

Applications are reviewed by a committee of 3-5 people appointed by the Oregon Sea Grant director. The committee includes at least two members of the Sea Grant staff and at least one member of the Sea Grant Advisory Council. In addition to the application materials, the committee will consider GRE scores submitted to the graduate school.

Award Requirements

Recipients provide the Sea Grant office with quarterly updates on their academic progress and status; they submit a final narrative when the scholarship ends; and they provide Sea Grant with an electronic copy of their thesis or project paper based on their work upon completion of their degree program. In addition, the recipient may be asked to present their scholarship work in academic or other settings.

Recipients must meet the minimum enrollment requirements for their program of study and for their existing funding during the academic year and during the summer months. Monthly payments will cease if the recipient is no longer a full-time graduate student in good standing with their department, college, and university.

Application address and contact information

Send application materials to:

Oregon Sea Grant
Oregon State University
322 Kerr Administration Building
Corvallis OR 97331-2131
FAX 541 737-7958
seagrant.admin@oregonstate.edu

Please call (541) 737-2715 for further information about the Oregon Sea Grant College Program, or visit our web site.