Awards
Undergraduate Awards
James E. Rodman Botany Scholarship Endowment
The scholarship is to be awarded to an undergraduate major or graduate student. Awardees are selected on the basis of academic achievement and must be enrolled in a program of study in the plant sciences, broadly construed to include mycology, with a preference for, but not restricted to, the field of Systematics.
Norman A. Good Endowed Student Award
Eligible recipients shall be undergraduate or graduate students in the Department of Plant Biology. Awards may include scholarships and fellowships, summer Plant Biology, research support, funds to support a student's travel to a professional meeting, to bring to campus preeminent scientists in the field who will substantially enrich our student's educational experience, to bring a piece of scientific equipment for promising student research projects.
Graduate Awards
This fund supports graduate students in Plant Biology. Ernest A. Bessey was born in 1877 in Ames, Iowa, the son of the distinguished plant biologist Dr. C.E. Bessey. Ernst earned his PhD at the University of Halle, Germany in 1904. He came to Michigan Agricultural College in 1910 where he served until his retirement in 1946. During his career at this University, he not only served as Head of the Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, but also became the first Graduate Dean, a post he held between 1930 and 1944. Dr. Bessey was cited in 1956 at the Centennial of the Botanical Society of America as one of the 50 living outstanding botanists.
Dr. Leo W. Mericle and Dr. Rae Phelps Mericle Memorial Scholarship
Recipients of this award indicate the promise of making a professional contribution to the study of the genetics of higher plants. Demonstration of financial need shall be considered, however, it should not be the primary consideration. Special consideration will be given to those studying the effects of ionizing radiation on the genetics of higher plants. Recipients must be studying the genetics of higher plants and be enrolled in one of these departments: Crop & Soil Science, Forestry, Horticulture, Plant Pathology or Plant Biology.
Michigan State University Herbarium Endowment
Awarded to an MSU undergraduate or graduate student, or a student at another institution that is planning to study at the MSU Herbarium, and their research must include a component that is based on herbarium specimens.
William G. Fields Award for Teaching
The Fields ward is presented to an MSU graduate student in recognition of their teaching abilities. Recognized qualities range from exceptional understanding or presentation of course topics, innovative teaching methods, impact on students and beyond.
Paul Taylor Fund Awards
Each Spring, students may apply for funds for travel to meetings and/or travel to learn new research techniques. The Academic Program Coordinator will send out instructions on how to apply for travel funds.
Richard and Linda Triemer Award
This award is available to graduate students enrolled in the Department of Plant Biology who are also members of the Ecology, Evolution and Behavior (EEB) Program working in the areas of plant systematics, ecology or evolutionary biology. Students are selected on the basis of academic achievement and/or financial need.
James E. Rodman Botany Scholarship Endowment
The scholarship is to be awarded to an undergraduate major or graduate student. Awardees are selected on the basis of academic achievement and must be enrolled in a program of study in the plant sciences, broadly construed to include mycology, with a preference for, but not restricted to, the field of Systematics.
Norman A. Good Endowed Student Award
Eligible recipients shall be undergraduate or graduate students in the Department of Plant Biology. Awards may include scholarships and fellowships, research support, funds to support a student's travel to a professional meeting, to bring to campus preeminent scientists in the field who will substantially enrich our student's educational experience, to bring a piece of scientific equipment for promising student research projects.
Other Department Awards
Danny Schnell Plant Biology Outstanding Postdoctoral Award
This award is granted by the Department of Plant Biology to postdoctoral scholars in recognition of contributions to research, innovation, mentoring, teaching, and university or community service during their tenure in the Department. Founded by, and named after, the late former chair of the department of Plant Biology, this award reflects Dr. Danny Schnell's commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all.
Donate to the Plant Biology Conservatory and Teaching Greenhouse
The Plant Biology Conservatory and teaching Greenhouse is available for tours, educational use and events. Donations help keep the Conservatory & Teaching Greenhouse free to use for the public and for members of the department. Your contributions allow us to employ student workers, purchase essential supplies and maintain amenities that make your visit more enjoyable.