Appleton-Whittell Research Ranch

ARIEL APPLETON RESEARCH FELLOWSHIPS FOR 2010
Sponsored by The Research Ranch Foundation and Wells Fargo

Purpose: To support non-destructive research in the natural sciences, with emphasis on conservation ecology focused on species, communities, ecosystems and ecosystem services, or human ecology in desert, grassland, savanna, and riparian areas of the Sonoran and Chihuahuan ecoregions.

Amount: $2000 per fellowship, which is considered to cover costs of the study, including room, board, transportation, and minor equipment. Payment will be made directly to successful applicants.

Eligibility: Undergraduate students or graduate students currently enrolled at recognized academic institutions.

Dates: PLEASE NOTE, APPLICATIONS FOR 2009 ARE CLOSED. PLEASE WATCH HERE FOR APPLICATION DATES FOR 2010.

Application Requirements: applications must be received electronically, and must include four parts in the order given below:

Biography of applicant including field experience, relevant courses completed, and other information the applicant deems relevant.
Research proposal, not to exceed two pages, that describes the work to be accomplished, its ecological or biophysical significance, relevance to contemporary ecology or earth science, and a tentative timeline. All information, excluding literature citations, must adhere to the two-page limit.
A one-page budget.
A letter of support from the faculty advisor stating that the applicant is capable of conducting the proposed research. Letter describes level of supervision or indicates how the work can be accomplished independently. Student's work plan also must be endorsed by the student's faculty advisor.

Note: It is emphasized that (1) special consideration will be given to projects that involve the Appleton-Whittell Research Ranch of the National Audubon Society, near Elgin, Arizona (applicants are encouraged to consider this site for part or all of the field work), and (2) research to be conducted at the Research Ranch must be non-destructive relative to habitat, ecosystems, and biophysical resources. If the proposed study is to be conducted at the Research Ranch, applicants must complete and submit a separate application for work to Linda Kennedy, Director, Appleton-Whittell Research Ranch of the National Audubon Society, HC 1 Box 44, 366 Research Ranch Road, Elgin, AZ 85611 (lkennedy@audubon.org; 520-455-5522), in addition to applying to us for a fellowship. Research Ranch application forms and information about the site can be found at http://www.audubonresearchranch.org.