Your Research Supports Our Mission

Let us help you help us!

At Audubon Southwest, we seek science-based solutions to the biggest threats facing the region’s birds, other wildlife, habitats, and communities. We need sound science to tell us what birds need, and we believe that securing conservation wins tomorrow depends on fostering a young, diverse cohort of aspiring scientists today.

That is why we are again announcing our annual Appleton-Whittell Research Ranch (AWRR) Research Fellowships! Through this program, we offer support to young scientists embarking on research with the potential to further Frank and Ariel Appleton’s founding mission of the Research Ranch – to leave the land better than we found it. Supported research includes, but is not limited to, studies focused on:

• Grassland conservation
• Arizona Species of Greatest Conservation Need
• Ecosystem restoration and rehabilitation
• Natural history at any scale
• The impacts of climate change and aridification
• Community engagement in science and conservation

For more information, check out our Fellowship announcement and application scoring rubric. To see some projects that have made the cut, check out the work of our 2023 fellows.

Fellowship details

Three applicants will receive:

• A Cash award of $1000 to be used on any research-related expenses; gear, books, travel, conferences, etc.
• A $500 Housing voucher to be used for stays at the AWRR (supports housing and use of lab space for 1 person for about two weeks)
• Opportunities to share their work through Audubon communications outlets including Audubon websites, newsletters, social media, and more

All who are conducting research in southeastern Arizona are welcome to apply; however, priority will be given to those conducting research on the AWRR.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be between the ages of 18 and 30
• Be conducting conservation related research in Southeastern Arizona
• Demonstrate a strong conservation ethic
• Show a commitment to scientific rigor by presenting a well-designed study

How to Apply

To apply, please submit the following materials to steven.prager@audubon.org:

• A cover letter (max. 1 page)
• A research proposal (max. 3 pages) outlining the purpose, significance, methods, and expected products of your research
• Your CV or resume
• A letter of recommendation from an individual who is knowledgeable about your project and can speak to your conservation ethic and scientific ability

Timeline

• 2025 application timeline coming soon (the deadline is typically in late March!)

Questions? Please reach out to Steven Prager at steven.prager@audubon.org.

Thank you to the generous AWRR community whose donations make this award possible!