Don Richter Memorial Scholarships
Scholarship Sponsored by Alaska Geological Society
Overview
The Alaska Geological Society is accepting applications to the Don Richter Scholarship to support graduate student research. Projects in any geology or geophysics discipline that are tied to work in Alaska are eligible. Proposals that align with Don Richter’s areas of interest—particularly volcanology, igneous petrology, neotectonics, or field-based studies in the Aleutian arc, Talkeetna Mountains, Wrangell Mountains region, Denali Fault system, or south-central Alaska stratigraphy—are especially welcome. One award of $2,500 will be granted.
Eligibility
- Must be enrolled at an accredited college or university.
- Must be a current MS or PhD candidate in geoscience or an equivalent graduate program.
- Research, thesis, or project must focus on Alaskan geology or a closely related geoscience topic. Preference will be given to proposals reflecting Don Richter’s career interests (examples: volcanology, igneous petrology, field investigations in the Aleutian arc, Talkeetna arc, Wrangell Mountains, the Denali Fault system, or stratigraphy of south-central Alaska).
- Applicants who have received the Richter Scholarship previously may not have been awarded it more than one time. Previous recipients must submit a brief report to the Scholarship Committee explaining how prior funds were spent.
- Applicants may not be related to any member of the Richter family or to any individual serving on the Scholarship Committee or the Alaska Geological Society Board of Directors.
Application materials (required)
- Completed AGS Scholarship application form (downloadable from the AGS website).
- Cover letter outlining your academic and career goals, your interest in the Earth sciences, your financial need, and a description of how you would use the scholarship funds (examples: fieldwork expenses, research or laboratory fees, tuition, or books). If you previously received an AGS scholarship, include an update on how those funds were used.
- Project statement: undergraduates should submit a project description; graduate students should submit their thesis or dissertation proposal. Explain the project’s relevance to Don Richter’s areas of interest.
- At least two letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with your academic qualifications. A third letter may be provided if it offers significant additional information.
- Copies of transcripts from your current institution. First-year graduate students should also include transcripts from their prior institution. Official sealed transcripts are not required; copies are acceptable.
If you have questions about the application or submission process, contact the Alaska Geological Society Scholarship Committee.