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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.

Duration: Study to be completed within one year.

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

Dates: Complete electronic applications must be received on or before 1 February 2010 by W. R. Osterkamp via email. Awards will be announced in early March, 2010.

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

1. Biography of applicant including field experience, relevant courses completed, and other information the applicant deems relevant.
2. 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.
3. A one-page budget.
4. A letter of support from the faculty advisor stating that the applicant is capable of conducting the proposed research. The letter should describe the level of supervision that is to be provided or indicate how the work can be accomplished independently. The applicant's work plan should 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 receive permission to conduct research from administrative staff of the Research Ranch before applying to us for a fellowship.

Research Ranch application forms and information about the site can be found here, or contact Linda Kennedy, Director, Appleton-Whittell Research Ranch of the National Audubon Society, HC 1 Box 44, 366 Research Ranch Road, Elgin, AZ 85611 (email; phone: 520-455-5522). Address questions to W. R. Osterkamp (email; phone: 520-670-6821 ex. 113).