Dennis Raveling Scholarship for Waterfowl Research
Scholarship Sponsored by California Waterfowl
Overview
The Dennis Raveling Scholarship for Waterfowl Research is awarded annually to students pursuing careers in waterfowl or wetlands ecology. The award supports field experience and training in the tools, methods, and concepts of waterfowl and wetlands research and management. Selection emphasizes candidate resolve, high academic achievement, and project merit. Applicants should be prepared to submit a detailed proposal if requested.
Description: A scholarship focused on advancing original research and practical training that benefits conservation management of waterfowl and wetlands.
- Annual scholarship supporting field-focused waterfowl/wetlands research
- Emphasis on practical training and conservation relevance
- Supports candidates pursuing advanced university degrees
Eligibility
Applicants must be pursuing an advanced university degree in wildlife, zoology, botany, ecology, or another pertinent biological science. Ideal candidates demonstrate a clear commitment to a career in waterfowl or wetlands ecology and strong academic performance. Applicants should secure a faculty sponsor who will support the application. At least one reference should be a university instructor or a previous employment supervisor.
Eligibility: Advanced-degree students in relevant biological sciences with academic achievement, career intent in waterfowl/wetlands ecology, and a faculty sponsor.
- Advanced university degree candidates only
- Relevant fields: wildlife, zoology, botany, ecology, or related biology
- Faculty sponsor and references required
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit a concise project summary and supporting documents that demonstrate project merit and conservation relevance. The scholarship is intended to fund field experience and training, so proposals should describe methods and expected management applications. Shortlisted candidates may be asked for a full, detailed project proposal. Applications are reviewed by a committee of waterfowl professionals.
Application Requirements: A one-page, single-spaced proposal summary explaining project objectives and conservation relevance, plus supporting documentation.
- One-page, single-spaced proposal summary
- CV or resume and a brief statement of interest
- Letter of support from a faculty sponsor and names/phone numbers of two references
Selection and Award
A selection committee composed of waterfowl professionals representing Dennis Raveling’s legacy evaluates applications. Awards are granted on the basis of candidate resolve, academic achievement, and the scientific and conservation merit of the proposed project. The committee may request additional materials or a detailed proposal from finalists. The intent is to fund work that improves conservation management of waterfowl and wetlands.
Selection: A professional committee evaluates academic credentials, project merit, and conservation relevance to select recipients.
- Professional committee reviewers
- Evaluation based on academic performance, resolve, and project merit
- Additional proposals may be requested for finalists
Submission
Assemble the complete application package and submit it by email. Include all required documents in a single submission and ensure references and faculty support are clearly identified. Be prepared to provide additional materials if requested by the selection committee.
Submission: Email your application to: kshafer@calwaterfowl.org
- Submit a complete package by email
- Include proposal, CV, statement, faculty letter, and two references
- Expect follow-up requests for detailed proposals if shortlisted