Financial Support and Housing for Graduate Students
KBS Awards and Fellowships for Graduate Students
Graduate students interested in conducting research or taking courses at KBS are eligible to apply for competitive research and education awards and fellowships. Students enrolled at MSU have preference for some research awards. Funds can be used to cover research supplies, minor equipment, travel, housing or tuition. MSU students are awarded these funds through their student accounts. Preference is given to students early in their research careers. These awards come from endowed scholarships at KBS and the MSU Graduate School; only MSU students are eligible for the Graduate School Fellowship funds. Funding sources are described below. Funds are limited; typical awards are $1,000-$2,000. Larger requests need to be carefully and thoughtfully justified.
To apply, please complete the Graduate Fellowship and Award Application. Review of applications will take place throughout the year; however, highest priority will be for applications received prior to April 14th each year.
Questions? Contact the KBS Academic Programs Coordinator, Sarah Roy, at roysara1@msu.edu
KBS Outreach Fellowships for Graduate Students
Outreach Fellowships:
If you’re passionate about science education and outreach, consider applying for the Science Education and Outreach Fellowships. As a fellow, you’ll have the opportunity to lead professional development programs for K-12 teachers, visit classrooms, organize field trips, and create effective lesson plans that communicate your research to new audiences. These fellowships are fully funded by the MSU Graduate School and are available year-round. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to make a positive impact in the field of science education and outreach.
Science Education and Outreach Fellowships (Fall, – Summer) Aug. 19, 2024, to July 15, 2025, Now accepting applications.
Full Description: Science Education and Outreach Fellowship
To Apply: Submit: (1) a statement of interest that includes a short description of your research and outreach and teaching experience; (2) a CV that includes prior teaching and outreach experience; and (3) a letter of support from your faculty advisor. The statement of interest and advisor’s letter of support should demonstrate a familiarity with the general goals and expectations of the KBS Science Education and Outreach program.
Questions and application materials should be emailed to Misty Klotz at klotzmis@msu.edu and Kara Haas at karahaas@msu.edu by Monday, January 29, 2024.
Project-based Outreach Fellowships:
Broader Impacts and Outreach Fellowship:
There are two Broader Impacts and Outreach Fellowships available this summer. The purpose of these fellowships is to assist individuals involved in scientific research in effectively communicating with a particular audience. This audience could be anyone, including local organizations, undergraduate students, the general public, or farmers. The primary goal of these fellowships is to help graduate students explain the significance and relevance of their scientific work to individuals who may not have a scientific background. This is an excellent opportunity for you to communicate complex scientific concepts in a simplified manner to a broader audience.
Full Description: Broader Impacts and Outreach Fellowship 2024- FINAL
To Apply: Submit a proposal providing a concise summary of your research and idea for the Broader Impacts and Outreach Fellowship. Also, clearly state your intended audience, required resources, a detailed work plan for 120 hours of funding, project objectives, and deliverables. This proposal should be similar to a grant proposal.
Questions and application materials should be emailed to Sarah Roy & Misty Klotz. Submit Fellowship materials by Sunday, March 31, 2024.
Summer Social Media Fellowship:
The W.K. Kellogg Sanctuary seeks support for managing science communication across various social media platforms. The objective is to collaborate with the staff and inspire the public as well as future researchers about natural phenomena, while effectively conveying KBS Science to a wider audience. By doing so, the sanctuary aims to provide valuable insights and knowledge to individuals who are interested in understanding the natural world around them. wider audience.
Full Description: Social Media Fellowship – Sanctuary 2024 _FINAL
To Apply: Submit the following as a single PDF: (1) a statement of interest that includes a short description of your research, your experience or interest in science communication and outreach; and (2) a CV that includes prior project coordination and outreach experience.
Questions and application materials should be emailed to Lisa Duke & Misty Klotz. Submit Fellowship application materials by Sunday March 31, 2024.
BioBlitz Fellowship:
Are you someone with science research experience and a keen interest in education? Do you aspire to combine science and education for people of all ages? If yes, then you should consider applying for the BioBlitz Project Fellowship in 2025! See the Full Summer BioBlitz Fellowship Description.
KBS Academic Programs Fellowships for Graduate Students
The KBS Academic Programs (AP) team offers fellowships in spring and summer for graduate students to assist with development, coordination, and leading of the KBS summer programs for undergraduate students. AP Fellows will help put together the professional development program for summer students, lead activities and field trips, design and lead workshops, and more. KBS will offer two summer 2024 AP Fellowships. See link for full details.
Full Description (Summer 2024 AP Fellow): Summer 2024 Academic Programs Fellow_FINAL
To Apply: Submit the following as a single PDF: 1) a cover describing why you are interested in the position and any skills or experiences that would be relevant; 2) a curriculum vitae; and 3) a letter of support from your advisor.
Questions and application materials should be sent to the KBS Academic Programs Coordinator, Sarah Roy. The deadline for Summer 2024 AP Fellowship applications is Friday, February 2nd, 2024.
Additional Graduate Student Funding Sources
Research Assistantships – Available through individual faculty for research associated with specific externally funded grants. Assistantships are usually half-time (20 hours per week) and include tuition waivers. Stipends vary somewhat by department.
MSU Distinguished Fellowship Program – A four-year Ph.D. fellowship program awarded on the basis of academic performance and leadership promise.
Plant Science Fellowships – A one- to two-year Ph.D. fellowship to work with faculty in the general area of plant sciences, including plant/phytoplankton community ecology, evolution, and ecosystem ecology / biogeochemistry.
College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Graduate Financial Assistantship Program – A 3-plus-year Ph.D. fellowship program targeting women and underrepresented minorities in agriculture and natural resource departments (including KBS).
College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Dissertation Completion Fellowships
Environmental Science and Policy Program (ESPP) Doctoral Recruiting Fellowship – One year of support for students pursuing ESPP Doctoral Specialization
Part-time MSU research assistantships
National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program
Additionally, students may seek out external fellowships.
Housing for Graduate Students at KBS
There are 17 houses that contain 21 separate rental units in and around KBS that are available to KBS graduate students, post docs, faculty and staff. Several of these houses are group or multi-unit houses. There are 5 houses at Lux Arbor (a large KBS property north of the KBS main site). Graduate students are given first priority for this type of housing.
Rent for a house is generally between $500-$550/month, not including utilities. Rent for a room in a house is generally $350/month, including utilities.
***There is also shorter-term housing available on-site. Visit the KBS Conference Center for more details on KBS room & board, and a link to the request housing form.
Support to Present Your KBS Research at Conferences and Meetings
Graduate and undergraduate students that have done research at at the W.K. Kellogg Biological Station (KBS) can apply for a limited number of funds to support participation in regional, national and international meetings in order to present their KBS research.
What you will need:
-Name, date, and location of the meeting
-A PDF of the document indicating your abstract was accepted
-A PDF of the accepted abstract (if not included in the above)
-Total support requested from KBS
-An itemized budget for the total cost of meeting attendance that includes cost of travel (flight, or driving at $0.58/mile), registration, meals, and lodging
CLICK HERE TO APPLY!
Financial Support and Housing for Undergraduates
Housing Scholarships for Undergraduates
Due to generous donations to support students at KBS, ALL students taking at least 4 credits of KBS summer courses (or a 2-week intensive) and opting to stay at KBS will be awarded a 50% housing scholarship to offset the cost of living at KBS (reducing your cost to $180/week).
Students taking at least 4 credits of KBS summer courses (or a 2-week intensive) and eligible for Federal Pell Grant awards will be awarded a 100% housing scholarship. To be considered for this scholarship, eligible students must submit a PDF of their most recent MSU Financial Aid Award letter demonstrating they are Pell Grant eligible when they apply for courses.
***All housing scholarships will be transmitted directly to the KBS Conference Center on behalf of each student and reported to MSU Financial Aid.
For questions please contact the Academic Programs Coordinator at KBSsummer@kbs.msu.edu.
Housing for Undergraduates at KBS
Each summer over 100 undergraduates and graduate students from MSU and around the country live at KBS. Resident Mentors facilitate student life activities at KBS including bonfires, volleyball games, group meals, camping trips and weekend excursions.
KBS is located on beautiful Gull Lake, which is 1.5 hours from the MSU main campus. Students can choose to live at KBS, or commute for their summer courses. There is recreation, dining, and shopping around the lake and within a 5-20 minute drive from KBS in the towns of Richland, Kalamazoo, and Battle Creek.
All student housing at KBS is shared in the KBS Apartments or the Orchard Dorm Suites. Depending on availability, the KBS Conference Center may be able to honor a request for private housing, but additional charges will apply.
***To secure your housing, room and board scholarship, and seat in your KBS course(s) you must pay a 1-week, non-refundable deposit after you are accepted. The deposit will be deducted from your total due upon arrival at KBS.
If you have questions about housing, please feel free to email KBSSummer@kbs.msu.edu.
Support to Present Your KBS Research at Conferences and Meetings
Graduate and undergraduate students that have done research at at the W.K. Kellogg Biological Station (KBS) can apply for a limited number of funds to support participation in regional, national and international meetings in order to present their KBS research.
What you will need:
-Name, date, and location of the meeting
-A PDF of the document indicating your abstract was accepted
-A PDF of the accepted abstract (if not included in the above)
-Total support requested from KBS
-An itemized budget for the total cost of meeting attendance that includes cost of travel (flight, or driving at $0.58/mile), registration, meals, and lodging
CLICK HERE TO APPLY!
Please visit our support page to learn more about how you can contribute to the following scholarship and fellowship funds that make graduate and undergraduate education possible for students at KBS!
Funding Sources in Support of Students at KBS
George H. Lauff Scholarship
- Undergraduate Funding
- Graduate Funding
The Lauff Scholarship was established by KBS Director Emeritus Dr. George H. Lauff for undergraduate and graduate students at KBS. This scholarship is the first endowed scholarship at KBS and celebrates the commitment of Dr. Lauff to fostering the next generation of ecologists. This scholarship can be awarded in the form of a tuition award, research scholar award, or research award.
Joe Johnson Endowment for Wildlife Conservation Fellowships
- Undergraduate Funding
The Joe Johnson Fellowship supports student internships and research at the Kellogg Biological Station conducting research or studying wildlife conservation, species, habitat preservation and/or restoration. The fellowship was established to honor Joe’s 48 years of work at the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary and his lifetime commitment to wildlife conservation and education.
KBS Graduate Student Research Fellowship
- Graduate Funding
B. William and Jeannette Maxey established the KBS Graduate Student Research Fellowship in 2015 after spending a day with KBS graduate students in the field, appreciating their work and the discoveries these students are making. This fund supports graduate students performing research with preference given to those doing aquatic or bird research.
Sharin E. & Thomas C. Noall and Charles & Thelma E. Noall Scholarship in Biological and Environmental Science
- Undergraduate Funding
This scholarship honors Sharin E. & Thomas C. Noall and Charles & Thelma Noall who recognize research and education as key elements to our future. The intent for this scholarship is to provide a life changing experience for MSU students at KBS.
T. Wayne and Kathryn Porter Graduate Fellowship Endowment Fund
- Graduate Funding
Porter Fellowships are available to graduate students pursuing research at KBS, with preference given to students interested in studying invertebrates. The fellowship honors the lifelong commitment of Dr. Porter to field studies of invertebrates and the many years he taught at KBS.
Benjamin Skulnick Endowed Scholarship & Research Fund
- Undergraduate Funding
Harvey and Janet Skulnick established the fund in loving memory of their son, Benjamin, who spent several summers at KBS. Ben was an undergraduate at Michigan State University, earning a BS in Zoology. He took classes at Kellogg Biological Station during summers of 1998-1999 and also worked as a research assistant. The scholarship honors his life and recognizes the impact KBS had on Ben as an MSU student. The Skulnick scholarship can defray the cost for a student to be in residence at KBS and participate in coursework or research.
Patricia A. Werner Scholarship for Ecological Field Studies
- Undergraduate Funding
- Graduate Funding
This scholarship honors Patricia A. Werner, a former KBS faculty member, internationally recognized plant population ecologist, educator and science administrator. The intent of this scholarship is to provide hands-on field experiences to students as a vital complement to their classroom and laboratory studies.
Conservation Legacy Fund
- Undergraduate Funding
The W.K. Kellogg Biological Station Conservation Legacy Fund endowment gifted by David G. Dvorak, M.D., provides overarching support for all areas of KBS. It supports education and outreach programs, student scholarships, as well as grounds and facility upkeep, including the W.K. Kellogg Manor House and Kellogg Bird Sanctuary.
ROKS (Residential Opportunities at Kellogg Station) Scholarship
- Undergraduate Funding
The Residential Opportunities at the Kellogg Station scholarship was established by an anonymous donor to provide students the opportunity to combine classroom and field research experiences while living in residence at the Kellogg Biological Station. Funds are awarded to cover tuition, housing, and related expenses to students planning to be in residence at KBS for any academic term.
A legacy of conservation; a commitment to sustainability.
3700 E. Gull Lake Drive
Hickory Corners, MI 49060
(269) 671-5117
info@kbs.msu.edu