Grants and Aid

The Biology Department provides financial support for student research and travel to scientific meetings. This support is made possible by the generous contributions of donors to the Biology Gift Fund.

Eligibility

  • Upper-division undergraduate or graduate students enrolled full-time at USF at the time of application and during the proposed period of research.
  • Minimum Science GPA 3.0

Maximum Amount of Support Per Year

A maximum of $2,500 can be granted.

What is supported:

  • purchase of supplies, services (e.g., DNA sequencing, interlibrary loan) and minor equipment (up to $2,500) necessary for the conduct of research.
  • travel to and from research sites
  • travel to a scientific meeting, accompanied by a faculty member

Priority will be given to students who are presenting the results of their research as an oral or poster presentation.

What is not supported:

  • salary or stipends
  • items for which Faculty Development Fund support can be sought by the sponsor within a reasonable time to initiate the research

Application Process

For Research Funds

Use the Research Application template, which includes:

  • Specific goal(s) that you intend to accomplish with this funding.
  • A statement of the scientific hypothesis being tested or question being addressed.
  • Brief (1 paragraph) description of the research problem being investigated, including appropriate literature citations.
  • Itemized budget, detailing all proposed expenditures.
  • Description of materials and methods to be used to test the hypothesis or answer the question. Include a description of statistical analysis.
  • An attached letter of support from the sponsoring faculty member should explain why the Faculty Development Fund cannot be used to support this project.

For TRAVEL Funds to Attend a Scientific Meeting

Use the Travel Application template, which includes:

  • A statement of your purpose for attending the meeting.
  • Itemized budget, detailing all proposed expenditures.
  • If presenting a paper, a copy of the abstract.
  • An attached letter of support from the sponsoring faculty member.

Please prepare your required materials in a single PDF file labeled your Last Name First Name, and fill out the online application form.

Submit your application here

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and will be reviewed at the next scheduled faculty meeting. Applicants will be notified in writing of the department’s decision.