Graduate research funding opportunity

[Steven Miller]

Sollins Graduate Fellowship for Coral Reef  
Ecosystem Studies:  1997 Announcement 

Students are encouraged to take advantage of this unique opportunity to acquire  
international experience during their graduate studies of coral reefs.  The fellowship  
and application materials are described below. 

SUBMISSION DEADLINE IS SEPTEMBER 30, 1996. 

	Coral reefs are among the most diverse ecosystems on the planet, they are  
globally distributed, and they support various aspects of coastal economies.  Yet coral  
reefs are widely recognized to be in decline and studies are needed to provide  
information to manage and understand processes that cause coral reef change.  Funds are  
available, approximately US$12,000 annually, to support one student to work toward a  
Ph.D. in the general area of coral reef ecosystem research.  The focus of the Sollins  
Fellowship is to understand and predict coral reef response to management or  
disturbance-caused change (human-caused or natural).  Research supported by the  
fellowship should emphasize an ecosystem approach, recognizing the complex interplay  
among many processes that shape the way coral reefs look and function.  Work that  
identifies controls on productivity, nutrient dynamics, carbonate accretion or erosion,  
or water circulation are examples of suitable topics.  Work is not restricted to these  
topics, but controls should be emphasized because this information is important in  
construction of models that predict reef response to disturbance.  Studies that include  
development or testing of such models are a priority. 

Who can apply? 

	The Sollins Fellowship is available to graduate students, worldwide.  The intent  
of the fellowship is to help students develop skills and to address problems related to  
relevant applications of coral reef ecosystem research and management.  The fellowship  
is payable directly to the graduate student (or their institution) and can be used to  
support salary, travel, fieldwork, or laboratory analyses. The fellowship is awarded  
annually and  renewal for several years is possible but dependent on satisfactory  
progress.  The student can work entirely at the host university, or can split time  
between developed and developing country universities.  The fellowship is available to  
students already admitted to a graduate program at an accredited university.  The  
fellowship is available to graduate students worldwide to study at  accredited  
universities, anywhere.  A goal of the fellowship is to provide international support  
for coral reef ecosystem research. 

Application materials 

	A two page application letter, in English, is required from prospective  
fellowship candidates that outlines the research program, emphasizing the mix of applied  
and basic issues addressed in the program, availability of facilities  critical to  
successful completion of the work, and a time schedule to complete the work.  An  
official college transcript is also required.  The student's major professor is required  
to submit a CV and a support letter, in English, that details cost sharing and facility  
support.  If work will be conducted at a second university, a support letter is required  
from the sponsoring institution and professor.  Application materials will be reviewed  
by an ISRS/CMC panel; evaluation criteria include scientific merit, feasibility, cost  
sharing, and relevancy to the Sollins Fellowship guidelines. 

The International Society for Reef Studies 
and the  
Center for Marine Conservation 

	The Society (ISRS) and the Center (CMC) support the Sollins Fellowship through  
professional and administrative contributions.  The mission of the ISRS is to promote  
for the benefit of the public, the production and dissemination of scientific knowledge  
and understanding concerning coral reefs, both living and fossil.  The mission of the  
CMC is to conserve the health and wealth of marine life.  Its programs focus on  
eliminating four major threats to the health of the marine environment: pollution,  
physical alteration of marine ecosystems as a result of human activity, overexploitation  
of marine resources, and loss of marine biodiversity. 

Application materials should be submitted to the ISRS Recording Secretary, UNCW, 514  
Caribbean Drive, Key Largo, Florida 33037 

For questions: 

305-451-0233 telephone 
smiller at gate.net  e-mail 

Submission Deadline for 1997 support is September 30, 1996