Scholarships

The Biology Department has endowed scholarships that are awarded every year. To be considered for a departmental scholarship, students must apply through the UTRGV Excellence Scholarship application service: https://enrollment.utrgv.edu/fa_scholarships_new/default.aspx.
DON ESTEBAN GARCIA SCHOLARSHIP
The Don Esteban Garcia scholarship is awarded to a biology major. Graduate and undergraduate students are equally eligible. The award amount varies depending on the return on the endowment, but would average around $500/year.
R & K DUGGER SCHOLARSHIP
The R & K Dugger scholarship goes to a graduate student doing research on flora and fauna native to the Rio Grande Valley. In addition to the application to the Excellence scholarship fund, the successful applicant must submit a thesis proposal, letters of recommendation, a CV, and a transcript to the departmental scholarship committee. The award amount varies depending on the return on the endowment. Typical award amounts would be between $5000 and $8000 per academic year.
PAULINE JAMES SCHOLARSHIP
The Pauline James scholarship is awarded to a student interested in ornithology. There are no restrictions on graduate/undergraduate status. Award amount is $700 per year.
INTERDISCIPLINARY SCHOLARSHIPS
There are a number of interdisciplinary scholarships that are awarded by a committee appointed by the College of Science. The premed awards are restricted to undergraduates who plan to attend medical school. There are other interdisciplinary scholarships specific for entering freshmen, and some that are awarded to an undergraduate student declaring a major in one of the natural sciences.