Student Resources

A.C. Bradley and Wilfred Donaldson Bradley Scholarship

This scholarship was made possible by a generous endowment from the Bradley family. The Bradley Scholarship is awarded to undergraduate biology majors whose studies have an emphasis on agriculture or sustainability. Preference may be given to students from Bulloch County. The award is up to $1225.

Boole Scholarship

This scholarship was established through an endowment from Dr. John A. Boole, Professor Emeritus of Biology, to support outstanding students whose emphasis is in plant sciences. This scholarship awards $250-1500. Any biology major with demonstrated interest in the plant sciences is eligible. Preference will be given to upper-level or graduate students, but exceptional lower-level students will also be considered. There are typically multiple awards each year.

Chandler Scholarship (Statesboro campus only)

This scholarship is made possible through the generosity of the Chandler family through the Chandler Foundation. The Chandler Scholarship funds an intensive research experience for undergraduate students. Through this program, you will be paid to work with a faculty member for two semesters, conduct research, and report your research findings at a professional meeting. The scholarship offers an invaluable opportunity to learn biological research by working day-to-day with a faculty mentor. Students are paid a weekly stipend and provided with a budget for supplies and professional travel. Biology majors with at least 60 credit hours (30 or more from Georgia Southern) and a GPA of 2.75 are eligible. Students must make contact with a potential faculty mentor prior to application. The Chandler Scholarship is typically awarded to multiple students each year. You can access the Chandler Scholarship application here.

Foulkes Scholarship

The Foulkes Scholarship was endowed by Guy D. Foulkes, MD. It is available to full-time juniors or seniors majoring in biology. Candidates must have a minimum GPA of 3.5, and students from outside Georgia receive first preference. If all candidates are equal in meeting the criteria, financial need may be a consideration. The award is approximately $735.

Lovejoy Vertebrate Zoology Scholarship

The Lovejoy Scholarship was endowed by Emeritus Professor Bill Lovejoy. Dr. Lovejoy was a long-time vertebrate biologist in our department whose primary research focus was birds. This scholarship is available to rising junior, senior, or graduate students majoring in biology with an interest in vertebrate zoology. Multiple scholarships are awarded up to $1000.

McKeever Scholarship

The Dr. Sturgis McKeever scholarship fund was endowed by students and friends of this former member of the Department of Biology. Dr. McKeever was a broadly trained zoologist who worked on a variety of vertebrate and invertebrate species. He authored numerous articles and developed a worldwide reputation for his photography skills. His photographs have been featured in National Geographic, Audubon, Natural History, and other journals and magazines. Uppermost in his students’ thoughts, however, are memories of his emphasis on academic excellence and rigor. This scholarship (approximately $500) is offered to biology students with an interest in some field of zoology. Two scholarships are awarded each year, one to a graduate student and one to a full-time junior or senior (at least 60 credit hours).

Pike Scholarship

Family and friends endowed this scholarship in memory of Dr. John D. Pike, DMD, who had practices in Hinesville and Savannah. He was a faculty member in the Georgia Southern Department of Biology from 1970-73. Juniors, seniors, or graduate students with interests in pre-dentistry, botany, or marine biology are eligible. Pre-dentistry applicants (in any major) are given first preference. The award is up to $900.

Spence Scholarship

The Jim Spence Ornithology Scholarship was endowed by his family as a special remembrance and in honor of his love for birds and bird-watching. In 1979, Mr. Spence completed a 28-year career in the U.S. Navy as a Master Chief Petty Officer, the Navy’s highest enlisted ranking. Upon retirement to the Mississippi Gulf Coast, he entered into an interest in bird-watching with the same level of commitment and enthusiasm he had for his career in the Navy. He became an active member of the Mississippi Coast Audubon Society, participating in annual bird counts and other conservation efforts of the Society. In remembrance and appreciation of the great joy brought to Mr. Spence late in life by his love of birding, this scholarship is intended to foster and further the interests of students at Georgia Southern University who share that enthusiasm. This scholarship (approximately $450) is offered to biology students with an interest in birds. Two scholarships are awarded each year, one to a graduate student and one to a full-time undergraduate.

Beta Beta Beta

Tri-Beta is the national biological honor society. It is dedicated to improving the understanding and appreciation of biological study, particularly among undergraduates. Georgia Southern’s chapter is one of more than 406 chapters at universities around the country. Tri-Beta sponsors a range of activities that promote a career in biology such as prominent speakers, field trips to professional schools, and career workshops. Any student with good academic standing is welcome in Tri-Beta.

Biology Club

The mission of the Biology Club is to provide students, of any major with an interest in biology, a chance to meet other like-minded students in an informal setting. The Biology Club provides an opportunity for people to become involved in social/service activities related to biology (e.g., field trips, film viewings, guest speakers, community/ university outreach, etc.). Club meetings and activities are a venue for Georgia Southern students, faculty, and staff interested in sharing their interest of biology with each other and the community.

Student Alliance for a Green Earth (SAGE)

SAGE is Georgia Southern University’s environmental club. This organization is focused on improving environmental awareness and promoting responsibility by working with Georgia Southern students, faculty, staff, and administrators. SAGE organizes many campus events (such as the annual Earth Day celebration) and participates in a range of community events (such as beach and river cleanups). If you are interested in helping the environment and meeting other students with similar interests, get involved in SAGE.

There are a number of options for undergraduates to pursue meaningful research opportunities. Some students volunteer in the labs of a Georgia Southern Faculty member or they serve as support personnel and are paid as a work study student. Others earn academic credit for involvement in an ongoing research project (see below). Some students do research because they plan to as a member of the Honors College, which requires a Senior Honors project and thesis.

Many undergraduate students want hands on research experience before they commit to entering a graduate degree program. This is an excellent idea.

Volunteer

A good first step for any student interested in undergraduate research is to talk to faculty in the Biology department and tell them about your interest in undergraduate research and career aspirations. Then once you find what sounds interesting, volunteer to assist faculty members with a project, or for a few week, or over the summer to see if you would like to pursue work in that area.

Grants in support of research

Grant money is available to support research via the College Office of Undergraduate Research (COUR). The mission of COUR is to further the undergraduate research experience. COUR has an annual research competition and awards research grants to outstanding applicants. Currently, grants up to $2500.00 are awarded to cover research expenses and travel to national meetings. COUR also sponsors research symposium each year in April where undergraduate researchers from across the college present their research.
Application materials can be found at the COUR website.

There are also scholarships that support research experiences for Biology undergraduates.  Visit scholarships page.

Options to receive academic credit

Undergraduate Research: BIOL 4890/4890S

Besides volunteering, this is the most common way student’s gain research experience.  In this course, Biology majors will conduct a research project under the supervision of faculty. The sponsoring faculty member and student will design the type of study to be conducting and the evaluation criteria. The student will submit a poster presentation of the results at the end of the semester. A maximum of five credit hours of BIOL 4890 may be counted toward Biology Elective course work. Prerequisites: BIOL 2107, BIOL 2107L, BIOL 2108, BIOL 2108L, minimum GPA of 2.75, and junior standing.

Honors Research: BIOL 4895H

This independent research course is like 4890, but is for students enrolled in the Departmental Honors program. This course is required for students attempting to earn Departmental Honors in Biology. Students may register for 1-3 credit hours, but must complete 4 credit hours. Students opting to attempt the honors degree program would be precluded from receiving biology elective credit for BIOL 4890. Prerequisites: Junior level or above; good standing in the Honors College (3.3 GPA or higher).

BIOL 4999H Honors Thesis:

Written and oral presentation of results of independent research is required. Honors thesis must follow the guidelines adopted by the Honors College. This course is required for students attempting to earn Departmental Honors in Biology. Prerequisites: A minimum grade of “C” in 4 credit hours of BIOL 4895H; good standing in the Honors College (3.3 GPA or higher).