Ducks Unlimited’s Institute for Wetland and Waterfowl Research Announces Fellowship competitions for 2010:

1. The Edward D. and Sally M. Futch Graduate Fellowship

Ducks Unlimited's Institute for Wetland and Waterfowl Research is seeking applications from qualified students for the Edward D. and Sally M. Futch Graduate Fellowship. The purposes of this fellowship are to assist in the development of talented young professionals who are dedicated to furthering the conservation of wetlands and wetland wildlife, and to advance scientific understanding of the biology of waterfowl and wetlands in North America.

Mrs. Futch and the late Dr. Futch resided in Galveston, Texas and had a deep interest in the outdoors, especially in waterfowl and the wetlands that support them. They were vitally involved in the education of youth, tomorrow's leaders in science and medicine, through the University of Texas Medical Branch and elsewhere in the Galveston community. Their abiding interest in waterfowl and other wildlife took them to the far corners of the globe. Their appreciation of these resources and their understanding of the critical links between wildlife abundance, ecosystem integrity and the sound scientific management of wildlife habitat, led them to dedicate funds to support this fellowship. Mrs. Futch and the late Dr. Futch, an educator himself, took a special interest in the scientific work of Ducks Unlimited and were very proud to support this program for today's youth and tomorrow's environment.

One fellowship will be awarded in 2010. It is open to graduate students enrolled at any North American University. Subject matter for the student's research can deal with any aspect of waterfowl or wetland biology that promises to advance conservation.

Fellowships will be awarded based on the qualifications of the applicant, the scientific soundness of the student's research proposal, originality and creativity in study design, expected contributions of the research to furthering waterfowl conservation, and the achievability of the work.

One award of up to $7,000/year (U.S. funds) is available to provide personal or research support for the successful applicant. The award is renewable for up to two additional years for PhD students, once for MS students, assuming annual approval of a satisfactory progress report and the need for continuing financial support.

2. The Spencer T. and Ann W. Olin Foundation Wetlands and Waterfowl Research Fellowship

The Spencer T. and Ann W. Olin Foundation Wetlands and Waterfowl Research Fellowship was established in 2000 to support graduate students engaged in important waterfowl research. The fellowship reflects the support of Ducks Unlimited that began in 1941 by Spencer and Ann Olin. The Olin family has been a long-standing supporter of conservation and education. This generous support is carried on today by Olin family members through this fellowship.

The Spencer T. and Ann W. Olin Foundation Wetlands and Waterfowl Research Fellowship is an investment in young waterfowl professionals and is focused on two primary objectives: 1) developing critical scientific information that will contribute to the future conservation of waterfowl and wetland resources, and 2) contributing to the training of future professionals in the field of waterfowl and wetlands conservation. The ultimate objective is to ensure waterfowl and wetlands conservation through the contribution of career professionals. Research to date has included work on redhead duck foraging habitat in the Laguna Madre, mallard breeding ecology in the Great Lakes region, black duck winter and spring habitat use, and mallard duckling survival.

One fellowship will be awarded in 2010. It is open to graduate students enrolled at any North American University. Subject matter for the student's research can deal with any aspect of waterfowl or wetland biology that promises to advance conservation.

Fellowships will be awarded based on the qualifications of the applicant, the scientific soundness of the student's research proposal, originality and creativity in study design, expected contributions of the research to furthering waterfowl conservation, and the achievability of the work.

One award of up to $7,500/year (U.S. funds) is available to provide personal or research support for the successful applicant. The award is renewable for up to two additional years for PhD students, once for students pursuing a Master’s of Science degree, assuming annual approval of a satisfactory progress report and the need for continuing financial support.

How to Apply

Fellowships will be awarded based on the qualifications of the applicant, the scientific soundness of the student's research proposal, originality and creativity in study design, expected contributions of the research to furthering waterfowl conservation, and the achievability of the work. The IWWR is a non-profit institution and does not pay indirect costs to cooperating universities and research institutions.

Applicants automatically will be considered for any fellowship for which they are qualified. Thus, a single application will suffice. Applications must be received by November 20, 2009. Applicants will be notified of the results of the competition in January.

Fellowship applicants should submit the following materials (letters of reference can be sent separately):

· Research proposal, not more than 10 pages in length

§ The format for these is flexible, but should include an introduction to the problem, objectives and major hypotheses, the basic design of observations or experiments, general methods, a timetable, and literature cited.

· Proposed budget with a list of any secured matching support (including personal support) and other pending applications

· Brief statement of career objectives (<1 page)

· Resume of the student applicant

· Academic transcripts (photocopies are acceptable) and GRE scores (if available)

· A letter of endorsement from the applicant's advisor

· Two additional letters of recommendation

Send materials to:

Dr. David W. Howerter, Research Scientist
Institute for Wetland and Waterfowl Research
Ducks Unlimited Canada
P.O. Box 1160
Stonewall, MB Canada R0C2Z0
Email: d_howerter@ducks.ca
Phone: (204) 467-3292 FAX: (204) 467-3410

Electronic submissions are strongly encouraged. Electronic submissions greatly facilitate peer review and management of your proposal. Submissions via courier, regular mail and fax also are acceptable.