These are departmental awards only.
You must be a declared biology major to be eligible for any awards or scholarships.
Questions? Contact Joyce Antonio, joyceca@uw.edu
AUTUMN 2025 APPLICATIONS
Autumn applications open 9:00am, Wednesday, October 1st, 2025
Deadline for Autumn applications is 4:00pm, Friday, October 24th, 2025
Awards must be used within one year of Autumn Quarter 2025
NOTE: This year, we are revamping the faculty recommendation process. Instead of giving the option for recommendation letters, we are asking that the faculty member fill out a Google Form with short answer questions pertaining to your scholarship and/or research award application.
- Application instructions for Autumn 2025
- The online submission form for Autumn 2025
- FOR FACULTY: The online submission Faculty Recommendation for Autumn 2025
WINTER 2026 APPLICATIONS
Winter applications open 9:00am, Wednesday, January 7th, 2026
Deadline for Winter applications 4:00pm, Friday, January 30th, 2026
Awards must be used within one year of Winter Quarter 2026.
NOTE: This year, we are revamping the faculty recommendation process. Instead of giving the option for recommendation letters, we are asking that the faculty member fill out a Google Form with short answer questions pertaining to your scholarship and/or research award application.
- Application instructions for Winter 2026
- The online submission form for Winter 2026
- FOR FACULTY: The online submission Faculty Recommendation for Winter 2026
Autumn 2025 Scholarships and Awards
Award amount: up to $1,500
Description: This scholarship provides tuition support for a top student finishing the Introductory Biology series in any quarter. The endowment supporting this scholarship was established in 1987 in honor of the late Zoology Prof. Donald S. Farner, a long-time contributor and champion of the Introductory Biology series.
Eligibility: Department of Biology undergraduates who have completed BIO 180, 200, and 220 at the University of Washington, based on enthusiasm, academic merit, and financial need, as determined by the Office of Student Financial Aid
Award type: Scholarship
Award amount: up to $5,000
Description: This endowment was established to provide assistance to undergraduate students, representing alumni Harold A. Porath and Thomas L. Johnson's desire to give back to their institution.
Eligibility: Department of Biology undergraduates based on academic merit, with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher, and financial need, as determined by the Office of Student Financial Aid.
Award type: Scholarship
Edith Lucena Riehl Scholarship
Award amount: up to $2,000
Description: The endowment supporting this scholarship was established in 2003 by Edith Lucena Riehl. Because she had no opportunity for an advanced education, Edith decided if she had the means, she would help students attain their goals. The award by cover tuition and provide support for books, feeds and other educational expenses.
Eligibility: Department of Biology undergraduates who have been at the UW for at least one year with a minimum of 40 credits. Selection is based on academic merit and need as determined by the Office of Student Financial Aid.
Award type: Scholarship
Excellence in Biology Scholarship
Award amount: up to $5,000
Description: The Department of Biology directly funds this scholarship annually, for the benefit of its undergraduate students.
Eligibility: Department of Biology undergraduates enrolled at UW for at least one year. Selection is based on academic merit and financial need, as determined by the Office of Student Financial Aid.
Award type: Scholarship
Award amount: up to $4,000
Description: This award supports undergraduates with costs associated with fieldwork, research supplies, research-related travel, and/or travel to present at scientific meetings.The endowment supporting this award was established in 1962 by faculty, alumni, and friends to honor former Botany Professors Frye, Hotson, and Rigg. A major contribution also came from the estate of Ruth and Horace Daum.
Eligibility: Department of Biology undergraduates conducting research using a plant, algae, or fungi system for work in botany, ecology, evolution, taxonomy, environmental science, or biodiversity.
Award type: Research award
Award amount: $1,000
Description: The endowment supporting this award was established in 1997 by the late John Franco in memory of his wife Dorothy. John was a restauranteur and liberal arts and law school graduate, but he considered those areas less important than biology: "Biology is the basis of the human condition. It's what keeps the human race alive." This prize will be awarded annually to the best scientific paper submitted by an undergraduate involved in research.
Eligibility: Department of Biology undergraduate conducting research in any biological discipline who submits their work in the form of a scientific paper (including title, abstract, introduction, methods, results, discussion, and references). This award has no expenditure restrictions and can be used at the student's discretion.
Award type: Prize
Katharina Casey Leadership Award
Award amount: up to $2,000
Description: The endowment supporting this award was established in 2001 by the estate of Katharina Casey and is intended to reward an undergraduate who demonstrates exceptional leadership, working hard and creatively to make Biology's undergraduate environment richer by increasing interactions of students with faculty through their enthusiasm for biology. The award supports costs associated with travel to present at scientific meetings, including conference registration fees, transportation, and/or room and board costs. The fund may also provide support for student research projects.
Eligibility: Department of Biology undergraduates who need funds for travel to give a talk or present a poster at a scientific meeting or conference or undergraduates who need funds for research projects, in any biological discipline.
Award type: Research award
Walter & Margaret Sargent Award
Award amount: up to $2,000
Description: The Sargent Award supports Department of Biology undergraduates with costs associated with their research, including travel costs. The endowment supporting this award was established in 2002 by Walter and Margaret Sargent, former members of the Botany department.
Eligibility: Department of Biology undergraduates who need funds to support their research, in any discipline. Applicants must be currently enrolled at the time that the award is made.
Award type: Research award
Winter 2026 Scholarships and Awards
Dr. Donald Kelts Family Scholarship
Award amount: $5,000
Description: The endowment supporting this scholarship was established in 2020 by Dr. Donald Kelts. In addition to his studies in the College of Education with majors in biology and education and minors in chemistry and anthropology, Dr. Kelts played football for the university and worked odd jobs to earn spending money. Dr. Kelts and his family created the endowment supporting this scholarship to provide aid to deserving students working to complete their undergraduate education. This scholarship provides financial support to a sophomore, junior, or senior Biology undergraduate who intends to pursue a career in science or medicine. The scholarship may cover tuition and provide support for books, fees, and other educational expenses.
Eligibility: Department of Biology sophomore, junior, or senior Biology undergraduates who intend to pursue a career in science or medicine. Selection is based on academic merit and need as determined by the Office of Student Financial Aid.
Award type: Scholarship
Award amount: up to $1,500
Description: This scholarship provides tuition support for a top student finishing the Introductory Biology series in any quarter. The endowment supporting this scholarship was established in 1987 in honor of the late Zoology Prof. Donald S. Farner, a long-time contributor and champion of the Introductory Biology series.
Eligibility: Department of Biology undergraduates who have completed BIO 180, 200, and 220 at the University of Washington, based on enthusiasm, academic merit, and financial need, as determined by the Office of Student Financial Aid
Award type: Scholarship
Excellence in Biology Scholarship
Award amount: up to $5,000
Description: The Department of Biology directly funds this scholarship annually, for the benefit of its undergraduate students.
Eligibility: Department of Biology undergraduates enrolled at UW for at least one year. Selection is based on academic merit and financial need, as determined by the Office of Student Financial Aid.
Award type: Scholarship
Award amount: up to $6,000
Description: The endowments supporting the FHL Award were established in 2005 by Ms. Dorothy Mills and her daughter, Dr. Claudia Mills, Profs. Katherine Graubard and William Calvin, Drs. Alan and Marian Kohn, and Prof. Dennis Willows and Dr. Susan Mahoney.
Eligibility: Department of Biology undergraduates enrolled in classes at Friday Harbor Labs during spring and/or summer quarter who need funding for housing & related costs. Applicants must show proof of enrollment for classes or directed research at FHL during spring and/or summer quarter.
Award type: Scholarship
Award amount: Full tuition (1 academic year, in-state rate) for one rising senior
Description: The endowment support this scholarship was established in 2011 by Dr. William D. Gillett in honor of his lifelong friend, Dr. Susan Huscroft M.D. Throughout her career Dr. Huscroft has been devoted to caring for others, especially children, most notably through her work as a pediatric physician at the East LA Child and Youth Clinic, as Chief of Pediatrics and Chest Service at El Monte Comprehensive Health Care Center Ambulatory Care Services, and as the Medical Director of the LA County Juvenile Court Health Services, from which she retired. It is Dr. Gillett's intention that this scholarship provide funding to bright students who have proven both the desire and capability of completing an undergraduate degree in a premed track, and who have significant financial need. Recipients may receive 1 full academic year's worth of tuition (in-state rate).
Eligibility: Department of Biology undergraduate of junior standing (3rd year) and intends to complete an undergraduate Biology degree in a premed track. Selection is based on academic merit and financial need as determined by the Office of Student Financial Aid. Candidates will be interviewed by representatives from Biology administration and the Undergraduate Program Committee. The awardee will be required to remain in good academic standing and make satisfactory progress toward their degree; failure to do so may result in withdrawal of scholarship.
Award type: Scholarship
Award amount: up to $2,000
Description: This scholarship is made possible by the Washington State Federation of Garden Clubs in honor of their 10th president, May Garrett Hayes, during whose presidency the Rhododendron was named the official state flower of Washington.
Eligibility: Department of Biology undergraduate junior or senior whose degree or research is related to plant sciences. Selection is based on academic merit (B average) and financial need (as determined by FAFSA). The student must be a resident of Washington State.
Award type: Scholarship
Award amount: up to $5,000
Description: This endowment was established to provide assistance to undergraduate students, representing alumni Harold A. Porath and Thomas L. Johnson's desire to give back to their institution.
Eligibility: Department of Biology undergraduates based on academic merit, with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher, and financial need, as determined by the Office of Student Financial Aid.
Award type: Scholarship
Award amount: $1,200
Description: This award was established to provide assistance to undergraduate students from disadvantaged backgrounds who are pursuing research in plant biology.
Eligibility: Open to all Biology students, but it is the donor's preference that this endowment support Biology students who are from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, students who have overcome personal or educational obstacles to go to college, and/or students with deep personal experience with, and/or connection to, diverse cultures; and who are pursuing plant related research projects. Preference given to students performing plant research projects or conservation of climate change research within the Biology Greenhouse, The Center for Urban Horticulture, and/or related UW departments that incorporate hand-on research on environmental aspects of biology/botany.
Award type: Scholarship
Award amount: up to $4,000
Description: This award supports undergraduates with costs associated with fieldwork, research supplies, research-related travel, and/or travel to present at scientific meetings.The endowment supporting this award was established in 1962 by faculty, alumni, and friends to honor former Botany Professors Frye, Hotson, and Rigg. A major contribution also came from the estate of Ruth and Horace Daum.
Eligibility: Department of Biology undergraduates conducting research using a plant, algae, or fungi system for work in botany, ecology, evolution, taxonomy, environmental science, or biodiversity.
Award type: Research award
Award amount: $1,000
Description: The endowment supporting this award was established in 1997 by the late John Franco in memory of his wife Dorothy. John was a restauranteur and liberal arts and law school graduate, but he considered those areas less important than biology: "Biology is the basis of the human condition. It's what keeps the human race alive." This prize will be awarded annually to the best scientific paper submitted by an undergraduate involved in research.
Eligibility: Department of Biology undergraduate conducting research in any biological discipline who submits their work in the form of a scientific paper (including title, abstract, introduction, methods, results, discussion, and references). This award has no expenditure restrictions and can be used at the student's discretion.
Award type: Prize
Ingrith Deyrup-Olsen Peer Facilitator Award
Award amount: $500
Description: The IDO Peer Facilitator Award is an annual prize awarded to undergraduate juniors or seniors who peer facilitate for a class in any biological discipline and demonstrate commitment to and excellence in teaching. The endowment supporting this award was established in 1991 by the late Dr. Ingrith Deyrup-Olsen and by many donations from her friends.
Eligibility: Department of Biology undergraduate juniors or seniors who have served as a peer facilitator for a class in any biological discipline. Preference will be given to students who plan a career in K-12 biology teaching — if this applies to you, please indicate so in your application. This award has no expenditure restrictions and can be used at the student's discretion. This award requires a personal statement, but DOES NOT require a FAFSA.
Award type: Prize