The Biodiversity Research Award recognizes a University of Florida graduate student for excellence in research on biodiversity, including but not limited to spatial and temporal patterns in organismal diversity, ecology, evolution, genetics, conservation, education, and outreach.

The Biodiversity Award is funded primarily through the Louis C. and Jane Gapenski Endowed Fellowship. Support the Biodiversity Award by making a gift to the Gapenski Endowment.

Eligibility

The graduate student must be guided by a curator, collection manager, or research scientist at the Florida Museum of Natural History, and preference is given to those students who have spent a significant portion of their scholastic career doing research in association with the Florida Museum. Current students as well as former students within one year of receiving their degree are eligible.

Application

Applications are evaluated by the Florida Museum of Natural History University Teaching Committee. Preference is given to a student involved in whole organism, population, or ecosystem studies and who is using novel approaches or overcoming significant challenges to address questions of broad relevance. The nomination should include the following:

  1. A letter from a Florida Museum sponsor (faculty/collection manager/research scientist) which clearly describes: a) the research completed while under the guidance of the Museum sponsor and its significance (including publications by the student and any relevant funding raised by the student); b) the nominee’s contribution to and use of the Museum’s collections, other datasets, programs, or facilities (including addition of specimens to collections, curation of specimens, digitization, development of biodiversity datasets or methodologies, involvement in museum exhibits); c) any other meritorious activities of the nominee in association with the Florida Museum (including outreach, education, service on museum/university committees, service to scientific organizations/community, other activities).
  2. The nominee’s curriculum vitae and an optional, short (<1 page) statement from the nominee addressing the issues listed above.
  3. Copies of one to three publications that show evidence of research excellence and that are based at least in part on research conducted during the nominee’s time at the Florida Museum. Acceptable alternatives include a thesis or dissertation, or a paper that has been submitted or is in press. For applicants who have already graduated, papers submitted after their graduation should not be included in the application.

Nominations for these awards are generally solicited from Florida Museum faculty and staff supervisors early in the Spring semester and nominations should be sent to the chair of the University Teaching Committee. All documents should be included as electronic attachments if possible.

Biodiversity Award Winners

2023 – Michael Belitz

2022 – Daniel Paluh