START Scholarship Offers Environmental Science or Biology Majors up to $10,000

February 27, 2017

Professor Les Kanat of Johnson State College’s Environmental and Health Sciences Department has announced a scholarship opportunity for JSC environmental science and biology majors. The “Student Transition, Achievement, Retention and Teaching” (START) scholarship provides up to $10,000 to qualified students who choose to major in environmental science or biology.

Funding for the scholarship comes from a $551,810 National Science Foundation grant received in June 2012 to provide scholarships for promising students in the sciences.

START scholars participate in a special seminar focused on improving communication, academic, research and technical skills. In addition to building note- and test-taking skills, the seminar covers critical reading of scientific literature, reviews of JSC faculty research, laboratory techniques, writing workshops, mathematics workshops, grant writing, oral presentation skills, preparation for participation in science conferences, time-management skills, financial-management skills, research opportunities, internship opportunities, applications to seek advanced degrees, assistance in seeking internships and future employment, interviewing skills and resume writing.

The opportunity to do field and laboratory research as an undergraduate is a signature feature of Johnson State’s commitment to high-impact learning. Ongoing science research initiatives at JSC, in which START scholars may be involved include chemical, biological and geological investigations in the Lamoille River Watershed; analysis of bacteria from the closed Vermont Asbestos Group mine in Lowell and Eden; assessments of landslide potential in Jeffersonville; and characterization of hazardous algal blooms in association with the “Research on Adaptation to Climate Change” project.

Qualified students may apply for support for the final year of this program (the 2017/2018 academic year). Learn more and apply here.