Student Scholarships for Botanical Research
Did you know that the Garden Club of America offers many scholarship opportunities to undergraduate and graduate students?
January is an important month for students seeking scholarships to fund their summer or yearly research plans. In the fields of botany, ecology, and conservation, the Garden Club of America provides excellent funding opportunities.
During my graduate studies, I was fortunate to receive a Botany in Action fellowship from a garden club in Allegheny County (now overseen by Phipps Conservatory) and a grant from the GCA Anne S. Chatham Fellowship in Medicinal Botany. My early research wouldn’t have been possible without the support of these funds. In the years since becoming a professor, several of my trainees have likewise been supported by these research fellowships, which have opened up incredible opportunities to engage in and lead their own research projects.
In 2023, over $400,000 was awarded to 86 scholars to support a variety of academic endeavors ranging from summer environmental study and fieldwork to graduate-level research. Their studies will take place in institutions across the nation and some will conduct fieldwork across the globe. GCA scholars have become leaders in their fields of study.
Deadlines for the next cycle are soon upon us! Here are just a few of the GCA scholarships available. Visit their website for more details and many more opportunities in horticulture, conservation, native plants, bird habitats, pollinators, garden history, design and more!
Medicinal Botany
The Anne S. Chatham Fellowship in Medicinal Botany. Education level: doctoral candidates. Deadline: January 31. Funding: $4,500
The Zeller Summer Scholarship in Medicinal Botany. Education level: undergraduate students. Deadline: February 1. Funding: $3,000
Field Botany
The Garden Club of America Summer Scholarship in Field Botany. Education level: undergraduate and graduate students. Deadline: February 1. Funding: $3,000
The Joan K. Hunt and Rachel M. Hunt Summer Scholarship in Field Botany. Education level: undergraduate and graduate students. Deadline: February 1. Funding: $3,500
The Garden Club of America Fellowship in Tropical Botany. Education level: doctoral candidates. Deadline: January 15. Funding: $5,500
The Garden Club of America Award in Coastal Wetlands Studies. Education level: graduate students. Deadline: January 15. Funding: $5,000
Environmental Studies
The Garden Club of America Awards for Summer Environmental Studies. Education level: undergraduate students. Deadline: February 1. Funding: $3,000
The Clara Carter Higgins Summer Environmental Studies Scholarship. Education level: undergraduate students. Deadline: February 1. Funding: $3,000
The Caroline Thorn Kissel Summer Environmental Studies Scholarship. Education level: undergraduate and graduate students studying in New Jersey. Deadline: February 1. Funding: $3,000
The Mary T. Carothers Summer Environmental Studies Scholarship. Education level: undergraduate students. Deadline: February 1. Funding: $3,000
The Elizabeth Gardner Norweb Summer Environmental Studies Scholarship. Education level: undergraduate students. Deadline: February 1. Funding: $3,000
In other GCA-related news, I am honored to share that, along with three other distinguished botanists, I have been selected for honorary membership with the Garden Club of America!
The GCA annually extends honorary membership to those who have shown extraordinary achievement in gardening, botany, conservation, education, history, and design and whose knowledge and interests align with ours.
I’m deeply appreciative of this honor and am grateful for the GCA’s longstanding commitment to supporting research in the fields of botany, horticulture, conservation, and environmental studies! Deep thanks to the Zone VIII Clubs: Peachtree Garden Club and Cherokee Garden Club for nominating me! I look forward to joining GCA members from across the country at the annual meeting to be held in April in Hartford, Connecticut.
Yours in health, Dr. Quave
Cassandra L. Quave, Ph.D. is a scientist, author, speaker, podcast host, wife, mother, explorer, and professor at Emory University School of Medicine. She teaches college courses and leads a group of research scientists studying medicinal plants to find new life-saving drugs from nature. She hosts the Foodie Pharmacology podcast and writes the Nature’s Pharmacy newsletter to share the science behind natural medicines. To support her effort, consider a paid or founding subscription, with founding members receiving an autographed 1st edition hardcover copy of her book, The Plant Hunter.
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