Student Awards & Scholarships in Biology & Earth Science

We believe in recognizing potential and talent. Students can apply for a variety of scholarships, stipends and awards during their four years of study as majors in the Department of Biology and Earth Science. These merit awards help ensure students advance their learning with meaningful experiences that include internships, research, and academic-related travel. Supporting our students in their academic, personal and professional development is an important part of what makes Otterbein a smarter way to learn.

Choose Ohio First STEM Scholarship- Amount Varies
Awarded to Ohio residents admitted to the Chemistry, Environmental Science, Physics, Engineering Physics, or Systems Engineering majors. Preference given to low-income, first generation and under represented students. FAFSA Required. Interview Required. Renewable with 3.0 GPA and must remain in STEM major.

The Bert and Jane Horn Endowed Student Research Fund in the Sciences
Provides discretionary resources in support of student research projects for undergraduate junior or senior students enrolled in major within the Department of Biology and Earth Science and the Chemistry Department.

Grace Rohrer Rymer and Richard Rymer Scholarship
Environmental Science students intending to participate in an Internship or SYE related to Environmental Science. Preference given to residents of Ohio.

Melinda S. Phinney Fund for Pre-Medical Experiences
To fund one to four Junior or Senior Pre-Med students with a GPA of at least 3.3 for travel for clinical premedical experiences.

Zoo Internship Awards ($1000-$1500)
Money to assist Zoo Science and other students in summer internships at select zoos away from campus.

The Life Science Departmental Endowed Award
An outstanding full-time student who has completed a research project in the field of Botany or Microbiology (of environmental impact). Research project and preparation to have at least 5 terms of duration and may include taking courses at a field station or working for a government agency. (Awarded following senior presentations).

The Priest-Miller Endowed Award
One full-time student who demonstrates outstanding achievement in either Life (Biology) Science or Chemistry (awarded in conjunction with Chemistry).

Dr. George Phinney Endowed Award (Awarded following senior presentations)
Part-time or full-time students(s) who have exhibited outstanding academic performance and research in the area of environmental studies/science.

Jeanne Willis Life Science Endowed Award
Sophomore or junior, who will be returning to Otterbein the following year, who contributed significantly to the Department, ex. lab assistant, departmental tutor or departmental representative (by faculty consensus).

Marion F. Dick ’43 Memorial Award
Junior or Senior student(s) for outstanding achievement in pre-professional health studies.

Charles W. Botts ’34 Memorial (Awarded following senior presentations)
Awarded to top senior research project(s) in the department.

The Department of Biology and Earth Science Student Travel Endowed Fund
The income from this Endowment shall be used to provide an annual travel stipend to students from the Department of Biology and Earth Sciences who have the opportunity to travel abroad and are pursuing research or scholarship opportunities as part of or on behalf of the Department of Biology and Earth Science. A recipient may not be awarded funding for more than two (2) consecutive years.

The Kyle Miller Memorial Fund
Scholarship for one or two Junior or Senior student(s) with leadership and passion for wildlife and conservation that exemplifies Kyle Miller’s spirit.

The Dr. Charles R. McFarland Endowed Scholarship in Science
Scholarship for a full-time incoming freshman or transfer student pursuing a Bachelor’s degree with a preference for studies in Biology and Earth Science who demonstrates financial need and strong academic potential. Determined by Financial Aid.