Eugene Maughan Graduate Student Scholarship
The Western Division is pleased to announce that applications for its graduate-level student scholarships are now being solicited for 2026. The Eugene Maughan Graduate Student Scholarship fund provides up to $5,000 annually to masters or doctoral students in the general area of fisheries science with one to three awards to individual students. Click here for more information on Dr. Gene Maughan. An award committee of five fisheries scientists from the Western Division will make the decision regarding the award of scholarships. Selection criteria include demonstration of:
1. Excellent scholarship as evidenced by course work during graduate studies.
2. Potential for future contributions to the fisheries profession through management,
research, or teaching.
3. Significant progress toward attaining a graduate degree in fisheries science with a defined
thesis or dissertation project.
The 2026 scholarships will be awarded at the 2026 WDAFS Annual Business Meeting in conjunction with the Western Division AFS Annual Meeting, May 4-7, 2026 in Portland, Oregon (exact date/time TBD).
APPLICATION CRITERIA AND PROCESS
▪ Applicants must be a member of the American Fisheries Society or have submitted 2026 membership materials by the time of application. AFS Member number should be placed on application.
▪ Applicants must have completed one semester or two quarters in a graduate degree program at a university within the geographic boundaries of the Western Division.
▪ Applicants must have a major field of study that is related to fisheries or aquatic science.
▪ Applicants must submit an application package (electronically preferred) that contains of each of the following:
1. A letter to the award committee that includes (three separate items):
a. A brief description of the student’s degree program and the anticipated date of completion.
b. A statement of the applicant’s career goals and reasons for applying for the scholarship (up to 200 words).
c. A statement of the academic and professional activities and contributions to AFS and the fisheries science profession (up to 200 words).
2. Copies of a resume (including professional activities, pertinent publications, and scientific presentations) and graduate transcripts.
3. A one-page abstract outlining the goals, objectives, design, methods and expected outcome from the thesis or dissertation project.
4. Letters of reference from two faculty members (one must be the graduate students advisor) familiar with the student’s background and abilities. Letters may be sent separately by the individual providing the reference.
The application package should be sent electronically (or postmarked) no later than March 16, 2026 to:
Bob Gresswell, Western Division Scholarship Award Committee
226 Silver Cloud Cir
Bozeman, MT 59715
(406) 570-1486
bgresswell@gmail.com
Future of Fisheries Scholarship
The Western Division is pleased to announce that applications for an undergraduate-level student scholarship are now being solicited. The Future of Fisheries Scholarship fund provides up to $2,500 annually to an undergraduate student working towards a degree in fisheries, aquatic sciences, or a closely related field. The new scholarship is intended to promote the future of the fisheries profession by increasing undergraduate student participation in the American Fisheries Society and providing funding that can supplement the needs of the student (e.g., tuition, books, and fees) as they progress towards a job in the field. Selection criteria include demonstration of:
1. Excellent scholarship as evidenced by course work during their undergraduate studies.
2. Significant progress (i.e., two semesters or four quarters) towards attaining a degree in fisheries, aquatic sciences, or a closely related field.
3. Potential for future contributions to the profession through active involvement in AFS and other activities (volunteering; work/technician positions; contributing to diversity, equity, and inclusion)
The 2026 scholarships will be awarded at the 2026 WDAFS Annual Business Meeting in conjunction with the Western Division AFS Annual Meeting, May 4-7, 2026 in Portland, Oregon (exact date/time TBD).
APPLICATION CRITERIA AND PROCESS
- Applicants must be a member of the American Fisheries Society (AFS member number should be on application). To become a member, or to update your membership status, please visit https://fisheries.org/membership/join/.
- Applicants must have completed two semesters or four quarters in an undergraduate degree program at a university within the geographic boundaries of the Western Division.
- Applicants must have a major field of study that is related to fisheries, aquatic sciences, or a closely related field.
- Applicants must submit an application package that contains each of the following:
1. A letter to the award committee that includes:
a. A brief description of the student’s degree program and the anticipated date of completion.
b. A statement of the applicant’s career goals and need for the scholarship (up to 200 words).
c. A statement of academic and extracurricular activities (e.g., volunteering; technician positions; contributing to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives) relevant to their goal (up to 200 words).
d. Involvement with AFS or anticipated future involvement if just getting started (e.g., how does the applicant anticipate interacting with AFS as they move forward; up to 200 words).
2. Copies of a resume (including professional or volunteer activities, AFS involvement, etc.) and transcripts.
3. At least one letter of reference from a faculty member (professor in a class or undergraduate advisor) that can attest to the student’s academic performance and commitment to the fisheries or aquatic sciences profession.
A second letter can be included from an individual with whom the student has participated in volunteer activities or technician positions.
Letters may be sent separately by the individual providing the reference.
The application package should be sent electronically (or postmarked) no later than March 16, 2026 to:
Bob Gresswell, Western Division Scholarship Award Committee
226 Silver Cloud Cir
Bozeman, MT 59715
(406) 570-1486
bgresswell@gmail.com
Click HERE for a list of past scholarship award winners
