The Department of Biology presents awards and offers scholarships to students to recognize academic excellence and to help fund research endeavors. To apply, visit the Scholarship Search and Application site, click Apply Now, log in with your IUP username and password, and complete the required information boxes as prompted. The application deadline for the 2022–23 academic year is February 18, 2022.
Find award descriptions and eligibility information here.
Applications will be judged based on the following criteria:
- GPA
- Completion of 300- and 400-level courses
- Rigor of elective course load
- Supervised research experience, including professional development events (e.g., conference presentations and publications)
- Service and leadership, such as participation in department activities and evidence of leadership roles
- Budget feasibility (for Sushak and Gilly awards)
For questions and more information, please contact David Janetski at janetski@iup.edu.
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania University Biologists Outstanding Student Award
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania University Biologists (CPUB) was founded in 1973 as an organization to provide support for the teaching and research activities of faculty in the biological sciences from the 14 state-owned universities in the State System of Higher Education. Its activities have included scientific meetings, symposia, and institutes for the enhancement of the professional development of its members and associates. It also provides a forum for graduate and undergraduate students for the presentation of their research.
Each biology department from the 14 state-owned universities within the State System awards its CPUB Outstanding Student Award each year at the organization's annual meeting at one of the member universities. It is the highest honor awarded to a student by the IUP Biology Department.
This award is open to any first- or second-semester senior in Biology, Biology Education, Biochemistry, Life Science, or Natural Sciences.
This award is based on academic achievement, research within the Biology Department, and involvement in the department, community, and/or university.
Biology Department Outstanding Student Award
This award is open to any first- or second-semester senior in the Biology Department.
This award is based on academic achievement, research within the Biology Department, community and/or university involvement, and involvement and/or leadership within the department.
The Cynthia Sushak Undergraduate Biology Fund for Excellence
The Cynthia Sushak Undergraduate Biology Fund For Excellence was established by the Sushak family in 2006 to honor the memory of Cynthia Sushak, who graduated from IUP with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology in 1972. Sushak enjoyed a long and productive career in the pharmaceutical industry and considered her IUP experience to be the foundation of her success. It was her wish that a portion of her estate be used to support undergraduate research in biology at IUP.
Research awards from the Sushak Fund are intended to encourage students to undertake research projects that will allow them to gain hands-on practical experience which will contribute new insights in the student's chosen academic field. Awards will support a wide variety of activities and expenses that are directly related to undergraduate research projects in biology.
Any undergraduate student who is working with a faculty member in the Department of Biology on a research project in genetics, microbiology, or a biomedical field is eligible to apply for funds. Proposals that, in the judgment of the Biology Department Student Awards Committee, do not fall into one of these categories will not be reviewed. The student requesting support need not be a Biology major, but the student must be enrolled at IUP during the entire period of the award and must be involved in research as described above.
Funds requested must be related to the student's research project. Eligible applicants may request funds to support any legitimate research expense, including the purchase of research supplies or small pieces of equipment or for travel associated with the research or to conferences where research data will be presented. The uses and expenditures associated with awards must be consistent with policies of the IUP Foundation. The term of the award will not exceed one year.
CPUB Student Research Grants
Undergraduate and graduate students at the 14 Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education universities are invited to apply for funds to be used to help defray the costs of supplies and equipment for scientific research. Get more information.
Biology Undergraduate Research Experience Fund
Each summer, the Biology Department hires approximately 10 students to remain on campus and conduct paid summer research. The research project may be interdisciplinary and, in some cases, may include participation from multiple labs or faculty members. The purpose of the Biology Undergraduate Research Fund is to encourage student research, creative activity, and student-faculty innovative research projects. Declared biology majors or related tracks are eligible to apply for funding. Get the BURE Guidelines and Application on our Forms page.
Biology Travel Awards for Undergraduate Students
An estimated amount of $250 will be available to undergraduate students who would like to travel to present at local or regional meetings. Additional funding may be available through the School of Graduate Studies and Research. If interested, complete the Undergraduate Student Travel application.
IUP School of Graduate Studies and Research
The IUP School of Graduate Studies and Research also supports undergraduate and graduate student research and travel.
Graduate Student Research Funding
Undergraduate Student Research Funding
US Navy Scholarships
Navy Nuclear Propulsion Officer Program
This scholarship is for a student who will graduate within the next two-and-a-half years and will follow one of four career paths: Naval Reactors Engineer, Nuclear Power School Instructor, Submarine Officer, or Surface Warfare Officer. Read more information about the Navy Nuclear Propulsion Officer Program scholarship.
Navy Health Professions Scholarship Program
This scholarship is awarded to those students who have been accepted into a health professional school (e.g., a school of medicine, a school of dentistry, or a school of optometry) after completing a degree at IUP, and may be awarded for one, two, three, or four years. The best time to apply for this scholarship is the fall before the year you plan to attend a professional school. Scholarships are awarded on a rolling basis, and applications are accepted throughout the year at any time. Read more about the Navy Health Professions scholarship.