MELBOURNE R. CARRIKER STUDENT RESEARCH AWARDS IN MALACOLOGY

About the Grant

This grant supports student research in malacology and honors Professor Melbourne “Mel” R. Carriker, a leading malacologist, former President of the American Malacological Society (AMS), and mentor to generations of students.

Professor Carriker directed research for 28 graduate students and served on more than 150 graduate committees. His expertise, mentorship, and generosity shaped the field and its community. These awards continue his legacy by supporting future malacologists.

  • Eligibility: Students only

  • Number of awards: Typically 4–6 per year (subject to funding)

  • Maximum award amount: $1,500

CONDITIONS OF AWARD

  • Awardees are encouraged to present the results of their research at an annual meeting of the American Malacology Society.
  • The applicant must be a current member of the American Malacological Society. To join, please visit: https://ams.wildapricot.org/Membership
  • Institutional overhead is not permitted.
  • The research must focus on a topic in malacology (e.g., parasite studies should focus on the molluscan side of the interaction).
  • Within one year of the award date, recipients must submit a short summary of the research and results for publication in the AMS Newsletter
  • Proposals should be developed in collaboration with the applicant’s advisor or mentor and reflect a substantial, well-planned research project.

HOW TO APPLY

Deadline: March 31

Required Application Materials

Submit a single PDF containing the following:

  1.   Research Proposal (2 pages)

    • Title

    • Research goals

    • Methods

    • Timetable

    • Plans for publication

    • Budget and justification for funds requested

    • Required permits (if applicable) should be noted

    • Literature Cited (May extend to a third page if needed)

  2.   Brief Statement (a few sentences total)
    This statement will be kept private and reviewed only by the committee.

    • Do you contribute to justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion (JEDI) within your community, field, or institution?

    • Do you identify as a member of an under-represented or marginalized group in STEM?

    Examples of JEDI contributions include participation or leadership in JEDI-focused groups or outreach to historically marginalized communities.

    Examples of under-represented or marginalized groups in STEM include women, BIPOC, LGBTQIA2S+, students with disabilities, working students, student parents, individuals from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds, and international students studying outside their home country

  3.   Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Submission Instructions

  • Applications must be submitted online via the application form: Apply here

  • Attach one PDF file containing all materials.

  • Name the file: LastName_Carriker.pdf (e.g., Jones_Carriker.pdf)

  • Each proposal may be considered for only one award. Applicants seeking multiple awards must submit separate proposals and applications for each award.

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

  • Novelty and importance of the research questions or hypotheses

  • Appropriateness and feasibility of the proposed research

  • Clarity and completeness of writing, including:

    • Background and context

    • Data collection and analysis methods

    • Interpretation and potential implications of results

  • Appropriate use of requested funds

  • Contribution to the applicant’s development as a malacologist

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