THE DEE SAUNDERS DUNDEE MEMORIAL RESEARCH GRANT – UNDERGRADUATE SUMMER RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY

About the Grant

This award is named in honor of Dolores “Dee” Dundee, a former President of the American Malacological Society, whose research focused largely on introduced land snails.

The award is intended to support summer research opportunities for undergraduate students from groups that have been historically discriminated against and are underrepresented in malacology. Students who identify as Black, Indigenous, or other People of Color are especially encouraged to apply.

This award provides paid summer research support for undergraduate students conducting independent research in malacology under the guidance of a mentor.

The award includes support for:

  • Eight-week summer stipend: $4,000

  • Research expenses: approximately $750 (lab supplies and/or research travel)

  • Attendance at an annual AMS meeting: approximately $750 to present research

  • Publication support: additional funds may be available for publication costs in the American Malacological Bulletin

  • AMS membership: two-year student membership

Funds must be used within two years of the award date (summer research in year one; meeting attendance in year two). Funding is currently available to support one award per year.

Undergraduate applicants should work with a potential mentor to develop a summer research plan and budget. Mentors may also recruit eligible students and collaborate with them to develop a proposal. The research experience will culminate in a short written summary and presentation of results.

  • Number of awards: One

  • Maximum award amount: $5,500

CONDITIONS OF AWARD

  • Applicants must be enrolled at an accredited undergraduate institution in the US and not planning to graduate during the year that they apply for the award (i.e., before they complete the research)
  • Applicants must be a US citizen, permanent resident, or DACA recipient who self-identifies as a member of a group that is subject to historical discrimination and underrepresented in malacology
  • Applicants must have developed a research project and budget for the research with a potential mentor who will provide a letter of support indicating plans for mentorship and support
  • 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.

MENTORS

Mentors should be faculty from the applicant’s home institution, but if an appropriate mentor is not available, personnel from other nearby institutes may also serve as mentors. Applicants who are not easily identifying local potential mentors are encouraged to contact the chair of the Student Awards and Education Committee, Chandra Earl, or members of the AMS Council who can help in identifying mentors. Mentors are also encouraged to directly recruit eligible students who may then apply for this award.

While the mentor is expected to assist in development of the project and advise and guide the student in their research, the work itself must be an independent research project of the student. As such, the student must be the first author on any presentation(s) and/or publication(s) that result from the work. In addition, the award will be given directly to the student and not the mentor.

HOW TO APPLY

Deadline: March 1

Required Application Materials

Submit a single PDF containing the following:

  1. Cover Letter (1–2 pages)

    • Statement of interest in malacological research and goals for the experience

    • Summary of educational background (major, relevant coursework completed or in progress)

  2. 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)

Letter of Support (submitted directly to the committee chair, Chandra Earl by mentor)

  • Description of mentorship and support plan
  • Confirmation of student enrollment and intent not to graduate during the application year

Submission Instructions

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

  • Attach one PDF file containing all materials.

  • Name the file: LastName_DundeeSummer.pdf (e.g., Jones_DundeeSummer.pdf)

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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