James Koplin Student Travel Grant

James Koplin Student and Early Career Travel Grant

THE AWARD: The James Koplin Travel Awards are given to up to six students who are the senior authors and presenters of a paper or poster to be presented at the RRF meeting for which travel funds are requested. A recipient from a previous year cannot apply in following years if working on the same degree. Applicants with the greatest financial need will receive the greatest consideration. The selection committee must receive all application materials by the deadline for regular abstracts. That date is included in the announcement of RRF’s annual meeting sent each year to the membership.

This year we are expanding the Koplin grant program, offering three travel grants to early career raptor researchers (ECRRs). Applicants must be no more than three years past graduation, either from an undergraduate or graduate program. The application process for ECRRs will be the same as for current students. Given the late announcement of the new program, the deadline for submitting applications for ECRRs will be 15 June.

ABOUT JAMES KOPLIN: James Koplin was a long-standing member of The Raptor Research Foundation, who passed away in 1987. Perhaps the most significant contribution Jim made to the fields of raptor biology and wildlife ecology was in training young professionals. In his 20-plus years as an educator, thousands of young scientists took his courses in wildlife ecology, management and population dynamics. In recognition of his long-term commitment to training young ecologists, Jim Koplin's contributions are remembered through these travel grants.

IN MEMORIAM: JAMES R. KOPLIN 1934-1987

TO APPLY: Application materials include:

• A cover letter

• A project description not to exceed one page, single spaced. The project description should be as detailed as one page will permit and must include a brief

introduction outlining the significance and importance of the research, a description of methods, including the analytical approach, and results.

• An itemized budget of costs associated with attending the meeting and an explanation of how the expenses not covered by this award will be met

• A letter of recommendation from the student’s major professor. The letter of recommendation is extremely important and should contain a thorough

evaluation of the applicant’s academic abilities, the significance of the research, the student’s relative contribution to the research, and his or her potential

for future contributions to the field of raptor biology.

AMOUNT: Up to $700 can be requested. The award will also include a free 1-year membership to RRF.

Number of Awards Issued per Year: up to 6

DEADLINE: Abstract submission deadline

Application Method: Apply online before the abstract submission deadline. Please contact awards@raptorresearchfoundation.org with questions about your application. The online application opens in January each year.

Past Recipients