Scholarships and Support

| Your support makes a direct impact on the next generation of biologists.

Whether through financial contributions, mentorship, or volunteer opportunities, there are many ways to give back to the UWF Biology Department.

Scholarship Funds

• Greg & Angie Britton Scholarship — Supports Marine Biology students with tuition and fees
• Mertis "Sunny" Brown Scholarship Award — For students studying bird life and wildlife conservation projects
• Roger Reid Memorial Biology Scholarship — General support for graduate and undergraduate Biology students
• Michael & Diane Bruson Health and Sciences Scholarship — For students pursuing health or Sciences careers (3.0+ GPA, U.S. citizens)
• George and Kathryn Seifert Fund — Supports undergraduate research expenses including conference travel, poster preparation, supplies, and research project costs (3.0+ GPA preference)
• Biology Scholarships — Annual support for graduate students in Biology, Biological Chemistry, or Fast Track Biotechnology

High Impact Practices for our students:

• Conservation in Action Scholarship and Program Support
  This fund empowers students to engage directly in conservation work through immersive, hands-on learning experiences. Scholarships reduce financial barriers for passionate students, while program support ensures access to fieldwork opportunities, community outreach initiatives, and real-world conservation projects. By investing in this area, donors help cultivate the next generation of environmental leaders and equip them with the practical skills needed to protect ecosystems and wildlife.
• Animal Research Lab
  Support for the Animal Research Lab provides essential equipment, instrumentation, and consumables that enable students and faculty to conduct high-quality biological and behavioral research. Funding helps maintain a safe, modern, and fully equipped learning environment where students gain direct experience with scientific methods, animal care standards, and data collection techniques. These resources strengthen both teaching and undergraduate research opportunities.
• Cytokine Research Laboratory
  The Cytokine Research Lab relies on advanced technology to study cell signaling and immune system responses. Funding enhances the lab’s ability to acquire specialized equipment, maintain high-precision instrumentation, and provide training in cutting-edge techniques. Student researchers benefit from hands-on experience with molecular and cellular biology methods, preparing them for careers in biomedical science, immunology, and related fields.
• Herbarium
  The Herbarium serves as a vital scientific resource, preserving plant specimens that support research, teaching, and documentation of regional biodiversity. Funds help maintain the botanical collection, improve storage and preservation systems, and expand digital cataloging efforts. Continued support ensures that students and researchers can access high-quality specimens for taxonomy, ecology, conservation studies, and long-term environmental monitoring.

Other Ways to Support

Create Your Own Legacy: Establish a new scholarship or research fund in your name or in honor of someone special to you. Contact the UWF Foundation to discuss creating a personalized giving opportunity.

Volunteer Opportunities

• Guest Lectures — Share your professional experience with current students
• Career Mentoring — Guide students through internship and career decisions
• Field Work Support — Assist with research projects and data collection
• Student Organization Support — Help with events for student chapters

Professional Networks

• Internship Partnerships — Provide internship opportunities at your organization
• Job Placement — Connect recent graduates with career opportunities
• Industry Connections — Bridge academia and professional practice

Get Involved

To contribute to any of these funds or discuss volunteer opportunities, contact:

UWF Foundation Phone: (850) 474-2091 Email: foundation@uwf.edu

Department of Biology Dr. Rodney Guttmann, Interim Chair Phone: (850) 474-2620 Email: biology@uwf.edu

Every gift, regardless of size, makes a meaningful difference in our students' educational experience and research opportunities.