School of Life Sciences and Sustainability

College of Humanities and Sciences

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Scholarships and Awards

The School of Life Sciences and Sustainability (SLSS) offers several scholarships and awards to undergraduate students pursuing degrees in the life sciences. The following scholarships are listed in the College of Humanities and Sciences database. These awards are supported by, endowed in honor of, alums and former members of our faculty, in a tangible representation of their deep commitment to VCU.

  • Charles and Leann Blem Scholarship in Biology: This scholarship is awarded to a rising junior or senior who is majoring in biology with specific interest in vertebrates, vertebrate ecology or vertebrate anatomy. The scholarship may also be awarded to a student who has done research in Biology with emphasis in those areas; a pre-veterinary or professional student who plans to attend graduate school; or any athletes who are biology majors. Students who have received guaranteed medical school admission or other scholarship awards are ineligible.
  • Dr. Erich W. Damm Memorial Award: This award honors outstanding undergraduate or graduate students in the School of Life Sciences and Sustainability, with preference for those pursuing research careers in stem cell or developmental biology. Established in memory of Dr. Erich W. Damm.
  • Kelly Marie York Scholarship: This scholarship was created by family and friends in memory of Kelly Marie York, who was a biology major at VCU. This scholarship will provide support to a transfer student pursuing an undergraduate degree in biology. Preference will be given to a transfer student with a minimum of a 3.0 GPA. Transfer students must be from a Virginia college or university and transfer a minimum of 30 credit hours.
  • Lewis C. Goldstein Award of Excellence: The endowment honors Professor Emeritus Dr. Lewis C. Goldstein. Dr. Goldstein joined the faculty of Richmond Professional Institute in 1955 and taught at the school for over three decades. The Lewis C. Goldstein Award of Excellence is awarded annually to a rising sophomore, junior or senior majoring in biology.
  • Miles F. Johnson Award of Excellence: The award was established in 2008 through a gift from Dr. Miles F. Johnson, professor emeritus and former chair of the Department of Biology. The scholarship will be awarded to a student majoring in biology.
  • Nguyen-Ninh Partial Scholarship: Awarded to a rising junior or senior who is majoring in biology, this scholarship was established by Duc T. and Hang N. Nguyen to honor the faculty dedication, guidance, teaching, and excellent education in biology received by their sons, Eric N.D. Nguyen (‘08) and Don N. Nguyen (’09). The Nguyens’ gift is made in the spirit of helping other well-deserving VCU students to experience similar educational opportunities.
  • Thomas F. Huff Graduate Scholarship in Integrative Life Sciences: This award supports Ph.D. students in Integrative Life Sciences whose interdisciplinary research aligns with the mission of the VCU Rice Rivers Center. Established in memory of Dr. Thomas F. Huff. 
  • Turner-Silverman Professional Development Fund: The fund was created to provide financial support for biology majors who are rising sophomore, juniors, or seniors. The fund shall provide support for student professional development opportunities such as attendance at professional conferences or to gain membership in professional organizations. The award may cover registration fees and travel related costs as funds permit. More than one student may receive this financial award should funds allow. The committee may consider additional professional development opportunities and shall determine the number of awards. Preference shall go to students in good academic standing who have financial need.
  • Wyatt Family Scholarship: The scholarship, established in 2021, will provide annual scholarship support to a student student pursuing a biology major. Preference will be given to undergraduate students with an interest in pre-medicine who are residents of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

In addition to the monetary awards and scholarships described on this page, SLSS also recognizes exceptional students annually with non-monetary awards and honors. Visit the Student Awards page for more details and information on how to apply.