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Overview
The Anthony W. Czarnik and Craig and Linda Lee Teaching Awards sponsors two Curie Club graduate student awards. These awards each recognize outstanding Teaching Assistants for their hard work and dedication to educating other students.
These awards recognize graduate Teaching Assistants (TAs) who demonstrate exceptional dedication, effectiveness, and impact in teaching within the Department of Chemistry. Sponsored by the Curie Club, these honors reflect a commitment to excellence in undergraduate and graduate instruction.
About the Curie Club
Curie Club was founded to help ensure that all scientists in the Department of Chemistry are given the opportunity to meet other students and build a community. Curie Club hosts stimulating lectures, career development support, and lively debates to support and inspire the next generation of scientists.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a currently enrolled Chemistry graduate student
- Must have served as a Teaching Assistant during the academic year
- Should demonstrate consistent teaching involvement (multiple semesters preferred)
- Must be in good academic standing
Selection Criteria
- Excellence in teaching and communication
- Commitment to student learning and mentorship
- Innovation and initiative in instructional roles
- Positive student and faculty feedback
- Contribution to the broader teaching mission of the department
Application / Nomination Process
- Typically awarded through faculty nomination or departmental review
- Supporting materials may include:
- Teaching evaluations
- Letters of recommendation
- Teaching statement or reflection (if requested)
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Overview
The Cheves T. Walling Graduate Research Award, funded by former students, honors Professor Cheves Walling, who played a key role in the growth and development of chemistry at the University of Utah and retired as a Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Chemistry in 1991. Each year, one or two graduate students receive this award for the best dissertation, as decided by a committee of faculty members.
Eligibility Criteria
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- Must be a PhD candidate in Chemistry
- Must have completed or be near completion of dissertation within the award year
- Must demonstrate significant research contributions
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Selection Criteria
- Originality and scientific impact of the dissertation
- Depth and rigor of research
- Publication record and scholarly output
- Contribution to advancing the field of chemistry
Application Process
- Typically nomination-based by faculty advisors
- Required materials may include:
- Completed dissertation or dissertation abstract
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- List of publications and presentations
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Overview
The Dale & Susan R. Poulter Graduate Student Travel Endowment award fund was established in honor of C. Dale Poulter, a distinguished Professor in the Chemistry Department, and his wife, Susan Poulter, a Professor in the School of Law.The award funds travel expenses for a PhD-level graduate student each year to attend a national/international meeting of a relevant scientific society or a Gordon Conference where they are presenting results of their original research. Travel should occur while they are registered as graduate students at the University of Utah and before defending their thesis research.
The awards committee will make decisions based on the excellence of the work to be presented, as determined from an application by the student, which includes a brief synopsis (2-3 pages) that describes the work and its impact.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a PhD-level graduate student in Chemistry
- Must be actively enrolled at the University of Utah
- Must be presenting original research at a professional meeting
- Travel must occur before thesis defense and while enrolled
Selection Criteria
- Scientific quality and originality of the research
- Relevance and impact of the work
- Strength and clarity of the written proposal
Application Requirements
- A 2–3 page research synopsis detailing:
- Research objectives
- Key findings
- Broader scientific impact
- Conference information (e.g., abstract submission, acceptance status)
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Overview
Established in honor of Dr. Joel Harris by his former students, including the Hunnicut family, the Harris Graduate Fellowship in Analytical Chemistry award supports outstanding graduate students conducting research in analytical chemistry.Eligibility Criteria
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- Must specialize in analytical chemistry
- Must be a graduate student in good academic standing
- Typically awarded to advanced (mid- or late-stage) PhD students
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Selection Criteria
- Excellence in research and academic achievement
- Innovation and impact in analytical chemistry
- Strong faculty and research advisor recommendations
Application / Nomination Process
- Typically faculty nomination-based
- Materials may include:
- Curriculum vitae
- Research summary
- Letters of recommendation
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Overview
The Keck Graduate Fellowship in Organic Chemistry was established by former students of Professor Gary Keck and will provide financial support to one graduate student pursuing a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry each year. This endowment is in honor of Distinguished Professor Gary Keck and his career and accomplishments at the University of Utah.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be enrolled in a PhD program in Organic Chemistry
- Must maintain good academic standing
- Demonstrated progress in research
Selection Criteria
- Strength and significance of research
- Academic performance
- Contribution to the organic chemistry community
Application / Nomination Process
- Faculty nomination or departmental selection
- Required materials may include:
- Research statement
- Curriculum vitae
- Academic record
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Overview
In 2025, the Allen Foundation established Allen Foundation Presidential Endowed Graduate Fellowshipin Honor of the Casarotto Family in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Utah. Founded in 1991, The Allen Foundation aims to continue the legacy of generosity and community involvement of their founder, Marion Mathis Allen. Marion was known throughout her life for her philanthropic commitment and active participation in numerous charities and organizations. The Foundation is now a nationwide philanthropic organization, with Marion’s grandson, David Casarotto, serving as Chairman of The Allen Foundation’s Board. The foundation continues to keep Marion’s memory alive and honoring her by helping multiple charities and causes each year.
Marion Mathis Allen Eligibility Criteria
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- Varies depending on how funds are allocated within the department
- May support students indirectly through programs or specific awards
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Key Notes
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- Students typically do not apply directly
- Funding may support academic development, outreach, or departmental initiatives
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Overview
The Ronald and Eileen Ragsdale Chemistry Scholarship Endowment was established in 2014 and will provide funds each year to assist both chemistry and chemical education students with their academic expenses. As a unique component of this scholarship, recipients must design, carry out, and report on a scholarly research project under the guidance of a faculty member. This scholarship program provides a unique experience for chemistry majors, introducing them to independent research at an early stage in their careers.Simultaneously supported, the Curie Club was founded to help ensure that all scientists in the Department of Chemistry are given the opportunity to meet other students and build a community. The Curie Club hosts stimulating lectures, career development support, and lively debates to support and inspire the next generation of scientists.
Eligibility Criteria
- Open to chemistry and chemical education students
- Often targets students in earlier stages of their academic career
Unique Requirements
Award recipients must:
- Design an original research project
- Conduct the research with faculty supervision
- Submit a final report or presentation of findings
Selection Criteria
- Quality and feasibility of proposed research
- Educational value and potential impact
- Strength of mentorship plan
Application Requirements
- Research proposal outlining objectives and methods
- Identification of faculty mentor
- Project timeline and expected outcomes
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Overview
The William E. Jack Life Science Graduate Research Award recognizes the best graduate thesis in biological chemistry or closely related life science disciplines.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a graduate student completing a thesis in biological chemistry or related field
- Must demonstrate excellence in interdisciplinary research
Selection Criteria
- Scientific rigor and originality of thesis work
- Contribution to biological or life sciences
- Overall quality of written thesis
Application / Selection Process
- Faculty committee evaluation of submitted theses
- Typically includes:
- Thesis document
- Faculty advisor recommendation
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Overview
The Emergency Family Travel Reimbursement Award provides reimbursement of eligible travel expenses of up to $500 for Chemistry graduate students at The University of Utah who must undertake urgent, unplanned travel due to an emergency involving an immediate family member. The Award is intended to reduce financial strain caused by unexpected emergency travel. Students are not required to submit proof of financial hardship to be considered.
The maximum reimbursement provided by this award for a qualifying family event is $500, subject to available funds. Disbursement of funds will generally occur by reimbursement (after travel) and will require documentation of eligible expenses. This Award is not a loan and does not require repayment. This reimbursement is considered an “award” for tax purposes and may have tax implications for the student. A student is eligible for an Award under this policy only once during an academic year and twice total for the duration of their membership in the Chemistry graduate program.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a current Chemistry graduate student
- Must experience an urgent, unforeseen emergency involving an immediate family member
Funding Details
- Maximum reimbursement: $500 per event
- Limited to:
- One award per academic year and;
- Two awards total during graduate program
Application Requirements
- Submission of documentation for travel expenses (receipts required)
- Travel must be completed prior to reimbursement request
Additional Notes
- No proof of financial hardship is required
- Funds are disbursed as reimbursement after travel
- Considered taxable income under award classification
