Schrems West Michigan Trout Unlimited Graduate Fellowship
About the Fellowship
The goal of the fellowship is to engage MSU graduate students in conducting research that will have an impact on enhancing, protecting, and preserving Michigan's coldwater fisheries and streams resources.
About the Organization
The Schrems West Michigan Trout Unlimited chapter was founded in 1962 because of the concerns for the health of Michigan's local streams and the wild trout that live in them. The chapter, since its beginning, has been involved with many activities from river clean-up, stream monitoring, bank erosion and its reconstruction, fish shocking, invertebrate studies and fly fishing clinics, along with the many concerns that effect the environment in today's society. Founded in 1959 in Grayling, Michigan, Trout Unlimited (TU) is America's leading coldwater fisheries conservation organization. TU's members are dedicated to the conservation, protection, and restoration of North America's trout and salmon and their watersheds.
Eligibility Requirements
- Enrolled as a graduate student at Michigan State University in good standing
- Working on coldwater fisheries or streams as part of your thesis or dissertation
- Demonstrate a dedication to trout fishers
- Excellent academic credentials
- Evidence of leadership abilities
- Ability to communicate to the public
- Ability to effectively solve problems
Application Process
The award is administered by the MSU Graduate School. Applicants will be asked to provide their major professor's/advisor's name and email. The Graduate School will contact that person and ask for a letter of support. Applicants are asked to submit their application with enough time to allow the major professor/advisor to submit their letter of support. Applications without a letter of support will not be reviewed.
Fellowship Requirements
- Express acceptance and appreciation of the award in writing within two weeks of notification of the award
- Attend the Schrems West Michigan Trout Unlimited chapter's banquet held in the Spring
Previous Recipients
- 2024-2025: Joel Betts
- 2023-2024: Ben Kline, Justin Miller
- 2022-2023: Shane Flinn
- 2021-2022: Carrie Hirsch
- 2020-2021: Christopher Knupp