William G. McGinnies Graduate Scholarship in Arid Lands Studies

A Graduate Scholarship in Arid Lands Studies was established in 1985 by the faculty of the Office of Arid Lands Studies, University of Arizona, in honor of Dr. William G. McGinnies, our founder. The intent of the McGinnies Graduate Scholarship is to provide additional support to graduate students whose dissertation research concerns physical and biological processes in the world's arid and semiarid lands. The annual scholarship award varies by year, but is typically around $2500. The winner will also give the annual McGinnies lecture to the SNRE community.   

Eligibility requirements:   

  • Applicants must be currently enrolled University of Arizona doctoral students from any program 
  • The recipient’s eligibility will be confirmed by the Office of Student Financial Aid. 
  • Filing a FAFSA is recommended but not required. 
  • Students must be enrolled through fall 2023 or later. 

Selection Criteria: Award is made on the basis of materials submitted by applicants, which (1) indicates their achievements and future as scholars, and (2) demonstrates significant contribution of ongoing research to understanding environmental processes and informing management of arid and semiarid lands. 

Application: Applicants should apply through Scholarship Universe as well as submit the application materials listed below by the deadline.  For tips on how to get connected to this and other scholarships, please use the CALES How-To-Apply Guide. 

Applications should consist of (1) a letter of application of no more than 1000 words describing the student's research interests, their achievements to-date, and a concise description of their dissertation research and its broader relevance; (2) a curriculum vitae; and (3) two letters of recommendation (including one from the major advisor). It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that letters are received before the application deadline.  

See list of previous recipients, with their dissertation topics, subsequent careers, and current whereabouts.

For more information on McGinnies and his work see A Tribute to William G. McGinnies and this 1965 AZ Daily Star article.

Deadline: All application materials must be submitted no later than 11:59pm, April 1, 2024. Please register/apply in Scholarship Universe AND ALSO send application materials to: 

Katie Hughes

E-mail: khughes@arizona.edu 

 

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William G McGinnies with Julio Betancourt
William G McGinnies (right) with Julio Betancourt, first winner of the McGinnies Graduate Scholarship, 1985

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Julio Betancourt receiving an award
Julio Betancourt (left) selected as an AGU Fellow receiving an award from the Tom Grove President of the American Geophysical Union, 2019.