Jennifer Neuwald, a doctoral student in biology in Arts & Sciences, has joined seven other American and Canadian doctoral students as 2004 Canon National Parks Science Scholars.
Each student is awarded a $78,000 scholarship that will support research and education expenses during the next three years.
The Canon National Parks Science Scholars Program helps develop the next generation of scientists working in the fields of conservation, environmental science and national-park management.
The scholarship program is collaboration between Canon U.S.A. Inc., the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and the National Park Service (NPS).
Neuwald, from Frederick, Md., is studying the effects of fire suppression on the collared lizard in the Ozark National Scenic Riverway in Missouri.
Her research will help contribute to the understanding of how prescribed forest fires can help maintain genetic and biological diversity.
The program awards eight annual individual scholarships totaling $624,000 to doctoral students from throughout the Americas.
Scholars are selected from the disciplines of biological sciences, physical sciences, social/cultural sciences and technology innovation in support of conservation science.
The scholarships provide students with resources to conduct research critical to conserving the national parks of the Americas.
Established in 1997, the Canon National Parks Science Scholars Program expanded internationally in 2002 to include the United States, Canada, Mexico, the countries of Central and South America, and the countries of the Caribbean.
Scholars have conducted research in over 50 national parks, and published and presented over 75 scientific articles and presentations.
Canon U.S.A., a subsidiary of Canon Inc., has committed more than $8 million since the inception of the program. From 1990, the company’s environmental philanthropy has exceeded $30 million, establishing Canon as one of the largest corporate supporters of environmental education and conservation.
The AAAS is the world’s largest general scientific organization. The nonprofit professional society is dedicated to fostering scientific freedom and responsibility, improving the effectiveness of science in the promotion of human welfare, advancing education in science and increasing the public’s understanding and appreciation of the promise of scientific methods in human progress.
The NPS’ mission is to preserve roughly 83 million acres in 388 national parks for the enjoyment of future generations.