Senior Awards

Scholarships Available through the Chemistry Department

 

ACS Division of Inorganic Chemistry Undergraduate Award in Inorganic Chemistry – Award recognizes demonstrated excellence in inorganic chemistry based on any combination of research, coursework, and/or motivation, interest, and should have future plans that include a career in chemistry. The awardee will receive a certificate and letter of commendation from the Chair of the Division of Inorganic Chemistry. Name and affiliation with UMass will be posted on a list available on the ACS Division of Inorganic Chemistry website. If interested, a Faculty member nomination is required.

ACS Division of Organic Chemistry Undergraduate Award in Organic Chemistry – Award is intended to recognize senior students who display a significant aptitude for organic chemistry and to encourage further interest in the field. The award consists of a letter of recognition from the American Chemistry Society Division of Organic Chemistry and an award certificate signed by the division chair. Awardees who are members of the ACS will also receive membership to the Division of Organic Chemistry; those who are not will receive affiliate status. Name and affiliation with UMass will be posted on a list available on the ACS Division of Organic Chemistry website. Faculty nomination required.

ACS Physical Chemistry Division Undergraduate Award – Award recognizes outstanding achievement by undergraduate students in physical chemistry, and to encourage further pursuits in the field. The nominee will have demonstrated excellence in physical chemistry and related fields based on research, coursework, and/or dedication as defined by the nominating institution. The student should be committed to a career in chemistry, as broadly defined (e.g. research, education, industry, etc.). The award consists of an official certificate from the ACS Division of Physical Chemistry, recognition on the division’s website, a one-year complimentary membership in the Division of Physical Chemistry. Faculty nomination, no application.

American Institute of Chemists Award – The award includes a one-year, student affiliated membership in the AIC, which includes a subscription to "The Chemist", AIC's online journal for the chemical profession. Interested students should apply in the last semester of their senior year. If interested, a Faculty member nomination is required.

Dr. Uche Anyanwu Memorial Fund – Awarded to the top three posters by chemistry majors at the Undergraduate Research Poster Session. Established by Dr. Ucheoma O. Akobundu to honor her late husband, who was part of the DV Group.This award is $100. Awarded by Selection Committee. Students must submit abstracts via AcademicWorks.

Connecticut Valley Section of the ACS (CVS/ACS) Student Award – This award includes a certificate and $75. It is presented annually to a graduating senior at the CVS Undergraduate Student Research Symposium. If interested, a Faculty member recommendation and AcademicWorks application are required.

Departmental of Chemistry Recognition Award – Awarded to two chemistry majors of high academic achievement, service to the department, and/or outstanding research.  If interested, a Faculty member nomination is required in the spring of your senior year.

Department of Chemistry Senior Class Award  – Awarded to a member of the senior class for exemplary scholarship and citizenship as voted upon by the senior chemistry majors, includes a $200 prize.

Richard W. Fessenden Award – This award is given to a graduating senior chemistry major who exemplifies exemplary scholarship and citizenship. This award comes with $100 and inscription of name on Fessenden Plaque. If interested, a Faculty member recommendation and AcademicWorks application are required.

Sir Harold W. Kroto & Steve F. A. Acquah GEOSET Award – Awarded to a chemistry major who has demonstrated excellence in science communication through digital media. Approximately $400 award. AcademicWorks application required.

Positron Award - Honors Professors Dhandapani Venkataraman and Justin Fermann and promotes teaching and research. The award is given to a student who shows a strong interest in Chemistry, has exhibited leadership, has contributed to teaching and research, has given back to the community, and has clear future goals. AcademicWorks application is required, self-nomination, faculty and peer nominations.

George Richason, Jr. Scholarship for Distinguished Undergraduate TA (In Honor of Earl J. McWhorter and George R. Richason, Jr.) – Honors the late professor and alumnus, and is awarded for excellence in teaching as recognized by students and faculty. Nominated by faculty and students.

Mr. Tompkins Award – Awarded to two chemistry majors who have shown devotion to the discipline by success in the research lab. $150 prize. If interested, a Faculty member recommendation and AcademicWorks application are required.

Oliver Zajicek Memorial Scholarship Award – Honors the late faculty member and is awarded to a chemistry major who has demonstrated excellence in research in analytical chemistry. Awardee selected by the Analytical Division Faculty. Approximately $400 award. If interested, a Faculty member nomination and AcademicWorks application are required.

Other Scholarships Available

National Science Foundation