We offer multiple options for Biology students to receive financial support for their studies.
Click on the links below for funding opportunities available to students across the university, or within the College of Science and Engineering.
The Department of Biology also awards its own fellowships and awards each year. These are competitive awards that require an application to be submitted through Academic Works. Each fellowship has specific eligibility and award amounts. Details are shown below.
Quick Links to University and College-Wide Funding Opportunities
Biology Department Scholarships and Awards
BioLuminaries Award
Amount: $8,000 ($20/hr for 40 hrs/week over a 10-week period)
Eligibility: For bachelor's or master's degree candidate, in any concentration in biology. Must be a full-time student having completed a minimum of 28 units required for the concentration.
Bioluminaries:
- James Duncan
- Felipe Andres Ramirez-Weber
- Association of Biology Students (ABS)
Background: The James Duncan BioLuminary Award is restricted to students who demonstrate a passion for plants. The ABS BioLuminary and Felipe Andres Ramirez-Weber BioLuminary Awards have no restrictions. Only a single application is necessary, applicants will be considered for all BioLuminary Awards.
Purpose: The BioLuminaries Award provides funds for students to work in a research lab in the department during the summer.
Contact: Biology Department
Arthur Nelson Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Eligibility: For a graduate degree candidate in any concentration in biology.
Purpose: To award students for their academic excellence.
Frederick W. Kauer Grad Scholarship in Physiology
Amount: Varies
Eligibility: For graduates majoring in Physiology.
Background: Frederick Kauer graduated from San Francisco State University, receiving his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees in Biology. He worked as a Chemical Inventory Specialist and emergency room volunteer. In memory of Frederick Kauer, this scholarship was created to support graduate students earning their degree within the field of Physiology. Purpose: To support the education needs of graduate students in physiology through scholarships.
Janis Kuby Memorial Fund Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Eligibility: For undergraduates majoring in Cell and Molecular Biology or Microbiology.
Background: Dr. Janis Kuby (d. 1996) received her Ph.D. in 1978 from the University of Califiornia, Berkeley and joined SF State's Biology faculty in 1979. Her teaching and research accomplishments in Immunology were widely recognized. She was the author of three editions of an Immunology textbook (first published in 1997) which gave a comprehensive introduction to the principles and research in the field. The quality of the original textbook was so great newer editions have been continued in Janis Kuby's name by a trio of authors. As one of her students (Elizabeth Crabb Breen) later wrote, "Janis Kuby will never be forgotten by anyone who has ever had the benefit of her knowledge and love of immunology, either face-to-face or through her writing."
Purpose: To reward students for significant achievement in Cell & Molecular Biology or Microbiology programs, especially those with disadvantaged backgrounds.
John Hensill Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Eligibility: For undergraduate biology majors.
Background: Dr. John S. Hensill (d. 1998) joined the Biology faculty in 1947. While at SF State, he co-wrote a text "Biology of Man" and taught human biology and marine and invertebrate biology. Dr. Hensill served as Chair of the Division of Biology in the late 1950s. In 1969, Dean Hensill oversaw the rapid growth of SF State's School of Natural Sciences (now the College of Science and Engineering). During his tenure, the physical science (Thornton Hall) and life science (Hensill Hall) buildings were built. He retired in 1975.
Purpose: To award students for their academic excellence.
William N. Bigler Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Eligibility: For a graduate degree candidate in the Biomedical Science Master's Program (College of Science and Engineering) or the Clinical Laboratory Science Internship Program (College of Health and Social Sciences).
Purpose: To award students for their academic excellence.