Award Goals
In 1969 Dr. Reidel established the first university-wide Environmental Studies degree program in the nation at ¶¶Òõ̽̽, where he remained director of the program until his retirement in 2000. He understood the complexity of environmental and natural resource issues, and through his program sought to emphasize the interdisciplinary collaborations necessary to solve the challenges of our changing global climate. In honor of his legacy The Carl Reidel Scholarship funds interdisciplinary, experiential learning opportunities, research projects, and travel for Patrick Leahy Honors College students whose own scholarship seeks to address environmental concerns of the 21st century.
The research grants provide Patrick Leahy Honors College students with funding to support interdisciplinary environmental research, scholarship, and creative activity. During the academic year, PLHC students may request Reidel funds in the form of Mini Grants or Travel Awards to cover research expenses or for conference attendance. If a sufficient amount remains in the budget, Reidel funds will be awarded to students applying for the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships.
Selection Process
Many ¶¶Òõ̽̽ students are strongly motivated by the desire to understand, conserve, and manage the environment and its resources. Students approach their environmental interests from a range of academic perspectives and backgrounds. In keeping with the establishment of this research fund, Patrick Leahy Honors College students are chosen regardless of major, but according to their desire to understand, communicate, and resolve environmental challenges. Students are chosen by a committee based on the clearness of their writing, the resonance of the project with the spirit of the Reidel bequest, strength of academic background, and impact of the project/opportunity on the students future direction.
If you have questions, please email FOUR at four@uvm.edu.