Scholarships and Awards offered in the Fall

The Undergraduate Biology Program is pleased to provide several scholarships and awards to students pursuing a major in the program. We invite you to take advantage of this opportunity by submitting an online application. Brief descriptions of the scholarships and awards can be found below.

Questions may be addressed to Dr. Lynn Hancock, Chair, Awards Committee (lynnh@ku.edu)

Due Date: All application materials for the Fall Scholarships are due by 11:59 p.m. on December 1, 2026.

Erma Reed Peterson Scholarship for Pre-medicine Seniors

Through the generosity of the Peterson family, Undergraduate Biology will present a $1000 tuition scholarship for one semester to an outstanding pre-medicine senior.

All KU pre-medicine seniors graduating in May 2027 are eligible.

The award winner will be chosen primarily based on scholastics, community service, and preparation for a career in health care Preference will be given to students with an interest in genetics, and who come from Saline and McPherson counties in Kansas. Applicants will also be evaluated based their scholastics achievements, community service, and overall preparedness for a career in health care.

To Apply:

• One-page essay outlining past accomplishments and career aspirations. In addition, describe your interest in genetics, and mention any connection to Saline or McPherson counties, if any.
• Please provide a Letter of Recommendation from a KU Professor or Lecturer who teaches a biology class.

Mark Richter Award for Excellence in Molecular Biosciences 

This fund shall be used to recognize and award research excellence by undergraduate students in Molecular Biosciences at the University of
Kansas. It is the preference of the donor that the selected student(s) receive an award of at least $1,000 and a recognition plaque. It is also a
preference of the donor that the award be made available to students who have overcome disadvantage in pursuit of entry into graduate school or employment. Types of disadvantages that would be acceptable to consider include but are not limited to students with exceptional financial need, students who have experienced homelessness, first generation students, students who have in the foster care system, students from rural areas. 
 

To Apply:

• Details to come in Fall 2026