Philip L. Wright Memorial Research Awards Application

Philip L. Wright was a professor of zoology at the University of Montana who taught mammalogy and ornithology and established the zoological museum that bears his name. Dr. Wright's infectious enthusiasm and his passion for the natural world inspired thousands of students during his tenure and encouraged them in their research endeavors. In honor of Dr. Wright, Five Valleys Audubon Society established the annual Philip L. Wright Memorial Research Awards. These awards provide support for students undertaking research in the fields of ecology, wildlife biology, animal behavior, environmental biology, and conservation biology.

Research awards will range from $500 to $2,000. Graduate, undergraduate and high school students are eligible. Preference is given to projects that can be completed in a year. A specific, well-defined aspect of PhD research is also eligible.

Eligible expenses include:

1) direct costs of travel, meals, and lodging; and

2) consumable supplies and services used for the sole purpose of the project.

Non-eligible expenses include:

1) wages and durable equipment (like binoculars).

2) FVAS does not pay for indirect costs.

Interested students should consult Dr. Andrea Stierle, Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, about the content of their application before applying:

andrea.stierle@umontana.edu

406-782-6419

Applications are due by 5:00 pm, Sunday, March 22, 2026, and awards will be announced in early April. Contact Andrea Stierle if you have any questions about your application.

Successful applicants will be expected to provide a brief written research summary and make a short presentation (15 minutes) at a monthly meeting of the Five Valleys Audubon Society Spring of 2026.

To apply for a 2025 award, please submit a brief proposal using this form:

I. Title of proposed research. Date of proposal. *

II. Name of applicant, email address, mailing address and phone number (not a university department).*

III. Institution/ status of the applicant (e.g. sophomore at University of Montana, junior at Hellgate High, etc.)*

IV. A. Statement of the problem or the question to be addressed (2-3 sentences).*

IV. B. Introduction and background (1/2 page).*

IV. C. Purpose of the proposed research (1-3 sentences).*

IV. D. Significance of the proposed research (1/ 2 page).*

IV. E. Methods and time frame (1/2 to 1 page). The applicant should focus on what they personally plan to accomplish if the research is part of a larger group effort.*

IV. F. Anticipated results (1/2 page).*

IV. G. Appropriate literature references.*

IV. H. Budget and Justification (1/2 page).*

IV. I. Current funding and/or other funding anticipated by applicant (1-2 sentences).*

V. Name, address, and phone number of an academic reference (teacher, faculty, or research advisor).*

VI. Upoad a brief resume (no more than 1/2 to 2/3 pages) with name of applicant, address, phone, e-mail in PDF format.* Upload a file or drag and drop. pdf up to 3MB

HP Name