Award Goals

The Carl Reidel Scholarship Fund is named for the late Carl Reidel, a visionary thinker and remarkable leader in multidisciplinary environmental scholarship. From his work as a forest ranger, National Guard officer, to his PhD in forest policy, his life and work exemplified service to others.
In 1969 Dr. Reidel established the first university-wide Environmental Studies degree program in the nation at the University of Vermont, 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 Honors College students whose own scholarship seeks to address environmental concerns of the of the  21st century.

The research grants provide University of Vermont Honors College students with funding to support interdisciplinary environmental research, scholarship, and creative activity. During the academic year, HCOL students may request Reidel funds in the form of Mini Grants or Travel Awards to cover research expenses or for conference attendance. If sufficient amounts remain in the budget, Reidel funds will be awarded to students applying for the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships.

Selection Process

Many UVM 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, 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, email the Office of Fellowships, Opportunities, & Undergraduate Research.

We strongly advise you to attend a funding workshop prior to submitting your application.