Department NewsThe Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB) embraces education and research on all aspects of biodiversity, including the history of life on earth, the evolutionary mechanisms that generate diversity, the ecological context in which all life has evolved, and the consequences of interactions among organisms, including humans. Faculty expertise ranges from bacteria to mastodons, from the tropics to the tundra, from the theoretical to the practical. Our graduate programs in ecology and evolutionary biology offer a unique perspective among the life science units at the University of Michigan through our focus on a wide diversity of organisms and how they evolve and function in the complex environments of the natural world.
To make a donation visit Michigan Online Giving
or call (888) 518-7888 (toll-free) or (734) 647-6179 (local) 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. EST, email umgift@umich.edu or mail to: U-M Gift Administration, 500 S. State St., Suite 5000, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1382. Be sure to specify the department and fund to which you would like to contribute. If you have any questions, please call the LSA Fund Office at (734) 615-6333.
On the Michigan Online Giving website, you will have options such as "Give student support" and "Give program support." You will see a link underneath your donation amount where you can select EEB. There are other fields where you can enter further information if you want to designate your gift to a particular fund ("I have additional gift information" or in memory of someone ("My gift is in honor/memory of someone").
Read more at the Michigan Difference website.
Rankings
Ecology and evolutionary biology at the University of Michigan is among the top ten EEB departments in the country and our associated museums – Museum of Zoology and University Herbarium – are in the top three university collections nationwide. Our distinguished faculty include many of the best-known researchers in their fields and many hold positions as editors of prestigious journals and officers of national and international professional societies, and have received multiple honors and awards.
Funding priorities
EEB is committed to building diversity in the sciences. We are currently seeking long-term support for various diversity initiatives that are underway within EEB that aim to strengthen and diversify students in the biological sciences. Our initiatives target students ranging from elementary school to graduate school, including fifth- and sixth-graders, first- and second-year undergraduates in transitioning from high school, third- and fourth-year undergraduates preparing for graduate school, and recent graduates pursing an advanced degree. Additional information about each of the programs is available (download PDF). Two of them, the M-BIO program and the Frontiers Master's program are highlighted below.
M-BIO: Michigan Biology Academy Scholars Program
The ultimate goal of the Michigan Biology Academy Scholars Program (M-BIO) is to increase the number and diversity of first and second year undergraduates who are well prepared to seek career opportunities or to pursue graduate or professional training in the biological sciences. (more information - PDF)
Frontiers Master's Program
The goals of EEB's Frontiers Master's Program are to attract a diverse student body to the study of ecology and evolution, with emphasis on recruiting students from underrepresented minority groups and non-traditional backgrounds; to give students opportunities to learn about the full range of subjects in ecology and evolution; and to prepare students for success in top-rated Ph.D. programs in ecology and evolution.
Graduate funding for fellowships and research support
You may also choose to support graduate funding for fellowships and research support. Our graduate students have opportunities to travel the world with renowned professors. Often, finances are the main obstacle. Your donation can help broaden the horizons of promising young scientists who hold the future of our field in their hands.
If you choose to direct your donation toward our graduate students in any of these areas, you can select "Give student support," select "Ecol an Evol Bio" from the list of areas. Check the box for "I have additional gift information" and you can specify where you would like your donation allocated.
What's new
Christine Psujek Memorial Undergraduate Award
In memory of Chris Psujek, who was part of the Biology Department and EEB and MCDB since 1982, the Program in Biology has established a gift fund, the Christine Psujek Memorial Undergraduate Award. Chris ran the undergraduate programs for the Department of Biology since 1987, and then the interdepartmental Program in Biology after Biology split into the departments of MCDB and EEB in 2001. She was responsible for the remarkably smooth operation of all aspects of our large and diverse undergraduate programs. Chris helped over 15,000 students during her time in biology with her knowledge, compassion, and patience; a truly incredible legacy.
An award will be presented annually to the graduating senior who submits the best honors thesis in any of the biology concentrations. Donations can be made by filling out a gift/pledge (PDF download) card and returning the card to the Program in Biology office. You can also make your gift online.
Read instructions (PDF Download).
Undergraduate international research and study abroad
The Wedgewood Scholarship Fund was generously established by one of our 1961 graduates in Zoology to help undergraduates who wouldn't otherwise have the opportunity to gain invaluable research and study experiences abroad. Students who take part in these opportunities gain invaluabe experience, which broadens their horizons and expands their knowledge in countless ways. If you are interested, you can add to this endowment.
David Bay Endowed Photography Fund
Established by Susan Campbell, David Bay's wife and former employee of the Biology Department in the 1980s. The David Bay Endowed Photography Fund will help pay for poster and photography printing for students presenting their research, and other graphic needs that may arise. Bay was EEB's and its predecessor department's "photographer-at-large" for over 34 years and was known and loved by many faculty, students and staff. Thanks to your donations, he will continue to support his favorite graduate students in a way that would make him smile.
If you choose to donate online, select "Give program support." Underneath the amount of your donation, you will see a link to "Select areas to support." Check the box for "other areas" In other areas type in 73129 - David Bay Endowed Photography Fund. Allot 100 percent of the gift for the fund. Complete the information requested and submit.
This fund constitutes a gift for endowment, and distributions will be made in accordance with the University’s then existing endowment distribution policy. Any surplus distributions from the Fund during any period may be accumulated for later use for the above purposes or may be added to the principal of the fund at the University’s discretion.
Other donation opportunities
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Graduate Student Support
To provide graduate support in the College of Literature, Science and the Arts in ecology and evolutionary biology. Here are some specific things you may choose to sponsor (if you donate online, include this information under "I have additional gift information" to allocate your gift.
- Sponsor a student on the annual retreat (held at the U-M Biological Station and locally on alternate years): $61
- Sponsor an annual Outstanding Graduate Student Paper Award: $500
- Sponsor a First Published Paper Award: $30
- Sponsor the printing of a student's research poster: $45
- Sponsor a graduate student's stipend for travel and research supplies: $250
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Strategic Fund for Program Support
To provide general program support in ecology and evolutionary biology.
Or if you prefer, you can donate to one of our existing EEB endowments:
Helen Olson Brower Fellowship
A fellowship to be awarded annually to a student pursuing graduate work in applied studies for the conservation of natural resources.
Emma J. Cole Fellowship
A fellowship for a graduate student at the University of Michigan who is pursuing studies in botany.
Angeline Whittier Fellowship A fellowship for a graduate student at the University of Michigan who is pursuing studies in botany.
Peter Olaus Okkelberg
A scholarship fund for outstanding zoology graduate students with a focus in anatomy, cytology or embryology.
E.S. George Reserve Scholarship
Scholarships to enhance the research of excellent students at the E.S. George Reserve.
See further information on EEB endowments for named professorships, graduate fellowships and research support, undergraduate scholarships, and more.
