2024 Graduate Student Grant Recipients
Donor Impact
The grants and programs of the Biodiversity Institute are funded by generous donors who support biodiversity research and the innovative work of the University of Wyoming's talented students
We are especially grateful this last year for our donors whose vision and generosity are enabling our programs to thrive despite the challenges of 2020. We are very proud to recognize this extraordinary group of supporters, who share our commitment to graduate student research and education in biodiversity science.
The Ann and Richard Boelter Biodiversity and Conservation K-12 Excellence Fund to foster excellence and provide financial support to the University of Wyoming Biodiversity Institute’s K-12 outreach and education programs.
The Richard Baldes Native American Excellence Fund in Biodiversity Conservation to provide biodiversity conservation graduate assistantships and research enhancement grants to Wind River Indian Reservation and Native American students who are enrolled at the University of Wyoming.
Bridget Hardy
The Hardy Family Community Science Excellence Fund to support the Biodiversity Institute's K-12 and Community Science outreach programs in order to expand the understanding, practice, and application of science to all ages, particularly as related to the vital role of biodiversity. Research products will be disseminated to students, professional scientists, community members, and land managers. While the initial focus is on the impact of the Mullen Fire, research topics may be expanded as seen fit by the Biodiversity Institute.
Don and Judy Legerski
Don and Judy Legerski UW Teton Graduate Scholars in Biodiversity Fellowship to support biodiversity research as overseen by the Biodiversity Institute and associated with the mission of the University of Wyoming AMK Ranch.
The Committing to Excellence in Biodiversity Fund started by lead donors Michael and Edith Allen and Patrick and Nora Ivers. To date, over 70 donors have contributed to this fund including a recent significant gift from the Charles Piersall Chapter of the Izaak Walton League in Casper.
The mission of the Bighorn Restoration Group (BRG) is to restore, support, and protect populations of healthy bighorn sheep in suitable habitats in the southern Wind River Mountains and other appropriate environments. The group envisions healthy, sustainable bighorn sheep populations in their natural ranges, protected from adverse impacts, and supported by science-based management.
The BRG is dedicated to 1) assisting state and federal wildlife management and land agencies in restoring a healthy and sustainable bighorn sheep population to the southern Wind River Mountains, 2) educating the public regarding the biology, habitat needs, and management concerns associated with bighorn sheep, and 3) assisting domestic sheep hobby flock operators with the goal of greatly diminishing the possibility of disease transmissions between domestic and wild sheep.