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Mark B. Bain Graduate Fellowship

In 2011, the Foundation renamed its graduate fellowship program in honor of Dr. Mark B. Bain for his outstanding contributions to Hudson River science. Dr. Bain was a professor of Systems Ecology at Cornell University for 22 years, and until his death in February 2012, a highly productive researcher studying aquatic systems throughout the world. Dr. Bain had a particular interest in the Hudson River and was supported by the Foundation in several important endeavors. His comprehensive study of sturgeons and ground-breaking work on ecosystem restoration planning have significantly advanced the conservation of natural resources in the Hudson River and estuary. The Foundation is pleased to recognize and remember Dr. Bain’s achievements and the respect, admiration and affection for him in the Hudson River scientific community.

The Foundation may award up to six full-time research fellowships per year to advanced graduate students conducting research on the Hudson River system. Read below for more information about application instructions.

A fellowship awarded to a doctoral student will include a stipend consistent with the policy of the student’s graduate institution, in an amount of up to $19,000 for one year, plus an incidentals research budget of up to $1,000. A fellowship awarded to a master’s level student will include a stipend consistent with the policy of the student’s graduate institution, of up to $15,000 for one year, plus an incidentals research budget of up to $1,000.

Application Procedures

The following materials must be included in the application:

  • A Proposal Cover Page
    • Include the name of the student in the Principal Investigator box.
    • The title of the thesis/dissertation should be included in the Title of Proposal box.
    • State whether support is sought for a fellowship at the master’s or doctoral level in the Purpose/Objective box.
    • Please list the student’s advisor as co-principal investigator on this page.
  • A description (10 pages maximum) of the thesis project which should include a statement of the objectives of the project and the approach to the research, as well as a summary of research already completed.
  • A timetable for the completion of the research.
  • An estimate of the cost of supplies, travel, etc.
  • Use the Proposal Budget Summary form
  • Include stipend amount in salaries and research incidentals under expendable equipment.
  • No other line items should be filled in.
  • Curriculum vitae of student.
  • A letter from the University stating that the student will receive a tuition waiver or reimbursement for the period of the fellowship.
  • Two letters of recommendation.
  • One must be from the student’s advisor and should certify the student’s current status, evaluate the student as a future researcher, and rate the student’s project both on technical merit and on relevance to the goals of the Foundation.

Fellowship awards will be made through the student’s academic institution. Therefore, applications must be submitted through the institution’s grants administration office.

Application Submission

Please continue to check our website for the 2021 deadline.

Applications, in electronic PDF format must be received by 5:00 pm, on the day of the deadline. The electronic copy of the application should be sent in one PDF file to info@hudsonriver.org. with the subject heading “Graduate Fellowship Submittal.”

Three hard copies of the application, one containing original signatures by the Institutional Representative and Graduate Student on the cover page and postmarked no later than the deadline, must be sent to:

Bain Graduate Fellowship
Hudson River Foundation
17 Battery Place, Suite 915
New York, NY 10004

If you have questions, or if you wish to discuss research ideas, contact Helena Andreyko at 212-483-7667.

Application Materials

Proposal Forms:

  • Cover Page:    Excel  |  PDF
  • Budget Instructions:    PDF
  • Proposal Budget Summary:     Excel  |  PDF

Disclaimers

The award is conditional upon a full tuition waiver or reimbursement by the University. Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited doctoral or master’s program, must have a thesis advisor and advisory committee (if appropriate to the institution), and must have a thesis research plan approved by the student’s institution or department.

The student’s home university will be expected to be the primary source of support for materials and expenses required to do the thesis research and will also be expected to cover any indirect costs associated with the project.