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Scholarships and Awards

Student working in biochemistry lab

Awards and Scholarships for Undergraduate Students

The Biochemistry Department awards departmental scholarships for rising Juniors and Seniors. Applications for college (College of Agriculture and Life Sciences) scholarships will be used in the selection of most departmental scholarship recipients. Therefore, students who follow the instructions below for application for college-level scholarships will be considered for both college and departmental scholarships. Awards are based on academic achievement, participation in extracurricular activities, and leadership. Some scholarships require a demonstration of financial need.

Thomas O. Sitz Scholarship

Provided by the Virginia Academy of Sciences Sitz fund. T. O. Sitz was a VT Biochemistry Professor from 1982 – 2010, serving as a research advisor and Undergraduate Coordinator, thereby mentoring/advising hundreds of Biochemistry majors. Tom himself was a Hokie, having earned both his B.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Biochemistry here at Virginia Tech. Awarded to a rising senior selected from nominations provided by faculty undergraduate research advisors.  

William Burns Downey Memorial Scholarship - Endowed

Scholarships are awarded to encourage biological and chemical research for undergraduate students in the Department of Biochemistry.

R. W. and Frances H. Engel Scholarship - Endowed

The Fund was established by R. W. and Frances H. Engel. Dr. Ruben Engel established the department, serving as faculty member from 1952 – 1978, and department head (1952-1966). Scholarships support the education of undergraduate students in the Department of Biochemistry.

Kendall W. King Memorial Scholarship - Endowed

The Fund was established in recognition of Dr. K. W. King, alumnus class of 1949, professor, and department head (1966-1968).  Scholarships support undergraduate students in the Department of Biochemistry.

Ann L. and John L. Hess Education Fund - Endowed

The Fund was established by Ann L. and Dr. J. L Hess, faculty member in the Department of Biochemistry from 1967 – 2006, and department head (1998-2005). The fund provides support for travel of undergraduates to meetings for presentation of results of their research, for a scholarships, or to provide support for undergraduate/graduate student cooperation in research.

Richard E. Ebel Scholarship - Annual Giving

The scholarship was established to recognize the teaching contributions of R.E. Ebel. It is awarded to the rising senior who has, through excellent accomplishment in the biochemistry curriculum, demonstrated superior ability to pursue a career in the life sciences.

Bruce and Connie Anderson Scholarship - Annual Giving

The award was established in recognition of the service of Dr. Bruce Anderson as Department Head (1970-1982) and Connie Anderson, also active in the department. A scholarship is provided to a rising senior who has been employed part time while a student at VT.

William E. Newton Award - Annual Giving

The award was established in recognition of the service of W.E. Newton as Department Head, 1992-1998. This award is given to a senior who, as a junior, demonstrated research potential and accomplishment.

David R. Bevan Award

To be presented annually to an undergraduate student in Biochemistry who has demonstrated a commitment to excellence in undergraduate research. The recipient should be a rising senior who will be nominated by faculty or an advisor. The awardee will be selected based upon the nomination letter and a written statement from the student on the role of undergraduate research in his/her career at Virginia Tech and towards future aspirations.

CALS Scholarships

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) awards numerous undergraduate scholarships and Biochemistry majors are usually in a strong competitive position to receive these awards. Specific information is available on the CALS scholarship information page. Applications for these scholarships are due April 1, but if possible, they should be sent sooner. 

  1. Complete the Free Application for Student Financial Aid (FAFSA) online on time.
  2. Complete the Virginia Tech OSFA On-Line General Scholarship Application
  3. If invited, complete the Virginia Tech Honors Program Application in a timely manner. These are issued by invitation only.

Virginia Tech Scholarships

Academic scholarships at Virginia Tech are also available through the Office of University Scholarships and Financial Aid as well as the various colleges and academic departments. Please take the following steps to assure consideration of all scholarship activities at Virginia Tech.

  1. Complete the Free Application for Student Financial Aid (FAFSA) online on time.
  2. Complete the Virginia Tech OSFA On-Line General Scholarship Application.
  3. If invited, complete the Virginia Tech Honors Program Application in a timely manner. These are issued by invitation only. The Honors College also offers a variety of scholarships.