Scholarships and Awards
The Department of Nutritional Sciences is committed to supporting student success through scholarships and awards that promote research engagement, experiential learning, leadership, and professional development. Through departmental funding, students have access to financial resources that help them pursue hands-on learning opportunities, conduct research, and engage in activities that prepare them for careers in nutrition, health, and related fields. These scholarships and awards reflect the department’s strong commitment to investing in student development, fostering a vibrant learning environment where students can explore research, gain experiential training, and prepare for impactful careers in nutrition and health sciences.
Opportunities are available for all graduate students, incoming graduate students in both the 4+1 MS and the Ph.D. programs, advanced Ph.D. students, and undergraduate students. More scholarships are available for undergraduate students through the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources.
Graduate Students
All Graduate Students
Ware Scholarship for Graduate Research in Nutritional Sciences
This scholarship supports NUSC graduate students who demonstrate excellence and promise in research, fostering scholarly productivity and advancing innovation in their field of study.
Ware Scholarship for Graduate Teaching Excellence in Nutritional Sciences
This scholarship recognizes and supports NUSC graduate students who demonstrate excellence in teaching and contribute meaningfully to undergraduate and graduate programs as teaching assistants.
No Formal Application
Support from Major Advisor Required
M.W. Scholarship for Graduate Professional Development in Nutritional Sciences
This scholarship provides financial support for students to attend a professional conference to present their research as the first author. By supporting conference participation, the scholarship enhances visibility, professional networking, and career development at a critical stage of students’ training.
Students should indicate their desire to receive this scholarship on the pre-travel approval form, and the Department Head will verify it.
Students may receive a maximum of $500 per fiscal year.
Incoming 4+1 Students
The Janina Czajkowski Scholarship provides financial assistance to students during their Master's year of the 4+1 M.S. program. The award supports high-achieving students as they transition from undergraduate to graduate study by reducing financial barriers and enabling them to focus on graduate coursework, research, and professional development opportunities.
Students in the 4+1 program may apply for this scholarship during their senior year as an undergraduate student. The $3000 award will be disbursed evenly over 2 semesters in their Master's year.
Selection Criteria
- Minimum GPA of 3.5
- Current NUSC senior who will enroll as a 4+1 MS graduate student next semester
- Letter of support from the major advisor
- Personal statement including financial need
Incoming Ph.D. Students
The Margaret Ware Ph.D. Recruitment Scholarship provides funds equivalent to a 50% Graduate Assistantship (GA) stipend at the student's level (levels 1-3) to supplement the 50% GA stipend provided by an advisor. This award provides funding for 3 years, contingent on satisfactory academic progress. Current MS students in the Department are not eligible for this scholarship.
Application
- Upon identifying a prospective PhD student, a faculty advisor submits a 3-year plan to the Department Head that describes the academic milestones of the prospective student
- Recipients are expected to become PhD candidates by the end of Year 2, and submit a grant application to the USDA predoctoral fellowship program in Year 3
- Funds for each year will be released only when the previous year’s milestone has been achieved
Selection Criteria and Application Requirements
- MS degree with a minimum GPA of 3.5
- GRE (when available)
- Evidence of awards, recognitions, and any prior scholarly or creative achievement by the nominee, such as publications and presentations
- U.S. Citizen or permanent residency holder
Nomination Deadline
Year Round
Advanced Ph.D. Students
During their career advanced Ph.D. students can receive a $1000 Hamilton Eaton Award for Research Excellence, Shirley Gerrior Scholarship for Research Excellence, or Janina Czajkowski Award for Research Excellence. Students may only receive one of the three awards.
Students whose research impacts community/society (e.g. human research, epidemiology, translational research) are given preference for the Czajkowski award.
Nomination Package
The faculty member’s nomination should be submitted to the Graduate Program Director, along with the nomination letter and the nominee’s CV.
- Nomination letter should address the following eligibility criteria:
- Completed the General examination by August 23, prior to submitting an application
- ≥ 3.5 GPA in NUSC graduate program
- Earned at least a “B” grade in all NUSC graduate courses
- Currently enrolled in the NUSC graduate program
- Attendance at NUSC departmental seminars (more than 75% in the previous academic year)
- Research Productivity:
- Submitted at least 1 research manuscript as first author to a peer-reviewed journal
- Presented at least 1 abstract as first author at a national or international science meeting
- Nominee’s curriculum vitae is suggested to include the following selection criteria if available:
- Publication record
- Internal/external research awards or recognition
- Research grants/fellowships
- Graduate leadership in NUSC
- Participation in other internal/external service activities
Nomination Deadline
August 23
Nutritional Sciences Excellence in Undergraduate Research Award
This $500 scholarship is awarded to 1-2 students annually who conduct research under the direction of a Nutritional Sciences faculty member.
Selection Criteria
- At least 2 semesters of research in a NUSC lab with at least 3 credits of independent study/honors thesis courses
- Letter of recommendation from a faculty research advisor
- Co-author of at least one paper or abstract (published or submitted), which may be disseminated via local, national, or international conferences or journal
- Only 1 award allowed per student throughout their time in the program
Dorothy M. Burns Scholarship
This $2000 scholarship supports 1-2 students annually who demonstrate significant financial need. The award aims to reduce economic barriers that may otherwise limit access to educational opportunities, enabling recipients to focus more fully on their academic responsibilities and professional development. By offering need-based support, the scholarship promotes equity, access, and student success within the program.
Selection Criteria
- In good academic standing
- Personal statement including financial need, career goal, and social, economic, educational, or other obstacles, if appropriate (300 words maximum)
Steg Family Scholarship
This $1000 scholarship recognizes 1-2 Nutritional Sciences undergraduate students annually who demonstrate excellent leadership in extracurricular activities and service to the Department.
Selection Criteria
- GPA of 3.5 or higher
- Personal statement demonstrating leadership experience and service to the Department (300 words maximum)
- Financial need may be considered
Margaret Ware Scholarship for Nutritional Sciences Excellence in Undergraduate Research
This $5000 scholarship supports 3-4 undergraduate students every summer who conduct research under the direction of a Nutritional Sciences faculty member.
Selection Criteria
- At least 1 semester of research in a NUSC lab with at least 3 credits of independent study/honors thesis courses
- GPA of 3.0 or higher
- This award is available by nomination only; the faculty nomination letter should address all selection criteria
Ware Summer Internship Scholarship in Nutritional Sciences
This scholarship provides financial support to students pursuing summer internships or experiential learning opportunities that enhance professional development and applied skills in the field of nutritional sciences. The scholarship aims to expand access to high-impact learning experiences that prepare students for careers and advanced study.
Selection Criteria
- GPA
- Experience relevant to internships
- Applicant's CV and other requested information should be sent to the NUSC faculty listed in internship announcements.
Margaret Ware Scholarship for Undergraduate Professional Development in Nutritional Sciences
This scholarship provides financial support for students to attend a professional conference to present their research as the first or co-author, or to attend the CT Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (CAND) Annual meeting. By supporting conference participation, the scholarship enhances visibility, professional networking, and career development at a critical stage of students’ training.
For travel to give a research presentation, students should indicate their desire to receive this scholarship on the pre-travel approval form, which will be verified by the Department Head. Up to $500 per fiscal year
For attendance at CAND, the scholarship amount will be determined based on registration and other travel costs. Nominations from the DPD director are needed. Students are eligible for one scholarship award per fiscal year.
Overview
Graduate Students
| Scholarship | Award | Application Process | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hamilton Eaton Award for Research Excellence in Nutritional Sciences | $1,000 | Faculty Nomination | August 23 |
| Shirley Gerrior Fellowship for Research Excellence in Nutritional Sciences | $1,000 | Faculty Nomination | August 23 |
| Janina Czajkowski Award for Research Excellence in Nutritional Sciences | $1,000 | Faculty Nomination | August 23 |
| Janina Czajkowski Scholarship for 4+1 Nutritional Sciences MS Students | $3,000 | Student Submission | At Time of Application |
| Margaret Ware Ph.D. Student Recruitment Scholarship in Nutritional Sciences | Equivalent of 50% GA | Faculty Nomination | Year Round |
| Ware Scholarship for Graduate Research in Nutritional Sciences | Variable | Faculty Nomination | Year Round |
| Ware Scholarship for Graduate Teaching Excellence in Nutritional Sciences | Variable | Faculty Nomination | Year Round |
| M.W. Scholarship for Graduate Professional Development in Nutritional Sciences | $500 | Student Submission | 2 Weeks Prior to Travel |
Undergraduate Students
| Scholarship | Award | Application Process | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nutritional Sciences Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Research | $500 | Faculty Nomination | March 15 |
| Dorothy M. Burns Scholarship | $2000 | Student Submission | March 15 |
| Steg Family Award | $1,000 | Student Submission | March 15 |
| Margaret Ware Scholarship for Nutritional Sciences Excellence in Undergraduate Research | $5000 | Faculty Nomination | March 15 |
| Ware Nutritional Sciences Scholarship for Summer Internship | Variable | Student Submission | Variable |
| M.W. Scholarship for Undergraduate Professional Development in Nutritional Sciences | $500 | Student Submission | 2 Weeks Prior to Travel |
Contact Us
Graduate Program Director
Yangchao Luo, Ph.D.
Advanced Technology Laboratory, Room 211A
yangchao.luo@uconn.edu
Undergraduate Program Coordinator
Rhonda Puglisi, Ph.D., R.D.
Roy E. Jones Building, Room 123
rhonda.puglisi@uconn.edu