Fellowships and Scholarships
At UB, we believe that cost shouldn't stand in the way of your goals. Each year, we offer a competitive selection of assistantships, fellowships and funding options to support PhD and graduate students in Earth Sciences, so you can focus on research, teaching and growing your academic career.
UB philanthropic scholarships
Thanks to the generous support of donors, the Department of Earth Sciences offers several unique scholarships and awards to help fund your degree.
- Faculty-nominated awards are selected internally.
- Recipients are honored at our Annual Awards Celebration in April.
- Questions? Contact us at earthsciences@buffalo.edu or visit us at 126 Cooke Hall.
Reginald H. Pegrum Outstanding Graduate Student Awards
Thanks to a large donation from alumnus James W. Cadwell, the Pegrum Fund profides additional awards to outstanding graduate students. Recipients are selected by faculty for outstanding research, teaching, or overall performance and presented with a check and certificate at our departmental Annual Awards Celebration in April each year.
Solène Pouget Geology Excellence Award
Solène Pouget was a promising young scientist. She earned her Ph.D. at UB Geology in less than three years, during which time she first‐authored four papers. She was co‐author on 6 other papers, and first‐ or co‐author on 23 abstracts. She organized a workshop on tephra that attracted sponsorship from numerous societies, as well as funding from NSF and the International Union for Quaternary Research; over 70 scientists from around the globe participated.
Dr. Pouget accomplished much of this work after being diagnosed with an incurable cancer. During her time as a student, and then as a post‐doc for five brief months, she underwent numerous rounds of chemotherapy, three major and many minor surgeries, and other treatments. Through all this, she remained happy, charitable and optimistic, not wanting to be defined by the disease. She continued to work until she could no longer do so; and was offered her dream job with the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, in ash cloud detection and warning, just 3 weeks before her death.
This award honors Solène's memory and aims to inspire future generations of scientists, by offering a prize to a deserving graduate or undergraduate student, for the best published, first‐ authored scientific journal article in a given academic year. In keeping with Solène's character, the article should also have an obvious impact on the improvement of the human condition, or otherwise clearly demonstrate compassion towards others.
This award is presented to recipients at our departmental Annual Awards Celebration in April each year.
Reginald H. Pegrum Professional Development Award
The Pegrum Professional Development Award provides partial financial support for students in the Department of Earth Sciences to present research at professional meetings or attend career workshops or short courses.
- This award does not support travel or fieldwork related to student research or coursework.
- Funding availability varies each semester and may not cover all travel costs.
- Priority is given to students who do not have other funding sources and have not already received a Pegrum Professional Development Award in the current academic year.
Application deadlines
- Fall Semester Travel: September 30
- Spring & Summer Travel: February 28
Application requirements
1. Download the fillable Pegrum Application PDF and the Budget Form below and email the completed documents to earthsciences@buffalo.edu.
2. Submit a printed hardcopy of this application form to 126 Cooke Hall (Main Office).
3. Complete and upload your signed W-9 form to our secure box folder. Note: Do not email your W-9.
🏆 Selected recipients will be notified via email.
Graduate education is a significant investment, and funding can play an important role in making it possible. Graduate students at the University at Buffalo have access to a range of funding options that support coursework, teaching, research and professional development. Opportunities vary by degree level and stage of study.
Master's funding options
Most master’s programs are self-funded, and many students use a mix of financial aid, employment and scholarships to support their studies. Continuing your education is an important investment, and UB offers resources to help you explore available options.
PhD funding options
Academic year stipends of $23,690 and a full tuition waiver for all full-time, funded PhD students on 10-month academic teaching assistant, research assistant, or graduate assistant appointments.
- UB’s stipend levels are competitive among public Association of American Universities (AAU) member institutions.
Additional Fellowship Opportunities:
- Arthur A. Schomburg Fellowship Program: Candidates are required to be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and must demonstrate how they have overcome a disadvantage or other impediment to success in higher education. Candidates must also demonstrate a commitment to contributing to the diversity of the student body by facilitating and enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in their academic programs and campus activities. Even though financial need is not a requirement for program eligibility, applicants may utilize economic disadvantage as a basis for eligibility. This scholarship program is open to any and all prospective candidates regardless of race, color, national origin, or sex, and is consistent with all current governing federal and state nondiscrimination law. All application submissions will be assessed and evaluated in accordance with the required eligibility criteria. Students may apply for the Schomburg Fellowship on the UB graduate application for their program.
- Presidential Fellowships: To be eligible for Presidential Fellowships, candidates must meet the criteria listed on the Presidential Fellowship page. Both domestic and international students are eligible, if they meet these criteria. For any questions regarding funding for academic year 2025–2026, contact the director of graduate studies or department chair.
Teaching and Research Assistantships: Available through faculty members and provide valuable professional experience.