Undergraduate Financial Aid

Former students of Professor Chapman have established the David S. Chapman and Inga M. Chapman Fund to support unique educational and research opportunities. Educational opportunities for students supported by this fund may include research visits to collaborative labs; attendance at focused workshops, short-courses, and conferences; opportunities that broaden a student’s international experience; and opportunities to participate in collaborative field studies and research cruises. The fund does not support attendance at regular society meetings or conferences. This fund is intended to support both graduate and undergraduate students.

Graduate and undergraduate students majoring or minoring in Geology and Geophysics. 

Applications are accepted anytime, but the first review each semester for Academic Year 2025-2026 is September 15 and February 15.

Applications from undergraduate students should be emailed to the Undergraduate Affairs chair, Dr. Tonie van Dam, tonie.vandam@utah.edu.

Applications are to be submitted as a single pdf document that includes the following: 

1. Title of the project/opportunity and name of person applying.
2. A one-page description that includes:

• The planned activity/opportunity;
• How the activity fits into the applicant’s studies, research, or professional development; and
• Likely impact of the opportunity on the applicant’s studies/career.

1. An itemized budget with a brief justification of expenses.
2. Signature of a sponsoring faculty member on the proposal indicating support.
3. A two-page CV (NSF style: see the following link for guidelines and examples: https://adai.uw.edu/grants/nsf_biosketch_template.pdf).

Award levels of up to $1500 can be expected; larger requests will be reviewed in special circumstances. Contributing or matching funds from other sources are not required but will be considered a positive aspect of an application.

Provides students in the Department with access to programs, initiatives, and educlational and professional opportunities that will enhance their college experience beyond the standard curriculum. Applications are accepted on a rolling timeline: send in your requests as they arise. Examples of uses include (but are not limited to):

• Student research (e.g., field expenses, supplies, analytical laboratory charges, travel to museums for study, etc.).
• Attendance at professional meetings (e.g., GSA, AGU, AAPG, SEG…).
• Participation in short courses or professional development workshops.
• Participation in field trips such as those offered at professional meetings or by professional organizations.
• Other field experiences.
• Study abroad.
• Participation in programs and experiences that foster diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Earth sciences.

The fund does not support hourly wages, tuition, or course fees.

Although applications are accepted on a rolling basis, we will do an initial review of applications received by February 15^th, 2026.

Undergraduate students majoring and minoring in Geology and Geophysics.

Applications should be emailed to the Undergraduate Affairs chair, Tonie van Dam, tonie.vandam@utah.edu.

Although applications are accepted on a rolling basis, we will do an initial review of applications received by February 15^th, 2026.

Applications should be submitted as a single document and include the following:

For the student: work with your mentor to prepare a not more than 2 page memo that includes the following information:

1. Name of Student
2. Name of Mentor (if this is for a research project)
3. Title of Project or Opportunity (if a meeting or field trip, be sure to include the dates of the trip and any supporting documentation, such as the meeting or trip website)
4. 4-8 sentence description of the Project or Opportunity (an abstract). If this is for research, be sure to includes the hypothesis that is being tested and how the request funds will be used to test this hypothesis. If this is for a meeting, field trip, or other travel, be sure to describe how this experience will enhance your college experience.
5. Total amount requested.

6. A budget that describes how the funds will be used, including which labs and equipment will be used, registration fees, and travel costs.

7. Semester requested funds will be used.

8. If this is for a research project, then the student’s Mentor needs to provide an approximately ½ page letter of support of the project to be emailed to the chair of Undergraduate Affairs.

Award levels of up to $1000 can be expected; larger requests will be reviewed in special circumstances. Contributing or matching funds from other sources are not required but will be considered a positive aspect of an application.

• Applicants must be enrolled, degree seeking undergraduate students at the University of Utah at the time of application and at the time the funds will be used. 
• Applicants must be working collaboratively with a University of Utah professor on a research project and the funds requested must go towards that project.
• Requested funds may only cover the undergraduate student applicant’s future research-related expenses.

Grants are considered monthly. Applicants are notified of the outcome by the 7th day of every month. This means all applications (including faculty mentor portion) must be submitted no later than the last day of the previous month.