The Sonoma Mycological Society (SOMA) is pleased to announce two types of educational scholarships. With our academic scholarships we aim to support undergraduate and graduate level students studying mycology and fungal related research topics. With our community-based scholarships we support projects, programs, and initiatives that further mycology in the non-academic community. Our hope is that these scholarships will stimulate the further study and exploration of fungi.
Funds for these awards are earned from the proceeds of our annual SOMA Camp.
Academic Scholarships
Application deadline: May 31
Collegiate scholarships are open to undergraduate and graduate students interested in studying mycology and fungi-related topics with memorial awards up to $5000.
- Tom Volk Memorial Scholarship:
- Darvin DeShazer Memorial Scholarship:
- Eugene Zeirdt Memorial Scholarship:
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Other scholarships of varying cash amounts may be awarded at the committee's discretion
Funded applicants will be asked to present their work or another aspect of current mycology at one of the regular SOMA meetings (or SOMA Camp) during the next 24 months. Graduate students will be given priority for funding, but undergraduates will also receive support from SOMA at the discretion of the scholarship committee.
2024 Undergraduate and Graduate Scholarship Application & Guidelines
Required materials in addition to application:
- Submit a brief 2-3 page statement where you state what you are studying, your major, and whom you are working with (advisor/lab). CLEARLY introduce your research topic, driving hypothesis, aims, and expected outcomes. Include preliminary data, figures, and technical details of the methods you will use. Please explain the relevancy of your work to mycology and the broader impacts/implications for your field. This statement should also include a summary of relevant courses, previous research, and personal experiences related to fungi.
- Submit your academic curriculum vitae (CV): a comprehensive record of your educational background, teaching, and research experience.
- A brief 1-2 page letter of recommendation from someone connected to your academic pursuits (e.g. advisor, teacher, mentor).
- Contact information: email, phone, address.
Mycology Community-Science Scholarships
Application deadline: May 31
Community-based scholarships are open to anyone doing work relevant to mycology or fungi associated technologies. Unlike our academic scholarships, you do not need to be officially affiliated with a school or university. These scholarships are meant to help support people striving to build community around mycology and utilize emerging technologies to study fungi in novel ways. At the discretion of the scholarship committee awards will be up to $2000.
We envision these scholarships going to support community lab spaces, sequencing equipment, cultivation workshops, documentation of new species, bio/mycoremediation, and fungi-related educational outreach. Pitch us your best ideas.
If awarded a scholarship we do ask that you will be willing to present a summary of your work at our monthly SOMA members meeting or at our annual SOMA Camp.
2024 Community-Science Scholarship Application & Guidelines
Required materials in addition to application:
- Submit a brief 2-3 page statement describing your background, motivation, and proposal. Please CLEARLY state your goals and what you envision as the successful outcome of your project. Include details on the scope of your project, the discrete steps you will take to accomplish your goals, and make a sample budget for how money from SOMA will be used. Please emphasize how your project will benefit the broader community and your future objectives. This statement should also include a summary of relevant experience you have with mycology and community-science.
- Submit a short resume of your relevant work, school, and research experience pertaining to mycology.
- A brief 1-2 page letter or recommendation from someone connected to your mycological pursuits. Ask them to highlight your drive, experience, and community service.
- Contact information: email, phone, address.
4th-12th grade scholarships
Application deadline: December 31st
In order to encourage younger students to come to camp, we are instituting this new, exciting scholarship opportunity. If you are in a grade 4th to 12th and have an interest in mycology, we encourage you to participate in this opportunity.
There will be opportunities for up to 2 students to obtain scholarships used toward attendance at the annual SOMA Wild Mushroom Camp in January.
4th-12th Grade Scholarship Guidelines
How to apply
Email completed application materials to: scholarships@somamushrooms.org
If you have any questions, feel free to send us an email.
