The American Society of Mammalogists (ASM) seeks to promote high-quality research by its student members and has developed a number of mechanisms by which young scientists can establish and further develop their careers in mammalogy. The Grants-in-Aid of Research and the Latin American Student Research programs provide students (usually graduate students) with funding to conduct research in mammalogy at any stage of their research projects; students are eligible for more than 1 grant in successive years. The Latin American Student Field Research Award explicitly recognizes the historical and contemporary importance of field research in Latin America to ASM, and the Society's commitment to promoting field work by promising students from these countries. To acknowledge the highest-caliber research projects completed by its student members (supported by Grants-In-Aid or any other funding sources), the ASM offers the Graduate and Undergraduate Student Honoraria Research Paper Awards. In addition to funds to support travel to the Annual Meeting, Graduate Honoraria awardees have the distinct honor of presenting their research as part of the opening Plenary Session of the Annual Meeting, along with recipients of other ASM awards. Finally, the Albert R. and Alma Shadle Fellowship in Mammalogy and the ASM Fellowship are designed to recognize contributions to the field of mammalogy, service to the Society, and the potential to develop a productive career in mammalogy. By providing funding for student research (Grants-In-Aid of Research, Latin American Student Field Research Awards), recognizing the highest quality completed projects (Honoraria Research Papers), and honoring individuals that have made substantial contributions to mammalogy through their research and service (Shadle Award and the ASM Fellowship), the American Society of Mammalogists assists students throughout the early development of their careers. Submissions to these programs can be accomplished through  http://www.mammalsociety.org/applications/.

FELLOWSHIPS IN MAMMALOGY

Applications are solicited for two graduate fellowships in mammalogy for 2011–2012. The fellowships are intended to promote a professional career in mammalogy by allowing the recipients greater freedom to pursue research, but are not grants in support of specific research projects. These fellowships are the premier awards given to graduate student members of ASM, and are awarded in recognition of both current accomplishments and future potential. Careers of applicants should have progressed sufficiently (in terms of publications, presentations, and development of their research program) to clearly demonstrate the potential for productive roles in professional mammalogy. Awards do not preclude support from other sources.

AMERICAN SOCIETY OF MAMMALOGISTS FELLOWSHIP IN MAMMALOGY

The Board of Directors of the ASM provides a fellowship in mammalogy for any graduate student member of the ASM enrolled in a college or university for the forthcoming academic year (Fall 2011–Spring 2012). The stipend of $12,500 for 2011–2012 has been approved. The ASM Fellow will be invited to present the results of his/her research at the Plenary Session of the 2012 Annual Meeting of the ASM.

ALBERT R. AND ALMA SHADLE FELLOWSHIP IN MAMMALOGY

The Albert R. and Alma Shadle Endowment Fund provides a fellowship in mammalogy for a graduate student member of the ASM enrolled in a college or university in the United States for the forthcoming academic year (Fall 2011–Spring 2012). The stipend for 2011–2012 is expected to be approximately $4,000. The Shadle Fellow will be invited to present the results of his/her research at the Plenary Session of the 2012 Annual Meeting of the ASM.

Applications for either fellowship should be submitted electronically through the ASM web site ( http://www.mammalsociety.org/applications/). All electronic applications must consist of 9 items: an application form; an abstract; description of research project; brief statement of how support from the Fellowship would be used; summary of professional experience in mammalogy, research interest, and career goals; a curriculum vita; and 3 letters of recommendation, including one from the applicant’s research advisor. Applicants may apply for either or both fellowships with a single application as indicated on the electronic application form. See the ASM web site for additional information. Applications including letters of recommendation must be received by 1 May 2011. Contact C. William Kilpatrick (C-William.Kilpatrick@uvm.edu) if there are exceptional reasons why an application cannot be submitted electronically. The nominees for both fellowships will be announced at the 2011 Annual Meeting.

ASM-AIBS GRADUATE STUDENT PUBLIC POLICY INTERNSHIP

The American Society of Mammalogists (ASM) and the American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) are pleased to announce the availability of an internship in the Washington, DC. AIBS Public Policy Office. The internship is open to ASM members who are currently enrolled in a graduate program and who are engaged in research that will contribute to our understanding and conservation of mammals. The internship is for 3 months during fall 2011, and carries a generous monthly stipend of $2000. Selection criteria include demonstrated interest in public policy process, strong communications skills, and excellent academic record.

The AIBS Public Policy Office focuses on science and science education public policy (e.g., federal R & D funding policy). Additional information about ASM and AIBS can be found on their respective websites (www.mammalsociety.org, www.aibs.org).

The ASM-AIBS Public Policy Internship is an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in public policy at the national level. By working with the AIBS Public Policy Office, the intern will learn how scientific societies, non-governmental organizations (NGO's), executive branch agencies (e.g., NSF, USGS), and the legislative branch interact to craft science policy. Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Application requirements:

Letter of application describing applicant's interest in science policy issues and detailing how this fellowship would enhance his/her professional goals. Applicant should include the names of two individuals other than their advisor from whom recommendations can be requested. These individuals should be able to address the candidate's leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills.

A two-page resume that demonstrates the applicant's leadership and communication experience. It should include the following items: education (including relevant law or policy courses), work experience, honors and awards, memberships, and publications.

A statement describing the importance of federal support for fundamental mammalian research (750 words maximum). The statement should draw on the applicant's own experience and/or research area, and should illustrate how the applicant would try to convince his/her own congressional delegation to support federal research funding programs/agencies.

A letter of support/recommendation from academic advisor.

Copies of transcripts from each college or university from which applicant received a degree and/or is currently enrolled. If selected, official transcripts may be required.

Applicants are not required to be ASM members at the time of application but, if selected, must join the Society prior to starting the internship. The intern is expected to present a poster summarizing the internship experience at the June 2012 ASM Annual Meeting.

All application materials must be received by 1 May 2011 and should be sent to Dr. Alicia V. Linzey, Evaluation Committee Chair, 148 Double Brook Dr., Weaverville, NC 28787. Questions about the award can be addressed to Dr. Linzey at avlinzey@frontier.com.