2022-2023 Linda J. Allison Memorial Grant Announcement

Grant Details

The Desert Tortoise Council recently established the Linda J. Allison Memorial Grant. Applications will be accepted for research that (1) investigates the demography of tortoises in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico (i.e., Gopherus agassizii, G. morafkai, G. evgoodei, G. berlandieri, and G. flavomarginatus), (2) conducts robust statistical analysis/modeling of population data with quality control/validation, and (3) contributes to the understanding, management, and conservation of tortoises.

Grant Amount

The winner of the Linda J. Allison Memorial Grant will receive US $2,500 from Leeward Renewable Energy, who has generously decided to fund this grant opportunity to fund research related to the Desert Tortoise..

Eligibility

Applicants must be associated with a recognized institution (e.g., university, museum, government agency, non-governmental organization) and may be college, graduate, or post-doctoral students, or other researchers. They must provide a presentation of their work/results at a future symposium of the Desert Tortoise Council.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be evaluated on the potential of the proposed research to investigate the demographic parameters of one of the four Gopherus species listed above, use statistics and modeling to understand the demography/changing structure of the tortoise population, apply quality control and validation in the analysis of demographic data and model finalization, and apply the results to better understand, manage, and conserve the Gopherus species.

Important considerations are the significance and originality of the research problem, design of sampling and analysis, preliminary data supporting the feasibility of the research, and the likelihood of successful completion and publication.

Application Procedure

1. Download the application and cover form via the buttons below.
2. Provide all information requested, including a description of the research project in no more than 1,200 words and other attachments.
3. Submit the completed cover form, application and attachments to email hidden; JavaScript is required as a pdf document.
4. Applications must be supported by the applicant’s CV and at least two letters of recommendation, one of which must be from the applicant’s research advisor, supervisor, or a knowledgeable colleague.  Instruct the recommenders to submit their letters to email hidden; JavaScript is required as pdf documents.
5. All application materials and letters of recommendation must be received by January 15, 2023. They will be evaluated by a committee of chelonian biologists appointed by the Desert Tortoise Council’s Grants and Academic Funding Committee Chair.
6. The grant recipient will be notified of his/her selection by January 31, 2023.

The Desert Tortoise Council thanks Leeward Renewable Energy, LLC for their financial support of this grant and their interest in the conservation of desert tortoises.