UD Receives Funding for Women's Environmental Science Research Projects

Nov 7, 2007 | University of Dubuque Theological Seminary

The University of Dubuque recently received a $5,500 grant from The Monticello College Foundation (Godfrey, IL) to fund environmental science research experiences for women.

Projects funded by this grant encourages more talented female students to explore the field of science by offering hands-on, environment-related research experiences as well as opportunities for presentation in professional conferences. 

Six female environmental science students will work on projects focused on four different research themes. The selected students will participated in the following on-going or newly-developed research projects - Paraguay conservation biology (Phylicia Schwartz, senior, environmental science, New Vienna, IA), carnivore community ecology (Bethany Bohnsack, senior, environmental science, Elizabeth, IL), plant molecular genetics (Caroline Zelent, senior, environmental science, Merrill, WI; and Kelly Busch, junior, biology, Cuba City, WI), and aquatic habitat in Dubuque County parks (Mikaela Tully, junior, environmental science, Dubuque, IA; and Kayleen Keehner, junior, environmental science, Guttenberg, IA). 

"These six students are all future community leaders and professionals," said Dr. Dale Easley, head of the Department of Natural and Applied Sciences. "This grant will enable them to deepen their scientific knowledge and expand their contacts with others working in related fields." 

Funds from the grant will be used for various components of the research project, including stipends for participants, equipment, and supplies. Funds will also be used to attend a science conference, where students will have the opportunity to present their research and findings. 

The Monticello College Foundation was formed in 1971. Monticello College, a two-year college for women, closed at that time and the campus was sold to the State of Illinois and became Lewis & Clark Community College. The charter of Monticello College was legally amended to be the charter of Monticello College Foundation with the same purpose - "to promote female education." 

The College was founded in 1838 by Benjamin Godfrey who had eight daughters. His desire was that women would have the same opportunities for a good education that men had and the curriculum at that time was based on that of Harvard and Yale. During most of the existence of Monticello College, there was also a preparatory school for high school age girls. It was said that Benjamin Godfrey's philosophy was - "When you educate a man, you educate an individual. When you educate a woman, you educate a family." 

The Monticello College Foundation offers scholarships for women to study in all fields and thus carries on the rich heritage of Benjamin Godfrey and Monticello College.