The 2024 application period opens April 15 and closes July 15, 2024. Details below.

Mollie Beattie Visiting Scholar Program 

Established by the SAF Board of Directors in 2016, the SAF Mollie Beattie Visiting Scholar Program is named after Mollie Beattie, the first woman to head the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Educated in philosophy and forestry, she inspired, mentored, and dared her friends, colleagues, and young people to be more and do more than they thought possible. To honor her legacy, the program was established to foster diversity in the natural resource professions. The program seeks to encourage, support, and highlight research from underrepresented groups in forestry and natural resources to increase their visibility and help them thrive in the profession. 

Projects

SAF seeks compelling research proposals relevant to forestry and related natural resources in the United States. SAF will consider proposals for a broad range of topics, but special consideration will be given to proposals with a public policy link and/or those that have broader impacts on forest management or the profession. 

Eligibility

Applicants must be:

1. a graduate student, post-doctoral student, or early career professional (within 5 years of their degree) in forestry or related natural resources;
2. from an underrepresented group in forestry and natural resources; and
3. currently located in the United States (both US and non-US citizens are eligible)

*Advanced undergraduates with strong faculty support may also be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Terms of Award

The program carries a one-time stipend of $10,000 for the chosen scholar and one year of SAF membership. Scholarship funds may be used according to the scholar's discretion, but scholars are encouraged to prioritize funds to help meet the required commitments and suggested activities below. 

Commitments 

• Travel to DC to meet with SAF staff and connect with federal agencies, partner organizations, or congressional offices. 
• Write an article for The Forestry Source about the project and/or following the project.
• Connect with the relevant SAF Communities of Interest, formerly known as Working Groups, to discuss the research proposal. 
• Submit research to an SAF journal.
• Participate in regular check-ins with SAF staff throughout project duration. 
• SAF acknowledgement on all related materials and publications.

Suggested Activities

• Present at the SAF National Convention. 
• Participate in a webinar with SAF members about your research.
• Mentor subsequent Mollie Beattie Visiting Scholars.
  
  

How to Apply 

To apply, please send the required materials listed below to SAF's Manager of Policy & Research, Tony Mazza, at the following email address: [email protected]. Please use the following subject line in your email: 2024 Mollie Beattie Scholar Application: [insert your name].

Required Materials

• Cover letter describing interest in the program and eligibility 
• Resume or CV 
• Graduate transcript (unofficial copy is acceptable)
• Letter of support from advisor or immediate supervisor.
• 250-word abstract of proposed research and potential implications.
• Proposal not to exceed 3,000 words that clearly describes the aim of the project, provides sufficient methodology and data to be used, and states clear deliverables (e.g., presentations, thesis/dissertation, journal articles).
• If you have applied in the past, please note in your email.
• For non-US citizens, proof of current eligibility to study or work in the United States will be required.

All materials must be received by July 15, 2024.