Biological Station Scholarships
Central Michigan University is proud to support students who pursue hands-on learning and research at the CMU Biological Station on Beaver Island. Each year, we award scholarships to undergraduate and graduate biology students who are enrolled in courses or conducting research at this unique field station.
These scholarships are designed to help you focus on discovery without worrying about out-of-pocket expenses. Awards may be used for tuition, books, housing, meals, and travel, making it easier for students to fully immerse themselves in fieldwork, research projects, and experiential learning.
Whether you are taking a summer course, conducting independent research, or gaining hands-on experience in the natural environment of Beaver Island, these scholarships make it possible to learn, explore, and grow as a scientist. Many awards also consider academic excellence, leadership, and a passion for biology, and some are renewable, providing continued support as you advance in your studies.
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Available scholarships
Tuition scholarships
Experience hands-on learning in one of Michigan’s most unique classroom settings, the CMU Biological Station on Beaver Island. Tuition Scholarships make it possible for more students to take part in this unforgettable opportunity by covering tuition for one biology class each summer.
Open to high school, undergraduate, and graduate students, these scholarships make field-based learning accessible to anyone passionate about biology and environmental science.
First established in the late 1970s by Dr. Matthew Hohn, the station’s first director, and Emeritus Professor Dr. Roy Burlington, the scholarship continues their mission of opening doors for students who might not otherwise afford tuition. Supported through private donations, and even the deposit returns of aluminum cans collected at the station, this scholarship represents CMU’s commitment to student success and sustainability.
Apply to spend your summer immersed in research, exploration, and discovery at the CMU Biological Station, where opportunity meets adventure.
Suzanne and Raymond Baber, Jr. Endowed Scholarship for Beaver Island Students
The Suzanne and Raymond Baber, Jr. Endowed Scholarship helps biology majors and minors experience hands-on learning at the CMU Biological Station (CMUBS) without the added financial burden of travel or housing costs.
Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, demonstrate financial need, and be enrolled in at least one CMUBS course. This scholarship can be used for tuition, books, housing, food, and travel expenses, making it easier for students to focus on discovery and research.
Established in 2007 by CMU alumna Suzanne Baber (’48) in honor of her late husband, Bud, this scholarship reflects Sue’s belief in the transformative experience CMUBS offers. After visiting the Biological Station herself, she was inspired by the unique learning environment and wanted to ensure future students could share in that same opportunity.
Take your education beyond the classroom, immerse yourself in field research, connect with nature, and gain unforgettable experience at the CMU Biological Station through the support of the Baber Scholarship.
Roy and Alice Burlington Beaver Island Endowed Award
The Roy and Alice Burlington Beaver Island Endowed Award gives undergraduate biology majors the chance to dive into hands-on research at the CMU Biological Station on Beaver Island, one of Michigan’s most unique and inspiring learning environments.
This award supports students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher who are conducting independent research in field biology. Preference is given to those with financial need, and applicants must submit a detailed research prospectus with their application.
Established in 2007 by Professor Emeritus Dr. Roy F. Burlington and his wife, Alice, this award reflects their lifelong dedication to student learning and field research. Through their generosity, students gain the opportunity to explore the natural world, develop critical research skills, and experience the wonder of studying biology in action.
Step into the field, expand your scientific horizons, and carry forward a legacy of discovery with the Burlington Beaver Island Award.
Arthur E. and Sibyl M. Ellis Biology and Field Biology Endowed Scholarship
Discover your potential as a biologist through hands-on research and exploration with the support of the Arthur E. and Sibyl M. Ellis Biology and Field Biology Endowed Scholarship. This scholarship empowers dedicated biology students to pursue their academic and research goals, especially those passionate about field biology and studying the natural world beyond the classroom.
Established to honor Arthur E. and Sibyl M. Ellis and their commitment to education and discovery, this scholarship helps students gain the experience, confidence, and resources needed to succeed in the biological sciences. Whether you’re investigating ecosystems, conducting research in the field, or preparing for graduate study, this award helps you focus on what matters most, learning, exploring, and growing as a scientist.
Take your studies outside the lab and into the world with the support of the Ellis Scholarship, where curiosity meets opportunity.
Norvall C. and Evelyn Gagnon Bovee Scholarship
This award supports biology majors or minors who demonstrate financial need and are taking courses at the CMU Biological Station (CMUBS), a place where discovery meets adventure on the shores of Beaver Island.
Ideal candidates are juniors or seniors enrolled full-time and taking at least one CMUBS course. The scholarship recognizes students who go beyond academics, those who show care and compassion for others, strong leadership, and positive human relations skills, all while maintaining solid academic performance.
Established in memory of Norvall C. Bovee, a former Vice President of Business and Finance at CMU, this endowment honors both Norvall and his wife, Evelyn Gagnon Bovee, who have long been cherished friends of the Biological Station. Mrs. Bovee continues to spend her summers on Beaver Island, staying connected to the community that inspired this scholarship.
The award can be applied toward tuition, books, food, housing, or ferry travel, helping you focus on what matters most, your education and exploration at CMUBS.
Please note: this scholarship is a one-time award and is not renewable.
Raymond E. Hampton Excellence in Biology Research Award
The Raymond E. Hampton Excellence in Biology Research Award celebrates graduate students who demonstrate outstanding research potential and a passion for discovery at the CMU Biological Station (CMUBS).
This award is open to second-year biology graduate students at CMU who have maintained an overall GPA of 3.5 or higher. Applicants are invited to showcase their vision by submitting a research prospectus outlining their planned summer project at CMUBS, along with a budget for anticipated research expenses. Recipients will also share their progress and accomplishments with the Department of Biology the following fall, a reflection of the excellence this award represents.
Established in memory of Dr. Raymond E. Hampton, a beloved CMU professor whose 24 years of service left a lasting impact on the Department of Biology, this award honors his dedication to both teaching and exploration. Dr. Hampton’s popular Nature Photography course at CMUBS inspired countless students to see the natural world through both scientific and artistic lenses.
The award can be used to cover tuition, books, housing, and meals at CMUBS, or to support presenting your research at conferences or meetings, helping you share your discoveries with the broader scientific community.
Please note: this is a one-time award and is not renewable.
The JoAnn Hinds Fund for Beaver Island Experience
This fund provides financial assistance to students enrolled in the “Introduction to Field Biology at Beaver Island” course (or its future equivalent), offered each summer through the CMU Biological Station (CMUBS). The award helps offset out-of-pocket expenses such as food, housing, and ferry transportation, making it easier for you to focus on learning, exploring, and discovering.
All you need to do to qualify is enroll and attend the course, it’s that simple.
The fund was established by JoAnn Hinds, a proud CMU alum who earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in science education. After years of teaching and later running her family’s business, JoAnn wanted to give back by helping students experience the same spark of curiosity and love for nature that she found on Beaver Island.
Through her generosity, you can take your first steps into field biology, gain hands-on experience, and create unforgettable memories in one of Michigan’s most inspiring learning environments.
Please note: this award is a one-time opportunity and is not renewable.
Gil and Kay Starks Endowed Scholarship
The Gil and Kay Starks Endowed Scholarship supports students like you who are pursuing excellence in biology at the CMU Biological Station (CMUBS).
This scholarship is open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.0, and preference is given to students working toward secondary education certification. It’s an ideal opportunity for those who are passionate about biology and eager to inspire future generations through teaching.
The award was established by Dr. Gil Starks and Dr. Kay Starks, retired Biology faculty members who were deeply impressed by the quality of instruction at CMUBS. Their goal is to encourage students to pursue careers in education, ensuring that the next generation of biologists benefits from outstanding teaching.
Funds can be used for tuition, books, housing, meals, and travel expenses associated with taking a course at CMUBS, making it easier for you to focus on your studies, research, and the immersive learning experiences that the Biological Station offers.
Please note: this award is a one-time scholarship and is not renewable.
Corey Paul Woiteshek Beaver Island Endowed Award
This award is open to juniors and seniors with a GPA of 3.0 or higher who are enrolled in at least one course at the CMU Biological Station (CMUBS). Applicants are asked to submit a paragraph describing their interests and goals related to their love of nature, highlighting their passion for the natural world and commitment to learning.
Established in 2007 by the family and friends of Corey Woiteshek, a 1997 CMU biology graduate who cherished his time at Beaver Island, this award honors his memory by providing students with the opportunity to experience the same transformative learning environment Corey loved. The scholarship can be applied to tuition, books, housing, meals, and travel expenses, helping you fully immerse yourself in the adventure and discovery that CMUBS offers.
Please note: this award is a one-time scholarship and is not renewable.
Joanisse-Richard Endowed Scholarship for Study on Beaver Island
The Joanisse-Richard Endowed Scholarship for Study on Beaver Island provides support for students pursuing courses or research projects on Beaver Island, giving you the opportunity to explore, discover, and contribute to meaningful work in the Great Lakes region.
This award is open to undergraduates in the College of Science and Engineering with a GPA of 2.5 or higher who are enrolled in a course or research project at the CMU Biological Station (CMUBS). Unlike many awards, this scholarship is renewable upon reapplication, allowing you to continue your Beaver Island experience across multiple summers.
Established in 2021 by Robert and Dina Richard in honor of their fathers, this scholarship reflects their lifelong connection to the Great Lakes and commitment to environmental stewardship. Both recognize the importance of preserving and studying the Great Lakes, and they hope recipients of this award will pursue careers that benefit and protect these vital waters. The Richards are deeply involved in CMU, and their support helps ensure that the Beaver Island Biological Station remains a premier site for research and learning.
Through this scholarship, you can gain hands-on research experience, expand your scientific skills, and make a real impact on the Great Lakes ecosystem, all while enjoying the natural beauty of Beaver Island.