Dean Metter Memorial Award Grant

Dean Metter Memorial Award Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles (SSAR)
Amount: US $300 - US $1,000
Last Updated: November 25, 2025

Summary

The Dean Metter Memorial Award, established by the Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles (SSAR), honors Dean E. Metter's legacy by supporting undergraduate and graduate students conducting field research in herpetology. Grants range from $300 to $1,000, with an emphasis on projects that demonstrate scientific merit and relevance to natural history. Applications are due by December 15 each year, and successful candidates are encouraged to publish their findings.

Overview

Our Mission Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles (SSAR), a not-for-profit organization established to advance research, conservation, and education concerning amphibians and reptiles, was founded in 1958. It is the largest international herpetological society, and is recognized worldwide for having the most diverse program of publications, meetings, and other activities. Dean Metter Memorial Award Purpose The purpose of the Award is: to honor the memory of Dean E. Metter;to encourage students to pursue field research in herpetology;and to facilitate field research in herpetology by providing funds for relevant expenses. Background Dean E. (Doc) Metter (1932-2001) was a long-time member of the biology faculty at the University of Missouri-Columbia, where he taught zoology, comparative anatomy, evolution, and herpetology. A believer in putting knowledge to the test in the field, Doc provided frequent opportunities for students to engage in fieldwork. In addition, he frequently assisted his graduate students as they ventured out to collect data. Doc was a co-founder of the Bobby Witcher Society, the legacy of which is a scholarship fund. For many years, the interest earned served to reward outstanding herpetology students who intended to continue their education and seek a career in vertebrate biology. That fund now serves a similar purpose by honoring Doc’s memory while helping to fund the SSAR-administered Dean E. Metter Memorial Award. Criteria for Awards The following criteria will be used to make awards: Scientific merit of the proposed project.Nature of the proposed projectRelevance of the field component to the overall execution of the proposed project. Funding Grants made from the award will be no less than $300 and no more than $1,000. Efforts will be made to fund as many eligible proposals as possible. Due Date & Timeline This award is granted annually. All proposals must be submitted no later than 15 December to be considered; SSAR dues must be paid. Failure to meet these guidelines may result in elimination of a proposal from consideration. Students can also apply for the Roger Conant Grants in Herpetology, but will be awarded only one award. Awards will be announced around March. Successful applicants are encouraged to submit the results of their research for publication in the Journal of Herpetology or Herpetological Review, or to present their findings at the annual meeting of the SSAR.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Applicants must be currently enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student in an accredited college or university and be conducting field-based research in herpetology. This research may occur anywhere in the world, but priority will be given to research conducted in the state of Missouri.Eligible Expenses:Expenses eligible for funding include:travel expenses (e.g., mileage, airfare) associated with the field research project; andequipment for field-based research (e.g., materials for drift fences, traps, etc.).

Ineligibility

Funds may not be used for salaries or any other personnel expenses, travel to meetings, equipment or supplies for laboratory-based research (even if applicable to the project), or overhead or indirect costs.