J. Larry Landers Student Research Award Grant

The J. Larry Landers Student Research Award, offered by the Gopher Tortoise Council, provides funding for undergraduate and graduate students conducting research on gopher tortoise biology or upland habitat conservation. With an average award of $1,000, applicants must submit a four-page proposal, including project details and a budget. This grant aims to support original student-led research within the southeastern U.S., where the gopher tortoise is native, thus promoting vital ecological studies.

Gopher Tortoise Council
The Gopher Tortoise Council was formed in 1978 by a group of southeastern biologists and other citizens concerned with the decline of the gopher tortoise. The goals of the Council are: (1) to offer professional advice for management, conservation, and protection of gopher tortoises; (2) to encourage the study of the life history, ecology, behavior, physiology, and management of gopher tortoises and other upland species; (3) to conduct active public information and conservation education programs; (4) to seek effective protection of the gopher tortoise and other upland species throughout the southeastern United States.
The J. Larry Landers Student Research Award is a Gopher Tortoise Council competitive grant program for undergraduate and graduate college students. Proposals can address research concerning gopher tortoise biology or any other relevant aspect of upland habitat conservation and management. The proposal should be limited to four pages in length and should include a description of the project, a concise budget, and a brief resume of the student. The amount of the award is variable, but has averaged $1,000.00 over the last few years. This is an excellent opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students to access funding for their projects. A project summary for “The Tortoise Burrow” newsletter or either a presentation or poster at the following year’s GTC annual meeting will be required.

Eligibility

Proposals must address research concerning gopher tortoise biology or any other relevant aspect of upland habitat conservation and management within the gopher tortoise range (southeastern United States). Students must be attending an accredited college or university anywhere in the world.Applicant must be a current undergraduate or graduate student These grants are intended to support original, student-led research on Gopher Tortoise biology/ecology or any other relevant aspect of upland habitat conservation and management within the range of the Gopher Tortoise in the southeastern U.S. Thus, while there is no geographic restriction on where a student is enrolled in their degree program, grants will only be awarded for research projects conducted within the 6-state range of the species (FL, GA, SC, AL, MS, LA).