Joan Mosenthal DeWind Award Grant

The Joan Mosenthal DeWind Award supports students engaged in Lepidoptera conservation research. Established in memory of a key Xerces Society member, this award encourages both graduate and undergraduate students to propose conservation projects. All proposals must be written by the student researcher and demonstrate a clear connection to Lepidoptera conservation, with completion required within one year of funding. The award highlights the importance of youth involvement in conservation efforts.

Joan Mosenthal DeWind was a pioneering member of the Xerces Society. A psychiatric social worker by profession, she was also an avid butterfly gardener and an accomplished amateur lepidopterist. Her contributions of time, organizational expertise, and financial support were essential to the early growth and success of the Xerces Society, and helped found a robust organization that continued to expand in the decades since and become a conservation leader. Joan also had a keen interest in young people, supporting what became the Young Entomologists’ Society. In Joan’s memory, Bill DeWind established this student research endowment fund. The Xerces Society administers two awards each year for research into Lepidoptera conservation.
DeWind Awards are given to students who are engaged in studies and research leading to a university degree related to Lepidoptera conservation and who intend to continue to work in this field. All proposals must be written by the student researcher. Proposed research should have a clear connection to Lepidoptera conservation and must be completed within one year from receiving funds.

Eligibility

Applicants may be graduate (masters or PhD) or undergraduate students; however, please note that all but one awardee, to date, have been pursuing graduate research. Applications from countries outside the United States will be considered but must be written in English, and international applicant work cannot involve work in the United States.