Dr. Russell S. Nelson served as the Chief of Science at The Billfish Foundation. Prior to this role, he spent 13 years as Director of Florida’s Marine Fisheries Commission. He was a unique fisheries scientist as he understood how to synthesize science into policy and could clearly explain the science to non-science thinkers. Nelson foresaw with proposed management alternatives what actions and responses would follow from changes in the resources and from fishery participants. Nelson represented TBF in many national and international arenas. This $5,000 scholarship provides an additional method for TBF to advance billfish science into the future while honoring one, who invested his life to improving fish science and policy.
The scholarship award is based on a multi-faceted process. Areas that are reviewed include, but are not limited to the following: Academic Accomplishments, Community Service, References, Essay and Financial Need.
✓ Ichthyology
✓ Quantitative Fish Dynamics
✓ Fisheries Biology
✓ Population Structure & Behavioral Dynamics​​
✓ Genetics
✓ Biomathematics
✓ Zoology And Physiology
✓ Theoretical Models & Statistical Tools For Populations & Communities
Or other fields of study that require critical thinking, quantitative analyses and the ability to analyze issues​
TBF pays scholarship funds directly to the recipient. Scholarships are awarded annually. The scholarship is awarded without regard to race, color, ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation.
Applicants must submit a document, not to exceed 1,500 words, that includes educational background before the PhD level, as well as a detailed description of PhD graduate program of study. This should include the applicability to resolving current threats to billfish, to improve knowledge base of life history characteristics, or to improving stock assessment science for billfish and associated species.
In addition, please submit a letter(s) of support from associated professors or staff explaining their assessment of your research project and its applicability to current issues or filling knowledge gaps needed to improve management and conservation of the species.
If you are a current PhD. candidate and interested in receiving the Russell S. Nelson, PhD Graduate Science Scholarship, please fill out the form below.Â
✓ A completed letter of reference from an employer or another professor
✓ Proof of acceptance at an academic school for post-secondary studies.
✓ Official proof of academic standing – transcript
✓ Completed application form
TBF fights for the rights of the recreational fishing industry, always aiming to be the voice for anglers, billfish conservation, and our community.
TBF utilizes education outreach to foster strong billfish conservation ethics and help all generations of anglers understand the importance of the recreational sportfishing industry.
TBF utilizes scientific and socio-economic data from anglers to help develop conservation measures that benefit billfish stocks and the recreational fishing industry.
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