The School of Earth Sciences is committed to ensuring that students have opportunities to conduct research, disseminate their findings, and develop professional skills. Through the generosity of our alumni and donors, the School provides financial support for student research activities, conference presentations, and student-authored publications through a variety of endowed gift funds.

Conference Presentation Support

The School provides funding for undergraduate Earth Science majors and graduate students who are presenting their research at professional conferences as the lead author.

Students presenting their research do not need to submit a funding application. Instead, they should notify the School's Fiscal Officer, who will provide the information needed to complete the required university travel authorization and budgeting procedures. Support is intended for travel associated with conference participation and presentation activities. Additional personal travel, field excursions, workshops, or other activities before or after the conference may require alternative funding sources.

The School intends to continue supporting student conference presentations as long as funds remain available. This commitment reflects our belief that presenting research is an essential part of scientific training and professional development.

Student Research Funding

Funding is also available to support research activities that advance student scholarship and professional development. Examples include:

• Research-related travel and fieldwork
• Laboratory analyses and sample processing
• Research supplies and materials
• Technical training and workshops
• Other activities that directly support student research projects

Funding is provided from endowments and gift funds established by alumni and friends of the School of Earth Sciences. These resources help students pursue independent research projects, complete thesis work, and gain hands-on experiences that strengthen their academic and career preparation.

Applying for Research Funding

Students seeking support for research activities other than conference presentations should submit an application through the School's online Student Research Funding form:

Application for Student Research Funding

Applications are accepted throughout the year on a rolling basis. Applicants should allow approximately 30 days between submission and funding decisions and should plan accordingly.

Student Publication Support

The School also provides funding for publication charges associated with peer-reviewed journal articles that are first-authored by undergraduate majors or graduate students in Earth Sciences or Geodetic Science.

Publication support may cover standard page charges and open-access publication fees. Students do not need to submit an application through the research funding program. Instead, student authors should forward the publication invoice to the School administration for approval and processing.

Before requesting support, students should first determine whether publication costs are eligible for one of Ohio State's publisher agreements or fee waivers through the University Libraries.

Publication support is subject to the following guidelines:

• The journal must be indexed by ISI and/or Scopus.
• Funding is limited to standard publication and open-access charges.
• Costs such as reprints, proofreading services, and figure preparation services are not eligible.
• Prior authorization is required for publication charges exceeding $4,000.
• Recent graduates remain eligible provided their primary affiliation on the publication is the School of Earth Sciences at The Ohio State University.
• Support is subject to availability of funds.

Acknowledging Donor Support

These opportunities are made possible by the generosity of School of Earth Sciences alumni and friends whose endowment gifts support student success. Their contributions enable students to conduct research, attend conferences, publish their work, and gain experiences that prepare them for careers in academia, industry, government, and nonprofit organizations.

Students receiving support must acknowledge the appropriate funding source in presentations, posters, publications, theses, and other scholarly products whenever possible.