Science Foundation Arizona Announces Second Annual Bisgrove Scholar Program

PHOENIX, Nov. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Science Foundation Arizona (SFAz), a nonprofit public-private partnership that serves as a catalyst for revitalizing Arizona and strengthening its economic future, today announced its second annual Bisgrove Scholar Program. The Program is named in honor of businessman and philanthropist Jerry Bisgrove, who helped fund the launch of SFAz in 2006 and is a longtime proponent of science and its link to global competiveness.

Fostering Arizona's next generation of academic researchers in science and engineering is critical to the state's competitive sustainability and relevance in a 21st century global economy. The Bisgrove Scholar Program will help recruit candidates based on exceptional achievements in their fields and the potential to transform ideas into value for society.

"This prestigious and competitive award opportunity is imperative to our state's future," said Bisgrove.  "We need to create a mechanism that supports and accelerates advances in science and engineering."

William C. Harris, President and CEO of SFAz stated: "This program aspires to become internationally recognized and will, over time, rank with the Rhodes Scholars award. We have the ability to empower outstanding young academic researchers with progressive independence and look forward to what it brings."

Dr. Ophelia Wang, the awardee of SFAz's first annual Bisgrove Scholar Program was selected in May of 2011. Wang conducted her Ph.D. research on forest diversity and conservation in the Amazon based on tree inventory and remote sensing data. As a researcher at NAU, Wang participates in projects involving non-native plant invasions, fire risk and wildlife habitat in the Sonoran Desert. Wang's work is important to the natural resources within Arizona and throughout the Southwest.

The Bisgrove Scholar Program will select up to five scholars statewide during each of three annual competitions (2012, 2013 and 2014). Eligible candidates will be first time post-doctoral students (Bisgrove Post-Doctoral Scholars) or first time tenure-track faculty (Early Career Bisgrove Scholars). Nominations must be received through the candidate's university. The selected scholar(s) will receive $200,000 over two years as a contribution to salary, benefits, and/or research, depending on career level.  The university(s) that nominates the chosen candidate(s) will have a substantial role in mentorship and career development.

The complete Request For Proposals can be found at http://www.sfaz.org/live/collection/grant-opportunities/111916

About Science Foundation Arizona

Science Foundation Arizona (SFAz) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization initiated in 2006 by the Greater Phoenix Leadership Inc., Southern Arizona Leadership Council and the Flagstaff Forty in conjunction with the executive and legislative branches of state government. SFAz serves as a catalyst for high-wage, knowledge-based jobs and economic diversity through administration and strict oversight of research, development and education grants to public education and other non-profit research performing institutions. For more information, visit www.sfaz.org.

SOURCE Science Foundation Arizona