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Pepperdine | Seaver College
Students attending a climate change presentation

Chris and Amy Doran Climate Fellowship

The Chris & Amy Doran Climate Fellowship is awarded each year to one rising junior or senior at Seaver College who has demonstrated a deep and abiding commitment to educating the Seaver community about the effects of anthropogenic climate change on communities and/or ecosystems, either domestically or internationally.

Fellows will pursue an academically rigorous project that is explainable to a non-scholarly audience. The project must either significantly elucidate the effects of climate change to the Seaver community or directly mitigate Pepperdine University’s contribution to climate change.

Application Deadline:
March 22, 2027

Award Decisions Announced:
April 9, 2027

Fellowship Benefits & Requirements

  • Student Fellow receives a $7,500 scholarship ($3,750 per semester). Note: The spring semester disbursement is dependent upon satisfactory project progress during the fall semester.
  • Faculty Mentors receive a $2,000 stipend ($1,000 per semester) for their support and mentorship.
  • Fellows enroll in a 1-unit directed study or research course in the fall and spring. This course is designed and supervised by their mentor.
  • Community Presentation: Fellows will give a formal presentation of their project at the Climate Calling Research event.

Eligibility & Preference Criteria

The fellowship is open to rising juniors and seniors who have completed greater than 60 units. Preference will be given to applicants who meet the following criteria:

  • A 3.0 GPA or higher is preferred. Students with a lower GPA may still apply but should briefly address their academic performance in their cover letter.
  • Viable projects with a high likelihood of successful completion within one-year.
  • Projects that address a clear educational need in the Seaver community, with special consideration given to projects highlighting the disproportionate burden of climate change on vulnerable, or marginalized communities and ecosystems.
  • A personal history indicating a sincere, proven commitment to climate change education.

Application Requirements

To apply, students must submit their application through the Online Application Form and include the following materials:

  1. Project Proposal (2 pages): The proposal must explicitly address the following topics, which should be used as headings within the document: Need, Scope of the Project, Potential Impact for the Community, Timeline, Budget, Plans for Sustainable Continuation, Demonstrated Commitment to educating the Seaver community about anthropogenic climate change and explaining how that commitment has been formative for your personal development.
  2. Faculty Support: Please provide this google form to your faculty member and ask them to complete it before the deadline. 

The review committee consists of the Senior Associate Dean, the Associate Dean for Special Academic Programs, two Seaver College faculty members, and one staff member. Final decisions are reviewed and affirmed by the Dean of Seaver College. 

Application Deadline: March 22, 2027

Award Decisions Announced: April 9, 2027


Questions? Please email the Dr. Dana Dudley at dana.dudley@pepperdine.edu

 

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