Detering Gurfield Family Scholarship

Eligibility Criteria

The Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison offers the Detering Gurfield Family Scholarship to support undergraduate and graduate students whose research efforts are helping to move our world toward a decarbonized future.

This scholarship is intended to support students whose research focuses on climate change, alternative energies, clean technologies, geoengineering, public policy, economic analysis and/or related studies that will help lead our world to a sustainable energy model. Given the highly interdisciplinary processes associated with effective problem-solving, students from across the sciences and humanities are encouraged to apply.

Applicants must be a full-time, registered undergraduate or graduate student in good academic standing, with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, from any School, College, Department or Center. Students who are 1 or more years from graduation will be given consideration for this award.

Research projects should be ongoing or completed, rather than proposed work.

Donor Information

This scholarship was established by Ian Gurfield and Susan Detering, local Madison, WI business owners (Ian’s Pizza, Batch Bakehouse), world travelers, and lovers of nature. Susan grew up on a farm in Pennsylvania, graduated from Mt. Holyoke College, and spent nine years as a Grand Canyon River guide. Ian was raised in Brazil and Massachusetts, studied Philosophy and Economics at UMass Amherst, and has pursued entrepreneurial endeavors for the past 20 years. Together they have two rambunctious kids who love animals and outdoor adventures.

Award Information

One $2,500 scholarship is available to be awarded during the Spring 2024 scholarship competition.

Applicants will be notified of their selection in April 2024 and will be honored at the Nelson Institute’s Scholarship Recognition Luncheon on Friday, April 19, 2024.

Supplemental Questions

• Describe your vision of a decarbonized future.
• How are you incorporating courses or projects into the curriculum of your degree or research that will help you achieve your vision?
• How would the financial support from this scholarship impact you?
• (Detering Gurfield Family Scholarship) Please provide the name and email address of a UW faculty or staff member who is able to vouch for your personal character and commitment to environmental issues (typically your advisor). References may NOT be solicited from or provided by Jim Miller, Nelson Institute Graduate Program Coordinator, Becky Ryan, Nelson Institute Undergraduate Program Coordinator, or Rob Beattie, Community Environmental Scholars Program. Your reference will be contacted to provide a statement of support.