Dean E. Metter Award
Applicants must be currently enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student in an accredited college or university and be conducting field-based research in herpetology. This research may occur anywhere in the world, but priority will be given to research conducted in the state of Missouri. All applicants must be members of the SSAR. Past recipients of an SSAR GIH award in any category are not eligible for this award.
Dean E. (Doc) Metter (1932-2001) was a long-time member of the biology faculty at the University of Missouri-Columbia, where he taught zoology, comparative anatomy, evolution, and herpetology. A believer in putting knowledge to the test in the field, Doc provided frequent opportunities for students to engage in fieldwork. In addition, he frequently assisted his graduate students as they ventured out to collect data. Doc was a co-founder of the Bobby Witcher Society, the legacy of which is a scholarship fund. For many years, the interest earned served to reward outstanding herpetology students who intended to continue their education and seek a career in vertebrate biology. That fund now serves a similar purpose by honoring Doc's memory while helping to fund the SSAR-administered Dean E. Metter Memorial Award.
Each proposal must include the following:
(A) TITLE PAGE
(B) BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES of the proposed project.
(C) METHODS for carrying out the project.
(D) COMPLETE PROJECT BUDGET
(E) BRIEF RESUMÉ of the applicant.
(F) LETTER OF SUPPORT from the research advisor, which also will serve to confirm enrollment at an accredited institution.
Funds may not be used for personnel expenses, travel to meetings, equipment or supplies for laboratory-based research, or overhead or indirect costs.
In keeping with the Society's goal of encouraging participation by the broadest possible community, preference may be given to individuals who might not have access to other funding sources.
Successful applicants are encouraged to submit the results of their research for publication in the Journal of Herpetology or Herpetological Review, or to present their findings at the annual meeting of the SSAR.