Levings Graduate Fellowship in Science and Technology
The Levings Graduate Fellowship provides support for graduate students conducting research in fundamental science, technology, and/or other related interdisciplinary research topics while enrolled in a thesis/dissertation-based MS or PhD degree program at UNM.
The fellowship can be used for tuition and all associated expenses to support the Fellow’s research activities, including but not limited to: travel expenses to meetings in which research is presented; essential laboratory equipment specific to the Fellow’s research; or expendable lab supplies.
Julianne Levings [MBA Finance, UNM Anderson School of Management, 1988; MS Geology (Hydrogeology), Stanford University, 1979; BS Geology, University of Redlands, 1975] is retired from a 34-year career spanning government to private enterprise, managing and directing programs and projects in diverse fields such as hydrology, weapons technology development, environmental restoration and NEPA compliance. In the last half of her career, she was often called upon to lead diverse, sometimes adversarial professionals and managers to address and resolve complex issues using innovative approaches to achieve collaborative problem solving. Along the way, she authored many peer-reviewed, published technical reports as well as contributing to some key policy, strategic and programmatic-level documents for the Department of Energy (DOE) National Nuclear Security Administration. These experiences led to her being a spokesperson for DOE strategic science and technology goals at some large conferences and for policy and programmatic direction at some public, tribal, and regulatory meetings.
Julianne Levings is a strong believer in the benefits and opportunities derived from breaking into and pursuing an advanced education in the sciences and technology for underrepresented groups including women and Native Americans. Over the years, she found that an important adjunct to succeed was to learn to articulate technical, management and business concepts, both orally and in writing, to a broad range of researchers, professionals, executives and potential customers. Though initially daunting as a female in the 1970s, she forged a rewarding career path and wants to help a graduate student awardee achieve their highest educational goals.
Eligibility
Qualified students in good academic standing who are conducting research in fundamental science, technology, and/or other related interdisciplinary research topics while enrolled in a thesis/dissertation-based MS or PhD degree program are eligible for nomination.
Qualifying Departments include
- Biology
- Chemistry and Chemical Biology
- Earth and Planetary Sciences
- Geography and Environmental Studies
- Mathematics and Statistics
- Physics and Astronomy
This fellowship is available to all graduate students who meet the criteria. However, preferences shall be given to students who demonstrate commitment to broadening participation in science and technology through active engagement in UNM- or community-based programs, and preference may be given to students from groups underrepresented in science fields, including but not limited to women and Native American students who have ties to New Mexico.
Nomination and Selection Process
Department chairs or designated graduate directors will submit nominations in InfoReady. Nominations must be submitted by Friday, April 11, 2025 at 5:00 pm (Mountain Time). Departments are encouraged to submit only one nominee. Nomination packets should include:
- Nomination letter from the department/program
- CV
- Transcripts
- Nominee’s personal statement, cover letter, or letter of intent (as submitted with admissions materials if the student is new)
- Proposed research study and timeline (limit 1 page)
All nominee materials must demonstrate scholastic ability as evidenced by the student’s proposed research study and/or potential.
Recipients will be selected by the Dean of Graduate Studies or designated appointees, and funding for the award will begin at the start of the fall academic year.
Recipients of this fellowship will be provided an opportunity to meet the donors and must write a thank you letter to the donors annually, summarizing the recipient’s academic progress, research accomplishments, and goals for the following year. Supporting documents such as conference proceedings, journal articles, or figures can be attached.
The fellowship of $4,000 will be awarded annually and paid on a yearly basis (in two installments across the academic year) and may be to the same student in successive years, for up to three years, provided the recipient is making satisfactory academic progress toward the degree. Recipients will be asked to provide a yearly progress report.
