Research support and scholarships

Maine Space Grant Consortium

An award from the Maine Space Grant Consortium provides the college with funds annually to support students conducting research projects under the supervision of COA faculty or with non-profit partners. These fellowships support work being conducted during the academic year or over the summer for continuing students. Amounts of awards range from $300-$3000 depending on need and project. Applications are due week six of every term, but also accepted on a rolling basis. Only US citizens are eligible for these funds.

Maine IDeA Network of Biomedical Research

The Maine IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE), led by the MDI Biological Laboratory, is a collaborative network designed to strengthen Maine’s capacity to conduct competitive biomedical research. As a Maine INBRE member, COA has annual funds to support students participating in biomedical research at the college with a faculty member, or at our partner institutions including MDI Biological Laboratory and the Jackson Laboratory. Applications for academic year research are due week six of every term, but also accepted on a rolling basis.

INBRE summer fellowship

COA students are eligible to apply for a 10-week summer program conducting biomedical research through the INBRE Fellowship Program. Awards include room and board, weekly fellowship compensation, and research supply funds for mentors. Applications open in November and are due in January the following year. For more information, or to see the mentors, visit the MDI Biological Laboratory online.

JAX Summer Student Program

The Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program is designed for intellectually curious undergraduates eager to explore how genetics and genomics shape biological systems—and who want to grow as independent researchers in a collaborative environment. This 10-week, on-site opportunity builds essential skills in genetic testing, data visualization, science communication, and peer review, with experienced faculty mentors and ongoing research programs. Applications open early November and are due January the following year.

If you are interested in working at JAX, but would like to be funded through INBRE, you must also apply for the INBRE summer fellowship. Visit jax.org to learn more.

Sal Rooney Memorial Scholarship

The Sal Rooney Memorial Scholarship is awarded by the Downeast Chapter of the Maine Audubon Society. It is given annually in memory of Sal Rooney, a member and trustee of the Maine Audubon Downeast Chapter for many years. Rooney, a natural historian, botanist, and birder, was the first woman to graduate from University of Maine with a BS in wildlife. She was a true pioneer, dedicated to the wildlife and landscapes of Maine and lowering barriers for women scientists.

These scholarships support projects involving avian conservation, ecology, and physiology. Two scholarships are awarded at $2000 each. Application requirements and format are the same as internal funding opportunities, with the proposal length equivalent to the large awards. Proposals are due by week one of winter term, annually. Proposals are reviewed by faculty and ranked based on merit, but the Audubon Society determines the final awards decisions.

Sigma-Xi Grant in Aid of Research

These external grants support research projects for undergraduates. They require a proposal and faculty advisor. Awards are between $500-$2000, depending on if advisors are active society members. Applications deadlines are March 15 and October 1. See their website for more information.

Bioscience Association of Maine Seed Grant

Bioscience Association of Maine (BioME) advances economic growth and opportunities within the life sciences community in Maine by supporting life sciences advocacy, education, economic development, workforce development, and attracting out-of-state business.

The BioME Seed Grant provides up to $6000 in funding to undergraduates who are conducting original research projects in the field of the life sciences. Applications are reviewed on a bi-yearly basis. Please see their website for eligibility and more information.