The International Wolf Center is seeking applicants for the 2027 Dr. L. David Mech fellowship. As an investment in the future of wolf research and science-based wolf education, the Center awards up to two fellowships each year to undergraduate students or recent graduates interested in pursuing careers in natural sciences with an interest in wildlife. Fellowship recipients receive a $6,000 stipend and up to $4,000 in support for field research expenses.

Fellowship Goals

• Reduce barriers to allow undergraduate students and recent graduates to directly engage in research and field work.
• Encourage students from diverse backgrounds to explore natural sciences/wildlife biology as a profession.
• Provide bridge support for early-career researchers prior to graduate school.

Fellowship Award Details

• Application opens: November 1, 2026
• Application deadline:  February 1, 2027
• Fellowships Awarded: March 31, 2027
• Term: April 1, 2027 through April 1, 2028
• Stipend: $6,000
• Research Allowance: up to $4,000 per year

Stipends are meant to support study and research during the tenure of the fellowship. Fellowship recipients are not employees, contracted workers, volunteers or interns of the International Wolf Center and are not covered by IWC’s benefits or insurance. All funds provided, including stipends and research allowances, are subject to tax. Fellows awarded stipends receive a financial summary at the end of each calendar year and are responsible for meeting their own state and federal tax obligations.

Research allowances are for equipment, supplies, research-related travel costs, housing, and other support required to participate in the project. A budget and general justification for these expenses must be included with your application.

A selection team of International Wolf Center staff and board review application materials and select recipients.

Eligibility

• Applicant must be a U.S. citizen
• Applicants must be either an upper-level student currently enrolled in an undergraduate institution or recently graduated within two years with an undergraduate degree.
• Current graduate students, those accepted to graduate school and those already with graduate-level degrees in wildlife biology or a related field are not eligible.

Application Materials

• Purpose Statement: 500-800-word essay focusing on (a) why you are a good candidate through discussion of need for wildlife research experience, financial support and barriers you have faced, (b) your previous career-building experiences and future goals, (c) how you will accomplish the goals of the fellowship program, and (d) your project preference and ability to carry out the project work. Special consideration will be given to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color candidates.
• Resume/CV
• Budget Proposal: Include financial needs for support during the project. For reference, please see the Sample Budget Proposal. Estimated dollar amounts preferred but not required. You may enlist the help of the research lead to determine needs. If specific expenses are unknown at the time of application, please indicate this in lieu of a budget.
• Project Selection: Selection of your preferred project from the provided list.
• Reference Letter: An academic or professional reference letter referencing the applicants preferred project and ability to successfully complete the project, emailed by the reference to mechfellowship@wolf.org before February 1, 2027.