UH Manoa zoology student receives national conservation scholarship

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
Contact:
Arlene Abiang, (808) 956-5637
External Affairs & University Relations
LaShonda K. Louallen, (407) 828-2527
Walt Disney World
Posted: Aug 29, 2005


LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Dawn Reding, a zoology graduate student at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, has been selected as one of 12 people nationally to receive a National Wildlife Refuge System Centennial Scholarship for Conservation from Walt Disney World Co., the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Reding received a $5,000 scholarship award.

The three organizations distributed $100,000 in awards this year to recognize the conservation efforts of students pursuing environmental careers. The scholarships were based on merit, academic achievement, leadership potential and efforts to improve conservation related to national wildlife refugees.

Recipients will use the funds for studies that contribute to conservation efforts nationally. Reding studies the population biology and genetics of Hawaiian Akepa, an endangered forest bird. Her research is being conducted in Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge.

"I think that this scholarship has not only provided the opportunity to integrate genetics with field work, but has strengthened my project and broadened the scope of my own education," said Reding.

"It gives us great pleasure to support students like Dawn and to underscore our conservation commitment by helping develop the next generation of environmental leaders to bring diverse thinking and passion to address wildlife issues and land management," said Kym Murphy, Walt Disney Company Sr. Vice President of Corporate Environmental Policy.

The awards were administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, a nonprofit organization established by Congress in 1984 and dedicated to the conservation of fish, wildlife and plants, and the habitat on which they depend.

The scholarships were funded in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the principal federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.

Recipients of scholarships for the upcoming 2005-2006 academic year will be announced in October. For more information, visit www.nfwf.org.

For more information, visit: http://www.nfwf.org