The Department of Chemistry honors its outstanding undergraduates with annual scholarships and awards. Chemistry majors are encouraged to apply for the following scholarships.  THE DEADLINE FOR SPRING 2022 AWARDS IS FRIDAY, APRIL 15. 

Donald J. Burton and Margaret A. Burton Scholarship

The Donald J. Burton and Margaret A. Burton Scholarship is an annual award given to a chemistry major who demonstrates outstanding academic achievement in the classroom and in his/her research. One scholarship of approximately $3500 is awarded annually. To be eligible for this scholarship, you must:

• be a chemistry major in your sophomore, junior, or senior year
• have a minimum GPA of 3.4
• be a United States citizen
• have a minimum registration of 12 semester hours

The 2021 recipient of the Donald J. Burton and Margaret A. Burton Scholarship is Nicholas Dahlen. 

E. David Cater Scholarship

The E. David Cater Scholarship is an award given to a chemistry major who demonstrates outstanding academic performance and research accomplishments. Preference is given to students who intend to become high school chemistry teachers. One or more scholarships are awarded annually in the range of $1200. The award can be received multiple times, contingent upon maintained eligibility and availability of funding. To be eligible for this scholarship, you must:

• be a chemistry major in your sophomore, junior, or senior year
• have a minimum GPA of 2.5
• be a United States citizen
• have a minimum registration of 12 semester hours

The 2021 recipient of the E. David Cater Scholarship is Jennifer Lane-Murcia.

Russell K. Simms Scholarship

Scholarships named in honor of Russell K. Simms (B.A. Chemistry, 1935) are annual awards given to outstanding undergraduate chemistry majors. Preference is given to students who have been involved in undergraduate research for a minimum of two semesters. One or more scholarships are awarded annually in the range of $1500. To be eligible for this scholarship, you must:

• be a chemistry major in your sophomore, junior, or senior year
• have a minimum GPA of 3.0
• be a United States citizen
• have a minimum registration of 12 semester hours

The 2021 recipients of the Russell K. Simms Scholarship are Emerson Tran Lam & Tyler Sullivan.

To Apply

To apply for any of these scholarships, please submit the following materials directly to chem-awards@uiowa.edu by FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2022:

• A concise description of your academic and research accomplishments, a list of current scholarships, and a description of your career goals (2 pages maximum)
• A letter of recommendation from your research advisor and/or a Chemistry professor
• Academic transcripts from all undergraduate institutions

The final decision for award of the scholarships will be made by the Undergraduate Awards Committee and the Chair of the Department of Chemistry.

Award winners will be honored at the Chemistry Appreciation Night May 12, 2022.

Questions about scholarships and the application process should be directed to chem-awards@uiowa.edu.

Chemistry Awards

The following are competitive awards based on academic achievement and are given annually during the Chemistry Appreciation Night. To qualify, students must be nominated by a faculty member.

• American Institute of Chemists Award (2021 recipient: Emily Carroll)
• American Chemical Society Division of Physical Chemistry Award (2021 recipient: Laura Weiler)
• American Chemical Society Division of Organic Chemistry Award (2021 recipient: Darrell Smith)
• American Chemical Society Division of Inorganic Chemistry Award (2021 recipient: Haley Lightfoot)
• American Chemical Society Division of Analytical Chemistry Award (2021 recipient: Ryan Van Daele)
• CRC Freshman Chemistry Award (2021 recipient: Dillon Geng)
• Chemistry Alumni Award for Sophomores (2021 recipient: Madelyn Daly)
• Chemistry Alumni Award for Juniors (2021 recipient: Darrell Smith)
• Chemistry Alumni Award for Seniors (2021 recipient: Emily Carroll)
• Kenneth Sando Undergraduate Scholarship (2021 recipient: Ryan Van Daele)
• Merck Index Award (2021 recipient: Ana Rodriguez)
• Viksnins, Harris & Padys Poster Awards (no 2021 recipients)