Hampton University, Old Dominion University, and The College of William and Mary, Virginia Institute of Marine Science invite applications for the minority doctoral scholars program in ocean sciences. We seek motivated, talented minority students who are interested in pursuing a Ph.D.-level career in the ocean science community. Hall-Bonner Scholars will receive fully funded fellowships, includig funding for tuition, research and travel to scientific meetings. Within the ocean sciences, fields of specialization may include biological, chemical, physical or geological oceanography, biogeochemistry, ecology, immunology and disease processes of marine organisms, fisheries, or marine policy-related studies. Program Scholars will matriculate in either Old Dominion's Department of Ocean, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences (OEAS) or William and Mary's School of Marine Science (SMS) and will be expected to fulfill the Ph.D. program requirements of the home institution. We invite you to visit the home pages (OEAS and SMS) to learn more about the graduate programs, prospective advisors, and research strengths of ODU and SMS/VIMS. Hampton University is the center for coordination and administration for the program. Hampton is known for its undergraduate program in Marine Science and innovative programs to promote the participation of minorities in the aquatic sciences (ASLOMP, MAST).

As a part of the Hall-Bonner Program, scholars will participate in enrichment and career-building activities, including special seminars, research cruises, teaching, community outreach, academic employment preparation and attendance at scientific society meetings. A major goal of the Hall-Bonner Program is to create a community of minority scholars in the ocean science community. We presently have 11 students enrolled in the program. We anticipate enrolling several new students in the fall of 2008. Applicants will be selected on the basis of demonstrated academic achievements (GPA and GREs), letters of recommendation, as well as evidence of motivation, creativity, experience, leadership potential and commitment to a career in the ocean or marine sciences. All successful applicants must have completed a BS or BA degree, or the equivalent, by the time of matriculation in the program. Students having already completed MS degrees will have their previous graduate work evaluated for fulfillment of some of the required course sequence.

Application Deadline: Completed applications for the 2008-2009 academic year must be received by Jan. 8, 2008. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Dr. Cuker prior to submission.

Click the following for an Application:

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Directors and points of contact:
	Hall-Bonner Program Director:	Dr. Benjamin Cuker, Hampton University
	Hall-Bonner Assistant Director:	Dr. Deidre Gibson, Hampton University
	ODU Hall-Bonner Co-ordinator:	Dr. Gregory Cutter, Old Dominion University
	W&M/VIMS Hall-Bonner Co-ordinator:	Dr. Linda Schaffner, William and Mary

This program is named in honor of the late Professor Anita Hall and Dr. Robert Bonner.

Professor Hall was an ichthyologist and began the teaching of marine science courses at Hampton Institute (now University) in the 1950's.  Her efforts eventually led to the creation of the Department of Marine and Environmental Science in 1981.  Dr. Bonner is a marine botanist.  Prior to his retirement in the mid-1990's, Dr. Bonner had served as Dean of the School of Science for about two decades.  Dr. Bonner oversaw the creation of the Marine Science program at Hampton University.  He also supervised the first marine based research thesis projects completed by Hampton University master's degree students.  Professor Hall and Dr. Bonner created a legacy of excellence and achievement that we know will inspire the students in the program.