The Graduate Student Scholarship was awarded to Natalie Sherwood.  Natalie has a Bachelors degree in Zoology from Rutgers University, and a Masters degree in Ecology and Evolution from Montclair State University.  Natalie is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Environmental Management at Montclair State University. Natalie's dissertation aims to 

identify the  effects of mercury contamination in aquatic food webs, with a specific focus on bioaccumulation and biomagnification in snapping turtles.  One of the objectives of Natalie’s research is to be able to provide the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection with recommendations on turtle consumption advisories, harvesting practices, and regulations to conserve a healthy and sustainable turtle population for future generations.

The Undergraduate Student Scholarship was awarded to Danielle Nichols.  Danielle is a senior at William Paterson University, majoring in Environmental Science.  Danielle has previously worked as an intern for the Office of Water at the USEPA in Washington, DC.  Danielle is currently an intern at the Wind Cave National Park in Hot Springs, South Dakota, where she will be developing cave tours, trail guides, and other interpretive materials for the park’s summer visitors.  Danielle is interested in pursuing a career with the National Park Service.