Scholarships and Awards

Master of Public Health research students using nets in the woods to assess the area for ticks.

Students like Rebecca Hammett, MPH, pictured above, use scholarship and award dollars to help fund their education, research and training.

View the many scholarship, fellowship and award opportunities available to students seeking further financial assistance.

On This Page

Biostatistics

Awards for Master's Students

Maureen R. L. Mussenden Scholarship

This award supports first-generation graduate students attending one of the five health sciences schools.

The Maureen R. L. Mussenden Scholarship fund provides one-third in state tuition for up to four years (based on the tuition the year the scholarship is awarded) and is available to students pursuing a graduate degree in any of the following schools:

  • School of Dental Medicine
  • Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
  • School of Nursing
  • School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
  • School of Public Health and Health Professions

The Office of the Vice President for Health Sciences presents the award.

Overview

Award

One-third in state tuition for up to four years (based on the tuition the year the scholarship is awarded).

Eligibility

Applicants must be currently enrolled in or accepted to a graduate program in one of the five UB Health Sciences schools.

  • Applicants must be first-generation students (students whose parents did not receive a college degree).
  • Priority will be given to women. The Foundation and the University may modify or disregard any selection criteria that are determined in whole or in part to be contrary to law or to then existing University policy.
  • Residents and fellows are not eligible.

About Maureen

With a focus in health law and corporate law and specialized expertise in hospital/university affiliation agreements, Maureen R. L. Mussenden served as associate counsel in UB’s Academic Health Center. A native of Tortola, British Virgin Islands, she earned a BA from Keuka College and a JD from Cornell Law School. She was a member of several legal organizations and also was actively involved with numerous community organizations. She died in 2010 at age 54, after a courageous battle with cancer.

To honor the memory of Maureen R. L. Mussenden and the professional and personal values she espoused, the Maureen R. L. Mussenden Scholarship has been established to help support the education of students pursuing a graduate degree in one of the UB Health Sciences Schools.

Sidney Addelman Memorial Fund

This award was established with an endowment from the former Department of Statistics in the name of former faculty member Sidney Addelman, PhD.

Qualifications and Details

Awarded annually in the spring semester to a master's degree student to recognize academic excellence, as reflected by comprehensive exam scores and classroom performance in core courses of the curriculum.

Awards for PhD Students

Richard N. Schmidt Award for Outstanding PhD Student

This award fund was established in honor of Richard Schmidt, professor emeritus in the Department of Biostatistics, and his vital role in ensuring the ongoing success of the department and its students.

Qualifications and Details

Awarded annually in the spring semester to a PhD student to recognize academic excellence, as reflected by qualifying exam scores and classroom performance in core courses of the curriculum.

Community Health and Health Behavior

Awards for Master's Students

Public Health IMPACT Scholarships provide tutition assitance for eligible students enrolling in Innovative MPH Programs that Advance Critical Training (IMPACT).

Award

  • $1,000 tuition scholarship per semester for full-time students, for up to 4 semesters*
  • Part-time students receive pro-rated tuition scholarships for up to 8 semesters*

Details and Qualifications

  • Tuition scholarships are available for eligible new students entering the MPH in one of these concentrations: 
  • Scholars must remain in good academic standing to continue receiving the tuition scholarship 
  • Students will be notified of their tuition scholarship at the time of admission to the qualifying MPH
  • Students who receive other MPH tuition support from the School of Public Health and Health Professions are not eligible for an IMPACT scholarship
*Tuition scholarships are contingent upon availability of funds

Questions? Please email mph-sphhp@buffalo.edu.

Paul T. Wietig Community Service Award

To provide an award and graduate student training in Inter-professional Education for the Department of Community Health & Health Behavior in the School of Public Health and Health Professions. PHD, MPH, or MS students in the Department of Community Health and Health Behavior who have completed at least 2 semesters in their program are eligible.

Open to: PhD, MPH, MS students in CHHB

Qualifications and Details

Recipients will have demonstrated adaptability, flexibility, creativity, extended time related to their community-based projects and developed skills and commitment well beyond the confines of the traditional academic setting. Awarded annually in the spring semester.

Francis V. Hanavan Memorial Fund

Awarded to a MPH student who shows great potential for future contributions in public health.

This award honors the late Francis V. Hanavan, former chair of the Department of Health Behavioral Sciences.

Qualifications and Details

Awarded annually in the spring semester.

Maureen R. L. Mussenden Scholarship

This award supports first-generation graduate students attending one of the five health sciences schools.

The Maureen R. L. Mussenden Scholarship fund provides one-third in state tuition for up to four years (based on the tuition the year the scholarship is awarded) and is available to students pursuing a graduate degree in any of the following schools:

  • School of Dental Medicine
  • Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
  • School of Nursing
  • School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
  • School of Public Health and Health Professions

The Office of the Vice President for Health Sciences presents the award.

Overview

Award

One-third in state tuition for up to four years (based on the tuition the year the scholarship is awarded).

Eligibility

Applicants must be currently enrolled in or accepted to a graduate program in one of the five UB Health Sciences schools.

  • Applicants must be first-generation students (students whose parents did not receive a college degree).
  • Priority will be given to women. The Foundation and the University may modify or disregard any selection criteria that are determined in whole or in part to be contrary to law or to then existing University policy.
  • Residents and fellows are not eligible.

About Maureen

With a focus in health law and corporate law and specialized expertise in hospital/university affiliation agreements, Maureen R. L. Mussenden served as associate counsel in UB’s Academic Health Center. A native of Tortola, British Virgin Islands, she earned a BA from Keuka College and a JD from Cornell Law School. She was a member of several legal organizations and also was actively involved with numerous community organizations. She died in 2010 at age 54, after a courageous battle with cancer.

To honor the memory of Maureen R. L. Mussenden and the professional and personal values she espoused, the Maureen R. L. Mussenden Scholarship has been established to help support the education of students pursuing a graduate degree in one of the UB Health Sciences Schools.

Awards for PhD Students

Paul T. Wietig Community Service Award

To provide an award and graduate student training in Inter-professional Education for the Department of Community Health & Health Behavior in the School of Public Health and Health Professions. PHD, MPH, or MS students in the Department of Community Health and Health Behavior who have completed at least 2 semesters in their program are eligible.

Open to: PhD, MPH, MS students in CHHB

Qualifications and Details

Recipients will have demonstrated adaptability, flexibility, creativity, extended time related to their community-based projects and developed skills and commitment well beyond the confines of the traditional academic setting. Awarded annually in the spring semester.

Outstanding Doctoral Achievement Award

Awarded to PhD students in the Department of Community Health and Health Behavior who show great potential for future research practice contributions to the field of public health.

Students are judged on academic success and the quality of their contributions in research, teaching and service. Awarded annually in the spring semester.

Epidemiology, Environmental Health, Health Systems Administration

Awards for Master's Students

Public Health IMPACT Scholarships provide tutition assitance for eligible students enrolling in Innovative MPH Programs that Advance Critical Training (IMPACT).

Award

  • $1,000 tuition scholarship per semester for full-time students, for up to 4 semesters*
  • Part-time students receive pro-rated tuition scholarships for up to 8 semesters*

Details and Qualifications

  • Tuition scholarships are available for eligible new students entering the MPH in one of these concentrations: 
  • Scholars must remain in good academic standing to continue receiving the tuition scholarship 
  • Students will be notified of their tuition scholarship at the time of admission to the qualifying MPH
  • Students who receive other MPH tuition support from the School of Public Health and Health Professions are not eligible for an IMPACT scholarship
*Tuition scholarships are contingent upon availability of funds

Questions? Please email mph-sphhp@buffalo.edu.

Kristina M. Young Scholarship

This scholarship provides financial support to outstanding students pursuing master’s degrees in epidemiology or health systems administration. It is designed to help promising scholars further their education, strengthen writing and communication skills, and prepare for leadership roles.

The Kristina M. Young Scholarship honors the life, legacy, and extraordinary contributions of Ms. Young, a retired faculty member in the School of Public Health and Health Professions whose impact on public health education and practice continues to shape our school and future generations of professionals. A generous gift from Ms. Young’s family established this scholarship for graduate Epidemiology or Health Systems Administration students who recognize and embody academic promise, dedication to public health, and the values Ms. Young modeled throughout her career. She retired from UB in 2016 and passed away after a brief illness at age 72.

Award

  • A one-time $3,000 award for 2026-2027

* Distributed as $1,500 in both the fall and spring semesters of your first MPH year

Qualification and Details

  • You must be admitted to or enrolled in a School of Public Health and Health Professions master’s program, with preference given to in-person MS in Epidemiology, MPH in Epidemiology, and MPH in Health Systems Administration students
  • Submit a personal statement (800-1,000 words) outlining your academic or career goals and how you'll demonstrate the values championed by Ms. Young
  • Submit your current or last unofficial college transcript

Maureen R. L. Mussenden Scholarship

This award supports first-generation graduate students attending one of the five health sciences schools.

The Maureen R. L. Mussenden Scholarship fund provides one-third in state tuition for up to four years (based on the tuition the year the scholarship is awarded) and is available to students pursuing a graduate degree in any of the following schools:

  • School of Dental Medicine
  • Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
  • School of Nursing
  • School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
  • School of Public Health and Health Professions

The Office of the Vice President for Health Sciences presents the award.

Overview

Award

One-third in state tuition for up to four years (based on the tuition the year the scholarship is awarded).

Eligibility

Applicants must be currently enrolled in or accepted to a graduate program in one of the five UB Health Sciences schools.

  • Applicants must be first-generation students (students whose parents did not receive a college degree).
  • Priority will be given to women. The Foundation and the University may modify or disregard any selection criteria that are determined in whole or in part to be contrary to law or to then existing University policy.
  • Residents and fellows are not eligible.

About Maureen

With a focus in health law and corporate law and specialized expertise in hospital/university affiliation agreements, Maureen R. L. Mussenden served as associate counsel in UB’s Academic Health Center. A native of Tortola, British Virgin Islands, she earned a BA from Keuka College and a JD from Cornell Law School. She was a member of several legal organizations and also was actively involved with numerous community organizations. She died in 2010 at age 54, after a courageous battle with cancer.

To honor the memory of Maureen R. L. Mussenden and the professional and personal values she espoused, the Maureen R. L. Mussenden Scholarship has been established to help support the education of students pursuing a graduate degree in one of the UB Health Sciences Schools.

Robert O'Shea Student Travel Award

Established in 2005 to honor Robert O’Shea, PhD, associate professor emeritus and first director of graduate studies in the Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health from 1977 to 1997.

Overview Application Checklist

Award

Eligible students may submit a written request to the department’s finance committee to support their travel to present research findings at professional meetings and are strongly encouraged to submit for approval prior to abstract submission. Those students who are supported by a faculty member’s research funding for travel may also be eligible for the award.

Awards for PhD Students

Saxon Graham Award

This annual award was established in 1997 to honor the excellent leadership provided by the late Saxon Graham, PhD, professor emeritus and chair of the Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health from 1981 to 1991.

Qualifications and Details

Eligible students are those who have defended their dissertation by Feb. 1 of the previous year. To be eligible, students must gather epidemiologic data fairly extensively during their career (primary data collection), either for dissertation or other epidemiologic purpose. Nominations come from the student’s major professor, committee member or other departmental faculty. Selection for the award is made by the department’s education committee, awarded annually in the spring.

Saxon Graham Research Award

The late Saxon Graham, PhD, was chair of the Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health from 1981 to 1991 and was a leader in the field of nutritional epidemiology. His work on diet and cancer was instrumental in the growing understanding of what causes cancer and its prevention.

Overview Application

Award

This award provides funds to support research activities that are being conducted as part of a doctoral dissertation. Eligible students are candidates in the PhD in epidemiology degree program who have passed the preliminary examination. Awarded funds are applied towards research activities such as participant recruitment, clinical specimen analysis, travel to meet with collaborators, etc.

Wactawski and Wende Family Endowment

This endowment fund helps support exemplary doctoral students in the School of Public Health and Health Profession's Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health.

Award

This fund will be granted to one incoming EEH doctoral student each year, with preference given to exceptional applicants who are interested in pursuing research in women’s health. This support will be in addition to typical salary and course credit provided to PhD students. The Wactawski and Wende Family Endowment fund will cover non-tuition, ancillary expenses to further the education of the recipient, such as meeting or training travel; data collection; books; society memberships; conference registrations; research; and other activities related to their UB doctoral program not covered by the department.

The Chair of the Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health will administer the fund through the department, based on a recommendation from the Admissions Committee. The recipient must remain in good academic standing throughout their graduate career. 

Exercise and Nutrition Sciences

Undergraduate

Exercise Science Undergraduate Summer Scholarship

The ES Undergraduate Summer scholarship is intended for students who are required to take PAS 407 Gross Anatomy for their concentration or are completing a summer internship (ES 451). This scholarship is available to UB students only (current ES undergraduate students or combined BS/MS AT or BS/DPT students) and is intended to help defray costs associated with PAS 407 or ES 541.

Eligibility

  • Entering Year 3 or 4 of the Exercise Science Undergraduate program the upcoming Fall semester or have only ES 451 remaining to complete the ES BS degree requirements
  • Possess an ES major GPA and a UB overall GPA of 3.0 or above

To be eligible for this award, students must meet either of the following:

  •  Currently or planning to enroll in PAS 407 Human Gross Anatomy for the upcoming Summer semester, which is a requirement for the student’s concentration (Pre-PT, Pre-Health or Pre-AT)
  •  Currently or planning to enroll in ES 451 Internship 2 for the upcoming Summer semester (must be approved by Clinical Education Director)

The award will be determined by the criteria below:

  •  Financial need – determined by information from Federal Student Aid applications
  •  Leadership potential – demonstration of leadership skills or experience
  •  Academic excellence – determined by ES major and overall UB GPA

Students must submit their application materials through the UB Scholarship portal. The announcement to apply is typically made in March and applications are due in April. Award notification occurs prior to the start of the Summer semester. Please contact sphhp-ens-undergrad@buffalo.edu for questions regarding this scholarship or application process.

Alma C. Scully Scholarship, ES Outstanding Senior Award

This monetary award is given to a senior student who exemplifies leadership, service and academic excellence. 

  • Eligibility: Undergraduate Exercise Science students with an ES GPA of 3.0 or above, enrolled in the fourth year of the BS in ES program or students in the first year of graduate work in the combined BS/MS or BS/DPT programs.
  • Application: You will submit your application materials through the UB Scholarship Portal at https://buffalo.academicworks.com/ 
  • You will need to submit your updated resume and brief essay (max of 500 words) that outlines your qualifications, including leadership, service and academic excellence.
Fall 2024 deadline: Oct. 25, 2024

J. Warren Perry Scholarship

Honoring the first dean of the School of Health Related Professions, the J. Warren Perry Scholarship is awarded to undergraduate or graduate students in the Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences or Rehabilitation Science.

Overview Application

Award

Awards typically range from $1,000 to $2,000.

Eligibility

Candidates are evaluated on the basis of academic achievement and professional potential. Eligible students are either:

  • an undergraduate exercise science student in their senior sequence
  • a graduate exercise and nutrition sciences or rehabilitation science student

Graduate

Annette Rachman Scholarship

Buffalo native Annette Rachman began her studies at the University at Buffalo and spent most of her professional career as a dietitian at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.

Rachman designated that the bulk of her estate be used to provide scholarships for graduate nutrition students with a GPA or 3.0 or higher. Candidates may apply for the scholarship twice and are selected by the faculty of the Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences.

Carlton R. Meyers Award

Before his retirement from UB in 1985, Carlton R. Meyers was an inspirational mentor to many graduate students and was a strong supporter of graduate education.

Meyers established this award to recognize outstanding graduate students in the Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences. Students are nominated for this award by faculty of the Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences. Final selection is made by the ENS Awards/Scholarship Committee.

Glenda R. Reardon Student Assistance Fund

Glenda was a Dietetic Intern preceptor for the University at Buffalo for many years. She was a registered dietitian and worked for 29 years at the Niagara County Office for the Aging.

She was well-known for her compassion and love of helping senior citizens. Glenda was also very active in the dietetics profession, serving as past president of the WNY Dietetic Association, NYS Aging Services Dietitians, NYS Association of Nutrition & Aging Programs, Meals-on-Wheels of America and many more.

Glenda and her husband, John, had a wonderful relationship with the University at Buffalo, especially the students. They helped countless students as they began their challenging and rewarding journey into the dietetic profession. She lived graciously and courageously, inspiring and teaching countless friends, loved ones and students.

J. Warren Perry Scholarship

Honoring the first dean of the School of Health Related Professions, the J. Warren Perry Scholarship is awarded to undergraduate or graduate students in the Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences or Rehabilitation Science.

Overview Application

Award

Awards typically range from $1,000 to $2,000.

Eligibility

Candidates are evaluated on the basis of academic achievement and professional potential. Eligible students are either:

  • an undergraduate exercise science student in their senior sequence
  • a graduate exercise and nutrition sciences or rehabilitation science student

Matthew J. Morris Memorial Award

Awarded to a current University at Buffalo Nutrition Science or Exercise Science graduate student completing thesis work.

To his family and friends, Matthew Morris was their glue, inspiration, often voice of reason. Self-improvement and lifelong learning framed his life. His quiet voice in the ear of his friends and family helped everyone he touched look at life with a renewed sense of purpose. Matt cared about helping others in their research. He would come in at odd hours to participate in any way that he could. Always trying to learn more was Matt's hallmark while he was in his undergraduate education and more so when he was finishing his MS thesis work, which was cut short by his unexpected passing.

Maureen R. L. Mussenden Scholarship

This award supports first-generation graduate students attending one of the five health sciences schools.

The Maureen R. L. Mussenden Scholarship fund provides one-third in state tuition for up to four years (based on the tuition the year the scholarship is awarded) and is available to students pursuing a graduate degree in any of the following schools:

  • School of Dental Medicine
  • Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
  • School of Nursing
  • School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
  • School of Public Health and Health Professions

The Office of the Vice President for Health Sciences presents the award.

Overview

Award

One-third in state tuition for up to four years (based on the tuition the year the scholarship is awarded).

Eligibility

Applicants must be currently enrolled in or accepted to a graduate program in one of the five UB Health Sciences schools.

  • Applicants must be first-generation students (students whose parents did not receive a college degree).
  • Priority will be given to women. The Foundation and the University may modify or disregard any selection criteria that are determined in whole or in part to be contrary to law or to then existing University policy.
  • Residents and fellows are not eligible.

About Maureen

With a focus in health law and corporate law and specialized expertise in hospital/university affiliation agreements, Maureen R. L. Mussenden served as associate counsel in UB’s Academic Health Center. A native of Tortola, British Virgin Islands, she earned a BA from Keuka College and a JD from Cornell Law School. She was a member of several legal organizations and also was actively involved with numerous community organizations. She died in 2010 at age 54, after a courageous battle with cancer.

To honor the memory of Maureen R. L. Mussenden and the professional and personal values she espoused, the Maureen R. L. Mussenden Scholarship has been established to help support the education of students pursuing a graduate degree in one of the UB Health Sciences Schools.

Alma C. Scully Scholarship, ES Outstanding Senior Award

This monetary award is given to a senior student who exemplifies leadership, service and academic excellence. 

  • Eligibility: Undergraduate Exercise Science students with an ES GPA of 3.0 or above, enrolled in the fourth year of the BS in ES program or students in the first year of graduate work in the combined BS/MS or BS/DPT programs.
  • Application: You will submit your application materials through the UB Scholarship Portal at https://buffalo.academicworks.com/ 
  • You will need to submit your updated resume and brief essay (max of 500 words) that outlines your qualifications, including leadership, service and academic excellence.
Fall 2024 deadline: Oct. 25, 2024

Paul DeMartinis Student Support Fund

Paul was committed to the athletic trainers he served and helped provide them ideal conditions for caring for athletes.

Overview Application

Paul DeMartinis worked for many years at Medco, a Buffalo based medical supply company. He championed the role of the athletic trainer in all sports organizations, from grade-school teams to the pros. Paul was committed to the athletic trainers he served and helped provide them ideal conditions for caring for athletes. It was natural to connect Paul’s legacy with helping future athletic trainers complete their education.

At the School of Public Health and Health Professions, a special convergence exists between Paul’s efforts and the school's plans to strengthen its Athletic Training Program. This student assistance award will ensure that Paul’s name will be forever linked with the success in this effort.

Professional

Matthew J. Morris Memorial Award

Awarded to a current University at Buffalo Nutrition Science or Exercise Science graduate student completing thesis work.

To his family and friends, Matthew Morris was their glue, inspiration, often voice of reason. Self-improvement and lifelong learning framed his life. His quiet voice in the ear of his friends and family helped everyone he touched look at life with a renewed sense of purpose. Matt cared about helping others in their research. He would come in at odd hours to participate in any way that he could. Always trying to learn more was Matt's hallmark while he was in his undergraduate education and more so when he was finishing his MS thesis work, which was cut short by his unexpected passing.

Rehabilitation Science (Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy)

Awards for Master's Students

ASCEND Triad Healthcare Recruiting Scholarship for Health Professions

This scholarship supports graduate, doctoral and professional students in medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, pharmacy or physical therapy in their final academic year.

Overview

The ASCEND Scholarship fund provides $9,500 in tuition for the final academic year and is available to graduate, doctoral, and professional students pursuing a degree in one of these areas of study:

  • Medicine
  • Nursing
  • Occupational therapy
  • Pharmacy
  • Physical therapy

Recipients should have a desire to work in the United States and contribute in a meaningful way to their community.

Recipients will be strongly encouraged to attend ASCEND career development events initiated by Triad Healthcare Recruiting.

The Office of the Vice President for Health Sciences presents the award.

Award

$9,500, awarded in equal amounts during the fall and spring semesters.

Eligibility

Applicants must be:

  • a United States citizen or permanent resident.
  • a graduate, doctoral or professional student in the following areas of study:  medicine, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing or pharmacy.
  • expected to graduate in the academic year the scholarship is awarded.

Recipients should have a desire to work in the United States and contribute in a meaningful way to their community.

Background

Dharshan S. Jayasinghe, CEL’ 12, BS ’03, is the CEO of Triad Healthcare Recruiting and his wife, Shannon Jayasinghe, serves as president. They both strongly believe in social responsibility and community service, improving the health and wellness of communities, and improving access to college education.

In this spirit, they have committed $1 million to develop the ASCEND Triad Healthcare Recruiting Scholarship, which provides academic support to passionate and committed students at over 50 colleges and universities across the United States.

J. Warren Perry Scholarship

Honoring the first dean of the School of Health Related Professions, the J. Warren Perry Scholarship is awarded to undergraduate or graduate students in the Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences or Rehabilitation Science.

Overview Application

Award

Awards typically range from $1,000 to $2,000.

Eligibility

Candidates are evaluated on the basis of academic achievement and professional potential. Eligible students are either:

  • an undergraduate exercise science student in their senior sequence
  • a graduate exercise and nutrition sciences or rehabilitation science student

Kathleen M. Shaffer Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship for fifth-year occupational therapy students is awarded in memory of Kathy Shaffer, a 1987 graduate of the UB Department of Occupational Therapy's baccalaureate program and senior therapist at Erie County Medical Center. 

Overview

Kathleen Shaffer’s contributions to UB included course instruction and fieldwork supervision of students. She is best remembered for her excellent clinical skills and mentoring relationships with students.

Maureen R. L. Mussenden Scholarship

This award supports first-generation graduate students attending one of the five health sciences schools.

The Maureen R. L. Mussenden Scholarship fund provides one-third in state tuition for up to four years (based on the tuition the year the scholarship is awarded) and is available to students pursuing a graduate degree in any of the following schools:

  • School of Dental Medicine
  • Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
  • School of Nursing
  • School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
  • School of Public Health and Health Professions

The Office of the Vice President for Health Sciences presents the award.

Overview

Award

One-third in state tuition for up to four years (based on the tuition the year the scholarship is awarded).

Eligibility

Applicants must be currently enrolled in or accepted to a graduate program in one of the five UB Health Sciences schools.

  • Applicants must be first-generation students (students whose parents did not receive a college degree).
  • Priority will be given to women. The Foundation and the University may modify or disregard any selection criteria that are determined in whole or in part to be contrary to law or to then existing University policy.
  • Residents and fellows are not eligible.

About Maureen

With a focus in health law and corporate law and specialized expertise in hospital/university affiliation agreements, Maureen R. L. Mussenden served as associate counsel in UB’s Academic Health Center. A native of Tortola, British Virgin Islands, she earned a BA from Keuka College and a JD from Cornell Law School. She was a member of several legal organizations and also was actively involved with numerous community organizations. She died in 2010 at age 54, after a courageous battle with cancer.

To honor the memory of Maureen R. L. Mussenden and the professional and personal values she espoused, the Maureen R. L. Mussenden Scholarship has been established to help support the education of students pursuing a graduate degree in one of the UB Health Sciences Schools.

Stonegraber Scholarship

Eleanor Stonegraber was an occupational therapist in the Buffalo and Rochester areas and director of occupational therapy at the Rochester Psychiatric Center at the time of her retirement in 1959. 

Overview Application

Established in memory of Eleanor C. and David P. Stonegraber, the Stonegraber Scholarship Fund supports occupational and physical therapy students entering their last year of study.

Award

Awards typically range from $500 to $2,000.

To qualify, a student must:

  • demonstrate financial need
  • show academic promise
  • have a firm commitment to the profession

However, students interested in the Stonegraber Scholarship should file a financial statement with the Financial Aid Office during the fall semester of their fourth year.

The Stonegraber Scholarship provides partial funding for occupational therapy and physical therapy students entering their last year of study. To qualify for this scholarship, an applicant must not have previously received a Stonegraber Award and must:

  • Have on file in the Office of Financial Aid a current Financial Aid Form (FAFSA) at the time of application, and
  • OT and PT students entering their last year of study

File a financial statement with the Financial Aid Office during the fall semester and provide supplemental material with the application:

  • Academic/Professional Motivation, Goals and Accomplishments: 4 or fewer double‐spaced, typewritten pages, on which you provide a brief biographical sketch describing how you became interested in OT or PT, your professional goals, and any related accomplishments. You may also wish to describe pertinent extracurricular activities, hobbies, or any paid or volunteer work experiences that you have had.
  • Financial Need: Attach a typewritten page or two that describes your recent loan history, current indebtedness, and/or personal financial circumstances including eligibility or lack of eligibility for other forms of financial assistance. Awards to Stonegraber Scholars are unrestricted; that is, funds can be used for any purpose deemed appropriate by the recipient. You may, however, wish to describe your intentions for use of funding, should you be selected.

Susan E. Bennett Memorial Scholarship

Named for a longtime UB faculty member, the Susan E. Bennett Memorial Scholarship continues Sue’s life work and legacy through current and future students in the Physical Therapy program in the Department of Rehabilitation Science.

Susan Bennett, DPT, EdD, MS, a longtime UB faculty member and pioneer in rehabilitation practices for people with multiple sclerosis, died in 2020 after a battle with cancer. She is remembered as a kind and generous teacher, mentor, colleague and friend, most notably for her caring, empathy and dedication to her students and patients.

A clinical professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Science and interim chair of the department from 2016-18, Bennett founded her physical therapy practice, Bennett Rehabilitation Institute, in 1992. The practice is a leader in treating patients with neurological conditions. Sue was the first rehabilitation professional to receive the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers’ Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes an individual whose decades-long commitment has driven significant advances in the care of people with MS.

Award

$4,000 is awarded each year. 

Eligibility

Awarded to students enrolled in the Department of Rehabilitation Science who demonstrate promise in the field of physical therapy. In order to build upon Sue’s legacy, preference will be given to students with a desire to work in neurological rehabilitation or with an interest in treating MS patients.

Scholarships for Doctoral Students

ASCEND Triad Healthcare Recruiting Scholarship for Health Professions

This scholarship supports graduate, doctoral and professional students in medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, pharmacy or physical therapy in their final academic year.

Overview

The ASCEND Scholarship fund provides $9,500 in tuition for the final academic year and is available to graduate, doctoral, and professional students pursuing a degree in one of these areas of study:

  • Medicine
  • Nursing
  • Occupational therapy
  • Pharmacy
  • Physical therapy

Recipients should have a desire to work in the United States and contribute in a meaningful way to their community.

Recipients will be strongly encouraged to attend ASCEND career development events initiated by Triad Healthcare Recruiting.

The Office of the Vice President for Health Sciences presents the award.

Award

$9,500, awarded in equal amounts during the fall and spring semesters.

Eligibility

Applicants must be:

  • a United States citizen or permanent resident.
  • a graduate, doctoral or professional student in the following areas of study:  medicine, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing or pharmacy.
  • expected to graduate in the academic year the scholarship is awarded.

Recipients should have a desire to work in the United States and contribute in a meaningful way to their community.

Background

Dharshan S. Jayasinghe, CEL’ 12, BS ’03, is the CEO of Triad Healthcare Recruiting and his wife, Shannon Jayasinghe, serves as president. They both strongly believe in social responsibility and community service, improving the health and wellness of communities, and improving access to college education.

In this spirit, they have committed $1 million to develop the ASCEND Triad Healthcare Recruiting Scholarship, which provides academic support to passionate and committed students at over 50 colleges and universities across the United States.

Alfred T. Caffiero Scholarship

Al Caffiero was one of the most prominent physical therapists in Western New York.

Overview

Throughout his distinguished career, Al Caffiero displayed a caring attitude, altruism, creativity, clinical insight, dedication to the profession and an inspiring degree of optimism. Consistent with his vision for the profession and his caring attitude toward students, he and his friends established this scholarship.

Eligibility

This scholarship that is awarded to doctor of physical therapy (DPT) students during their second year of study at UB.

Applicants must be DPT students in their first year of professional study. Selection criteria include history of community/professional service, financial need, professional promise and academic performance.

Susan E. Bennett Memorial Scholarship

Named for a longtime UB faculty member, the Susan E. Bennett Memorial Scholarship continues Sue’s life work and legacy through current and future students in the Physical Therapy program in the Department of Rehabilitation Science.

Susan Bennett, DPT, EdD, MS, a longtime UB faculty member and pioneer in rehabilitation practices for people with multiple sclerosis, died in 2020 after a battle with cancer. She is remembered as a kind and generous teacher, mentor, colleague and friend, most notably for her caring, empathy and dedication to her students and patients.

A clinical professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Science and interim chair of the department from 2016-18, Bennett founded her physical therapy practice, Bennett Rehabilitation Institute, in 1992. The practice is a leader in treating patients with neurological conditions. Sue was the first rehabilitation professional to receive the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers’ Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes an individual whose decades-long commitment has driven significant advances in the care of people with MS.

Award

$4,000 is awarded each year. 

Eligibility

Awarded to students enrolled in the Department of Rehabilitation Science who demonstrate promise in the field of physical therapy. In order to build upon Sue’s legacy, preference will be given to students with a desire to work in neurological rehabilitation or with an interest in treating MS patients.

National

Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program
This program was established by the U.S. Congress in 1986 to honor Sen. Barry M. Goldwater, who served his country for 56 years as a soldier and statesman. The Goldwater Scholarship is awarded to college students who intend to pursue careers in the fields of natural sciences, mathematics or engineering.

Predoctoral Fellowships for Students in Nutrition Research
Applicants must be members of the American Society for Nutrition.

School Wide Scholarships

Scholarships for All Students

Diversity Scholarships

Dr. Michael F. Noe Diversity Scholarship

The Dr. Michael F. Noe Diversity Scholarship provides scholarships to students from historically underrepresented populations, including Native Americans, who demonstrate academic excellence and financial need. It is intended to promote educational diversity, equity, and inclusion consistent with the values of the School of Public Health and Health Professions. 

The vision for the Dr. Michael F. Noe Diversity Scholarship not only is to financially support students who are pursuing a degree in the SPHHP, but also to attract and retain the best candidates, foster student growth outside of the classroom, and ultimately benefit diverse populations that the school serves. A service requirement is highly recommended and will be determined by the Assistant Dean of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

SPHHP Awards to Promote Student Diversity

The School of Public Health and Health Professions (SPHHP) offers stipends and tuition scholarships to students who have been admitted to a master's-level graduate program or the Doctor of Physical Therapy program, who will be enrolled on a full-time basis, and students who will contribute to the diversity of the student body in the graduate or professional program in which they will be enrolled. Applicants to the BS/MS in occupational therapy may also apply for a tuition scholarship which is awarded for the MS portion of the degree (final 2 years).

Students who will contribute to the diversity of their program and their field based on sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, religion, socio-economic status, veteran status, first-generation status, or experience of exclusion are encouraged to apply for these awards. Students who can demonstrate that they have overcome a disadvantage or other impediment to success in higher education are especially encouraged to nominate themselves.

Students apply for a diversity award when applying for admission to the program of their choice. However, information shared in the diversity award application is not used for admission decisions. 

Max Villatoro | 2021 Recipient

Max Villatoro, SPT.

"As a first generation Hispanic student, I was extremely honored to receive the SPHHP diversity award. This award helped reduce barriers of coming from a low income family and helped me accomplish my dream of becoming a physical therapist at an excellent DPT program."

SPHHP Student Diversity Fund

The goal of this fund is to reduce barriers to attending SPHHP professional programs among students from diverse backgrounds and support pathway programs.

SPHHP's learning community is enriched by differences in perspectives and background. A diverse student body, faculty and staff is instrumental in promoting cultural competence in public health and clinical practice. The school therefore is taking action to increase diversity among students, faculty and staff, with first in family to attend college, sex, nationality, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, religion, socio-economic status, veteran status, students who have experienced social exclusion, and to support the specific needs of international, first-generation, transfer and returning students.

The fund will provides tuition support to professional and other graduate students from diverse backgrounds. 

Hamilton Wilson Student Support Fund

History of the Fund

In Spring 2018, Greer Hamilton, MSW ’16, and Danise C. Wilson, MPH ’14, launched the Hamilton Wilson Student Support Fund to promote diversity and representation within their professions and health and human service workforce. As graduates of the University at Buffalo MSW and MPH programs, they recognized the need to support students to ensure their success during school and within their career.

Fund Overview

The Hamilton Wilson Fund provides $1,000 in support for a student who is a member of a traditionally underrepresented population enrolled in the Master of Public Health (MPH) and Master of Social Work (MSW) programs at the University at Buffalo. The award is meant to be used towards school-related expenses such as books, field placement, transportation and other needs awardees may have. Students may apply in any year of their program as long as they are enrolled in MPH courses in the semester during which they apply. A call for applications is typically circulated in September.

Donor Stories in AtBuffalo

UB Diversity Scholarships for Graduate Students

Nationally Competitive Diversity Scholarships and Awards

Scholarships for Graduate and Professional Students

The Art Goshin Global Health Fieldwork Awards

The Office of Global Health Initiatives (OGHI) offers funding for UB School of Public Health and Health Professions’ (SPHHP) students interested in interacting with public health initiatives and services in resource-poor settings in the United States or in a global setting. These awards are made possible in part by generous support from OGHI Founding Director Dr. Arthur Goshin.

Overview Application

Award eligibility

UB SPHHP graduate students are eligible to apply for field work funding and may propose working locally on a topic of global interest, or internationally. UB SPHHP graduate students may also apply for funding to attend a major international conference.

Available awards 2025-2026

  • Local projects: up to two (2) awards of $500 each to offset the cost of research carried out locally.
  • International projects: up to two (2) awards of $2500 to offset the cost of travel and per-diem for research in a resource-poor setting.
  • Conference travel: Up to two (2) awards of $500 each for students with an accepted abstract for an oral or poster presentation at an international conference, to offset the cost of travel

Additional requirements

Students engaged in international fieldwork must adhere to UB travel policies and complete any requirements well in advance of travel. International fieldwork award recipients must keep and submit budget justification forms and receipts as instructed. Local and international project award recipients will present findings to SPHHP faculty and staff in a format arranged by OGHI. Additionally, award recipients will be required to present their work at the Annual Perry Poster session organized by SPHHP.

Maureen R. L. Mussenden Scholarship

This award supports first-generation graduate students attending one of the five health sciences schools.

The Maureen R. L. Mussenden Scholarship fund provides one-third in state tuition for up to four years (based on the tuition the year the scholarship is awarded) and is available to students pursuing a graduate degree in any of the following schools:

  • School of Dental Medicine
  • Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
  • School of Nursing
  • School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
  • School of Public Health and Health Professions

The Office of the Vice President for Health Sciences presents the award.

Overview

Award

One-third in state tuition for up to four years (based on the tuition the year the scholarship is awarded).

Eligibility

Applicants must be currently enrolled in or accepted to a graduate program in one of the five UB Health Sciences schools.

  • Applicants must be first-generation students (students whose parents did not receive a college degree).
  • Priority will be given to women. The Foundation and the University may modify or disregard any selection criteria that are determined in whole or in part to be contrary to law or to then existing University policy.
  • Residents and fellows are not eligible.

About Maureen

With a focus in health law and corporate law and specialized expertise in hospital/university affiliation agreements, Maureen R. L. Mussenden served as associate counsel in UB’s Academic Health Center. A native of Tortola, British Virgin Islands, she earned a BA from Keuka College and a JD from Cornell Law School. She was a member of several legal organizations and also was actively involved with numerous community organizations. She died in 2010 at age 54, after a courageous battle with cancer.

To honor the memory of Maureen R. L. Mussenden and the professional and personal values she espoused, the Maureen R. L. Mussenden Scholarship has been established to help support the education of students pursuing a graduate degree in one of the UB Health Sciences Schools.

Julio Ramirez Memorial Award