Donald E. Bianchi Outstanding Graduate Student Award (Biology Department)

Spring 2025: 2024-2025 Academic Year Award

The Donald E. Bianchi Outstanding Graduate Student Biology Department Award was created to support a Biology graduate student who demonstrates exemplary academic performance, extensive involvement in research and financial need.

The award is named for Donald E. Bianchi, the founding Dean of the College of Science and Mathematics. It honors his commitment to scholarship and research and their relationship to education. Dr. Bianchi became a CSUN faculty member in 1959 when CSUN was known as the San Fernando Valley State College. He became Dean in 1973, a position he held for 28 years, two of which while he was also serving as Vice President for Academic Affairs. As College Dean, he was instrumental in the creation of the four-building science complex and Planetarium, subsequently named in his honor, laying the ground work for the College’s outstanding achievements in research and teaching. His own professional accomplishments include the publication of numerous articles and books in cell biology, microbiology and botany. He had long served on the governing boards of two CSU Consortiums – Ocean Studies and Desert Studies – and had chaired both. A model of dedication and service to the University and its students.

Applicants:

• Must be a graduate student from the Biology Department.
• Must have a GPA greater than or equal to a 3.5
• Must be enrolled in 4 units or more for the current Spring term.
• Must show promise in science exemplified by significant academic and research accomplishments.
• Must have a FAFSA or California Dream Act Application on file for the current academic year.
• Must request 2 letters of recommendation via the myMatador Scholarships portal.
  At least one of the letters must be from a CSUN faculty member and must highlighting applicant’s academic and research accomplishments.
  *Must upload: a current student resume/CV detailing ongoing and past research projects, any grants/awards/presentations/publications, etc.

Candidates will be considered based on their involvement and achievement in research, which may include:

• activities in research that lead to results/data for publication
• activities in research that lead to presentations of their research at regional, national and/or international meetings.

If selected as the scholarship recipient, I agree to write a thank-you letter to the donor(s) and be willing to meet with the donor(s) or designee(s). Both will be coordinated by the College’s Director of Development.

Should you have any questions regarding this scholarship opportunity contact Dr. Cristian Ruiz Rueda at cristian.ruiz-rueda@csun.edu.

Note: If you are receiving financial aid (including loans), your financial aid award(s) may be adjusted if you receive a scholarship amount that exceeds your financial aid total limit. Speak to a financial aid counselor during walk-in hours to get a detailed overview about your individual situation. Any change to your enrollment status resulting in less than required enrollment for any term within the award year will result in a cancellation of your award.