Each year, the Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology (BCMB) recognizes

outstanding undergraduate students majoring in BCMB. A reception will be held at Calhoun’s on the River on May 7, 2026.

The award winners will be contacted via email, and their names will be posted on the BCMB webpage following the event.

Applications are due by midnight on Monday, April 6, 2026, and should be submitted to Reagan Strang. Materials may be delivered to the BCMB office (Room 309, Ken & Blaire Mossman Building) or emailed to her at (rstrang4@utk.edu).

These awards are open to rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors who have declared BCMB as their major. Senior students graduating in the summer 2026 are not eligible to apply; you must be enrolled for the Fall semester.

To apply for these scholarships, a student must submit the following:

1. A letter of interest describing your qualifications for the scholarship
2. A current transcript (this can be a copy)
3. A list of courses currently in progress
4. Two (2) letters of recommendation

Some scholarships may require additional supporting documents; please review the specific criteria for each scholarship you are applying for. Applicants are asked not to apply for more than two (2) scholarships.

J. Gordon and Elizabeth S. Carlson Undergraduate Scholarship ($2,000)

This scholarship was established to recognize outstanding BCMB majors who have demonstrated academic excellence. The award, created by Dr. and Mrs. Carlson, is intended to support meritorious and deserving students who might not otherwise have the opportunity to attend the university. In the student’s letter of interest and in the letters of recommendation, applicants should address these considerations and explain how this scholarship will promote and support their future career goals.

The Nancy Ruth Creery Memorial Scholarship ($4,000)

This scholarship was established by the parents of Nancy Ruth Creery in her honor and memory. Applicants must be currently enrolled or admitted to the University of Tennessee and major in BCMB. Preference will be given to students pursuing the Pre-Med curriculum track. Applicants should demonstrate strong academic performance, and financial need may also be considered.

A student holding the Creery Scholarship in year one shall have preference in subsequent years.

Tyler Duke Scholarship for Pre-Pharmacy ($3,000)

This scholarship was established to recognize an outstanding College of Arts and Sciences undergraduate major pursuing a career in Pharmacy and planning to attend a College of Pharmacy after graduating from UTK. Preference will be given to BCMB majors, but it is open to all College of Arts and Sciences students intending to pursue a career in Pharmacy. The scholarship is available to rising seniors with a preferred overall GPA of 3.4 or higher. The letter of interest should outline the applicant’s qualifications and clearly demonstrate their commitment to pursuing a career in pharmacy.

Carolyn W. Fite Scholarship ($4,000)

This scholarship recognizes an outstanding BCMB major who demonstrates professional promise through an excellent academic record and a strong interest in research and scholarship. Your achievements as an undergraduate student reflect your commitment to learning and the pursuit of your goals. In addition to the materials requested above, applicants should submit a research statement.

Emmette and Nannie Hale Scholarship for Pre-Dentistry ($10,000*)

*2 scholarships will be awarded at $10,000 each.

This scholarship was established to recognize an outstanding BCMB undergraduate major planning to attend dental school after graduating from UTK. In addition to the materials requested above, applicants should submit a description (no more than one page) outlining how they are preparing for a career in dentistry beyond completing the academic requirements for the BCMB major and dental school admission.

John R. Staley, Jr. Scholarship ($2,000)

This scholarship was established to recognize an outstanding BCMB undergraduate major planning to attend medical school after graduating from UTK. In addition to the materials requested above, applicants should submit a description (no more than one page) explaining how they are preparing for a career in medicine beyond completing the academic requirements for the BCMB major and meeting medical school admission requirements.

Undergraduate Research Scholarship ($2,000*)

*An additional $500 will be allocated to the faculty research sponsor for expenses related to the student’s project.

The BCMB Research Scholarship recognizes an outstanding BCMB undergraduate major who is a rising junior or senior and engaged in independent undergraduate research. Applicants should be pursuing an Honors Degree in BCMB. In addition to the materials requested above, applicants must submit a one-page description of their honors research project. One of the two letters of recommendation must come from their honors research mentor in the BCMB department.