Dr. L. David Mech Fellowship

The International Wolf Center is seeking applicants for the 2026 Dr. L. David Mech fellowship. As an investment in the future of wolf research and science-based wolf education, the Center awards up to two fellowships each year to undergraduate students or recent graduates interested in pursuing careers in natural sciences with an interest in wildlife. Fellowship recipients receive a $6,000 stipend and up to $4,000 in support for field research expenses.

Fellowship goals

• Reduce barriers to allow undergraduate students and recent graduates to directly engage in research and field work.
• Encourage students from diverse backgrounds to explore natural sciences/wildlife biology as a profession.
• Provide bridge support for early-career researchers prior to graduate school.

The International Wolf Center uses science-based education to teach and inspire the world about wolves, their ecology, and the wolf-human relationship. Since our founding in 1985 by Dr. L. David Mech and others, the Center has sought to provide the latest scientific information about wolves to our visitors and program participants. We believe that continued investment in scientific discovery about wolves and other wildlife will lead to increased understanding of how to build a future where wolves and humans can coexist and thrive. We also understand that many barriers exist for students and early career researchers and hope these fellowships can facilitate access to people pursuing a wildlife biology career.

Qualifications and Eligibility

• Applicants must be either currently enrolled in an undergraduate institution (upper-level student) or recently graduated within two years with an undergraduate degree. Current graduate students, those accepted to graduate school and those already with graduate-level degrees in wildlife biology or a related field are not eligible.
• Applicants must indicate their project preference from the provided list.
• Applicants must provide a letter of recommendation from an academic or professional reference. This letter should reference their preferred project and ability to complete it.
• Applicants must be available to conduct an online webinar with the International Wolf Center in late 2026 or early 2027.