Wild Felid Legacy Scholarship
Supporting the next generation of wild felid researchers.
Since 2009, WFA has supported graduate students whose research improves understanding, management, and conservation of wild felids. The scholarship also honors seven biologists whose work continues to inspire the field.
- 44
- Scholarships awarded
- $54,000+
- Invested in students
- May 15
- 2026 application deadline
Congratulations
Meet the 2025 scholarship recipients.
Recipient archive
Explore past scholarship research.
Open a recipient profile to learn about the graduate research WFA has supported.
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Scholarship background
Honoring lives devoted to wildlife.
The scholarship recognizes seven dedicated biologists and is made possible through grants and gifts from foundations, families, WFA members, and other contributors.
Deanna Dawn
1961-2012
Wildlife biologist and consultant, San Jose State University graduate, WFA founding member, and member of the Scholarship and Election Committees.
Donna Krucki
1956-2014
Naturalist, Orange County park ranger, educator, and contributor to the understanding of mountain lion ecology and behavior.
Dave Maehr
1956-2008
University of Kentucky professor and former Florida Panther Team Leader for the Florida Game and Freshwater Fish Commission.
Howard Quigley
1952-2022
Carnivore ecologist and conservationist whose work included leading Panthera’s Jaguar Conservation Program.
Ian Ross
1958-2003
Canadian biologist who studied a variety of large carnivores, including pumas.
Rocky Spencer
1952-2007
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife biologist dedicated to studying pumas and helping the public coexist with them.
Eric York
1970-2007
Researcher and field biologist with expertise in capturing and handling wild felids, including snow leopards and pumas.
2026 scholarship
Research support with a clear path to apply.
Applications are open to eligible graduate students researching any Western Hemisphere wild felid.
Scholarship focus
One or two awards of $1,000-$2,000
The scholarship is offered annually as funds allow. Award numbers and amounts may increase depending on donations received.
Administration
Selected by the WFA Scholarship Committee
Recipients are subject to approval by a majority of the WFA Council. The Committee may withhold an award or select more than one recipient based on applicant qualifications and available funds. All Committee decisions are final.
Eligibility
Application criteria
Applicants must meet all three requirements.
- WFA membershipBe a student member of WFA. A membership form and payment may be submitted with the application.
- Graduate enrollmentHold a bachelor’s degree and be enrolled in Wildlife Biology, Wildlife Management, or a related natural resource graduate program with a wild felid research focus.
- Research updateAgree to provide at least one graduate-work update for publication in The Wild Felid Monitor.
Prepare your materials
Application checklist
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Current resume or CV
Provide an up-to-date overview of your academic and professional experience.
Graduate acceptance
Include a copy of your acceptance letter into an eligible graduate program.
Two references
Include email addresses. One letter should come from a professor familiar with your academic work and one from a natural-resources supervisor. Volunteer or internship supervision is acceptable.
500-750 word essay
Describe your wild felid research interests, career goals, intended use of the award, and financial need. At the top, list your name, email, degree, department, university, advisor and email, thesis or dissertation title, research objectives, and expected completion date.
Submit your application
Email all materials by May 15, 2026.
Name each file with your last name and subject, such as Smith WFLS Essay.doc. Scanned transcripts are acceptable for initial review, though certified transcripts may be requested before final selection. References may email their letters separately.
Scholarship Chair
Winston Vickers
Subject: 2026 Wild Felid Legacy Scholarship Application