The Earth Institute and Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory at Columbia University invite applications for the Marie Tharp Fellowship 2011-2012. This fellowship is part of a greater EI/LDEO effort at promoting the advancement of women scientists. The purpose of the award is to provide an opportunity for earth scientists to conduct research at Columbia University for a period of 3 months.  Fellows will have an opportunity to work with faculty, research staff, post docs, and graduate students during their fellowship. Each fellow is expected to participate in EI/LDEO activities and make a scientific presentation during their residence.The duration of the Marie Tharp Fellowship is for 3 months over the period September 2011 through August 2012. Fellows are encouraged to visit for three consecutive months, but they may choose to take their fellowship in two separate visits. The fellowship must be taken in residence at one of the earth science units of the Earth Institute (see end for complete list of eligible units) and will provide up to $30,000 for support of the fellow during the three-month period.
Background: The fellowship is named after Marie Tharp, who was the first to map details of the ocean floor on a global scale. She published the pivotal interpretation of mid-ocean ridges that was crucial to the eventual acceptance of the theories of plate tectonics and continental drift. Tharp came to the Lamont Geological Observatory (now the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory), where she began work on mapping the ocean floor. Her map of the ocean floor is still a foundation for research and education in the ocean sciences.
Eligibility:  The competition is open to junior and mid-career scientists in the earth sciences. Applicants must hold a Ph.D. at the time of application. The goal of this award is to promote women in science. Faculty (full-time or adjunct) and researchers at Columbia University are not eligible to apply.

Scholarship Application Deadline: 31 March 2011

Further Scholarship Information and Application