Dr. Mažeika P. Sulliván Fellowship
The Dr. Sean-Mazeika P. Sullivan Fellowship aims to support exceptional master's and doctorate students in pursuing their research interests and reaching their dreams. This endowment was created to honor Dr. Mažeika P. Sulliván, former Director of the Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science (BICEFS) and Professor in the Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation at Clemson University. Dr. Sullivan passed away on May 31st, 2024, at the age of 51. He served as the Baruch Director from 2022 to 2024. He was a strong and valued student mentor, scientist, and leader who believed in providing opportunities for all those interested in natural resources and the environment.
Nominations should be submitted by May 31st of each year.
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Eligibility
The Endowment will provide fellowships for graduate students enrolled in a degree program at the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences and those who are also engaged in research at BICEFS. Students will be evaluated based on research potential, research productivity, and contributions to a vibrant BICEFS community. Students advised by faculty serving on the selection committee are not eligible.
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Awards
One award of $4,000 or two awards of $2,000 will be awarded annually in the Fall semester.
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Selection Process
Faculty in the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences can nominate graduate students for the award by submitting a nomination letter and their CV. A three-person committee will evaluate applications and submit recommendations to the BICEFS Director by June 15th. The awards will be announced by July 15th.
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Submission Process
Faculty should send nominations to Stephanie Li at ssli@clemson.edu. Please include “Sullivan Fellowship-Student’s Name” in the Subject
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Past Recipients
2025
Kenneth De León Colón
Kenneth Rolando De León Colón is a Ph.D. student from Guayama, Puerto Rico in the Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation at Clemson University. His research primarily focuses on aquatic and microbial ecology, exploring the dissemination of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in freshwater ecosystems.
Kenneth completed his bachelor’s degree in industrial microbiology with honors at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus. During his time there, he worked on research projects in collaboration with the University of Puerto Rico – Medical Science Campus and the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, investigating the impact of environmental factors on maternal health, social capital, and community health resilience.
Driven by his motivation to environmental science, Kenneth also participated in a post-baccalaureate research program at the NSF-funded EMERGE Biology Integration Institute. During this program, he contributed to projects focused on understanding methane oxidation in surface waters in arctic lakes and the implications of climate change.
