Undergraduate Scholarships
The Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering places great emphasis on identifying students who excel in three key areas: academic merit, service to BME, and demonstration of strong personal and professional character. While each scholarship or award may have its specific eligibility criteria, these three dimensions serve as the guiding principles for the selection committee. Please refer to the individual requirements outlined below for our annual primary scholarships and awards.
Ayers Family Scholarship in BME
Students enrolled in the Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering who have been awarded a presidential or trustee scholarship are eligible for the Ayers scholarship. The Ayers scholarship selection process involves committee evaluation, considering both the applicant's notable contributions to the field of BME and their outstanding academic accomplishments. This scholarship opportunity highlights the significance of recognizing and rewarding individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication and excellence in both academic and professional spheres.
Note: The purpose of this scholarship is to backpay your existing presidential or trustee scholarship. Therefore, you will not receive additional funds. Instead, the Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering is acknowledging your outstanding achievements by providing financial support towards your scholarship. The maximum amount you can receive through this scholarship is equivalent to the total value of your presidential or trustee scholarship award. It is important to note that the specific amount awarded may vary from year to year.
Requirement Summary:
- You must already be the recipient of a presidential or trustee scholarship.
- You must be a student enrolled in the Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering.
- Preferred candidates will have a GPA of 3.7 or higher.
BME Undergraduate Teaching Award
To be eligible for this award opportunity, you must have served as an undergraduate Teaching Assistant (TA) for a course offered by the Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering. The selection committee carefully evaluates candidates and grants four scholarships, each falling into one of the following distinct categories:
Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award:
Faculty members are requested to provide feedback on the significant positive influence the candidate had on enhancing undergraduate students' learning experience.
Innovative Approaches to Undergraduate Teaching Award:
Faculty members are invited to comment on the candidate's innovative and creative contributions to the course, highlighting their unique teaching methods and approaches.
Student's Choice Award:
Fellow students are encouraged to share their nominations and describe the valuable contributions the TA made to their overall undergraduate experience. The selection process considers the number of nominations received and the impact of the recommendations in determining the award recipients. Two TAs are chosen for this category.
To facilitate the nomination process, a user-friendly Qualtrics survey will be distributed to all students and faculty within the BME department.
By recognizing the exceptional TAs and their positive impact, these awards aim to celebrate and honor their outstanding contributions to the Weldon School.
Requirement Summary:
- You must be an undergraduate TA for a BME course.
- You must be a student enrolled in the Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering.
Charles Wayne Sullivan Scholarship
To be considered for this scholarship opportunity, you must be a rising junior, having just successfully completed your Sophomore year (students will often be completing Sophomore year when they submit this application). The selection committee places great importance on academic excellence, particularly a preferred GPA of 3.7 or higher, as a primary factor for eligibility. Additionally, your application's strength will be reinforced by your letters of recommendation, which will carry significant weight in the decision-making process. This scholarship opportunity aims to recognize and support students who have demonstrated exceptional scholastic achievement and hold promising potential for future academic success.
Requirement Summary:
- You must be a rising junior.
- You must have at least one letter of recommendation from a faculty or staff member who can speak to your academics, service, and character.
- You must be a student enrolled in the Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering.
- Preferred candidates will have a GPA of 3.7 or higher.
Combs Family Scholarship in BME
Students enrolled in the Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering who have been awarded a presidential or trustee scholarship are eligible for the Combs scholarship. The Combs scholarship selection process involves committee evaluation, considering both the applicant's notable contributions to the field of BME and their outstanding academic accomplishments. This scholarship opportunity highlights the significance of recognizing and rewarding individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication and excellence in both academic and professional spheres.
Note: The purpose of this scholarship is to backpay your existing presidential or trustee scholarship. Therefore, you will not receive additional funds. Instead, the Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering is acknowledging your outstanding achievements by providing financial support towards your scholarship. The maximum amount you can receive through this scholarship is equivalent to the total value of your presidential or trustee scholarship award. It is important to note that the specific amount awarded may vary from year to year.
Requirement Summary:
- You must already be the recipient of a presidential or trustee scholarship.
- You must be a student enrolled in the Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering.
- Preferred candidates will have a GPA of 3.7 or higher.
Dr. Norman and Carole Thomas Scholarship
The Dr. Norman and Carole Thomas Scholarship presents a remarkable opportunity for students with Indiana residence, enrolled in the Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering. This scholarship aims to acknowledge and support individuals who exhibit unwavering dedication and outstanding academic achievements during their first year in Purdue Engineering. As a result, this scholarship is exclusively designated for rising Sophomores -- those who just completed their Freshman year -- who have successfully transitioned from the first-year engineering program to the specialized field of BME. By recognizing and rewarding these remarkable individuals, the Thomas scholarship underscores the importance of fostering excellence and commitment within the realm of biomedical engineering.
Requirement Summary:
- You must be an Indiana resident.
- You must be a rising Sophomore coming to BME.
- You must be a student enrolled in the Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering.
- Preferred candidates will have a GPA of 3.7 or higher.
Grubbs Undergraduate Research Scholarship
Students who have successfully fulfilled the requirements of BME 498 (3 credits), and have further showcased their research findings by presenting at a recognized conference (Purdue University or National level conference, such as the BMES), will be granted a commendable $200 award facilitated by the Division of Financial Aid. This reward serves as a recognition of their scholarly achievements and contributions to the field of Biomedical Engineering. We will select up to 10 students who have fulfilled the requirements above.
Requirement Summary:
- You must have registered for and completed three (3) credits of BME 498.
- You must present your research at a recognized conference (Purdue University or National level conference, such as the BMES).
- You must be a student enrolled in the Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering.
- Preferred candidates will have a GPA of 3.7 or higher.
Haselby Family Outstanding SR Award
To be considered for this scholarship, you must be a Senior student actively pursuing your BME degree at the time of application submission. Academic excellence holds significant importance, and a preferred GPA of 3.7 or higher is expected to demonstrate outstanding scholastic achievement. The selection committee places great emphasis on the strength of your application, with particular attention given to your letters of recommendation. This scholarship opportunity seeks to recognize and support Senior students who have exhibited exceptional academic performance and possess great potential for future success in the field of Biomedical Engineering.
Requirement Summary:
- You must be a current Senior.
- You must have at least one letter of recommendation from a faculty or staff member who can speak to your academics, service, and character.
- You must be a student enrolled in the Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering.
- Preferred candidates will have a GPA of 3.7 or higher.
Havel/Decker Scholarship
The Havel/Decker scholarship is open to exceptional Juniors, currently holding Junior status and progressing towards Senior standing. Preference is given to candidates with an impressive academic record, demonstrating a preferred GPA of 3.7 or higher as a testament to their scholarly merit. The selection process places significant weight on the submission of compelling letters of recommendation, which provide valuable insights into the candidate's qualifications. Moreover, the chosen recipients are individuals who not only meet the rigorous academic standards but also exhibit commendable character traits that align with the values and aspirations of the field of BME.
Requirement Summary:
- You must be a rising senior, having just completed your junior year.
- You must have at least one letter of recommendation from a faculty or staff member who can speak to your academics, service, and character.
- You must be a student enrolled in the Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering.
- Preferred candidates will have a GPA of 3.7 or higher.
Summer Grubbs Fellowship Award
In order to be eligible for the prestigious Summer Grubbs Fellowship Award, students are required to actively participate in a minimum of 40 hours of research and present their findings at either the Summer Research conference held at Purdue University or a reputable national-level conference (such as BMES). The fellowship is disbursed during the summer after being selected, with the student commencing their research activities the same summer they receive the award. The selection process takes into account faculty nominations, considering their valuable insights, in addition to the student's exemplary academic record. This esteemed award serves as a testament to the student's dedication and scholarly contributions in their chosen field of study.
For more info, please go to the Summer Grubbs Fellowship Award page.
Requirement Summary:
- You must be nominated by a faculty member you plan to work with.
- You must be on campus the summer you plan to do research.
- You must complete 40 hours of research per week.
- You must present your research at a recognized conference (Purdue University or National level conference, such as the BMES).
- You must be a student enrolled in the Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering.
Weldon School of BME Alumni Scholarship
The Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering Alumni Scholarship offers an exceptional opportunity for students residing in Indiana and pursuing their education within the Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering. This esteemed scholarship seeks to acknowledge and provide support to individuals who demonstrate unwavering dedication and achieve remarkable academic success during their first year at Purdue Engineering. Consequently, this scholarship is specifically reserved for rising Sophomores, those who have recently completed their Freshman year and successfully transitioned from the first-year engineering program to the specialized field of BME. By honoring and rewarding these exceptional individuals, the Alumni Scholarship emphasizes the significance of fostering excellence and cultivating a strong commitment within the realm of biomedical engineering.
Requirement Summary:
- You must be an Indiana resident.
- You must be a rising Sophomore coming to BME.
- You must be a student enrolled in the Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering.
- Preferred candidates will have a GPA of 3.7 or higher.
Weldon School of BME Senior Class Scholarship
The selection for this scholarship is primarily based on exemplary service rendered to the field of Biomedical Engineering. A strong academic record, with a preferred GPA of 3.7 or higher, underscores the candidates' commitment to academic excellence. In addition to meeting the rigorous academic criteria, the chosen students have garnered compelling letters of recommendation that attest to their qualifications and notable contributions. Moreover, their demonstrated character traits reflect values and qualities that are highly regarded within the realm of Biomedical Engineering.
Requirement Summary:
- You must be a current Senior.
- You must have contributed to making BME a better school through your service as a student, whether it be working in labs, helping with events, being a part of a BME-focused organization, etc.
- You must have at least one letter of recommendation from a faculty or staff member who can speak to your academics, service, and character.
- You must be a student enrolled in the Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering.
- Preferred candidates will have a GPA of 3.7 or higher.
How do I apply?
The scholarship application process is straightforward and consists of three steps.
Step 1: Near the end of each fall semester, a notification email will be sent by the scholarship coordinator to all Weldon School BME students. This email will contain a link to a Qualtrics survey for applicants to complete, as well as a separate Qualtrics survey for faculty and staff who have agreed to provide letters of recommendation. The email will also provide prompts to help applicants prepare the necessary documents prior to beginning the application.
Step 2: Complete and submit your survey as an applicant. This will involve updating your resume and preparing a personal statement tailored to the prompts provided in the initial email.
Step 3: Share the link for letters of recommendation with the faculty or staff members who have agreed to write them on your behalf.
And voila, you have successfully completed the scholarship application process! It is important to carefully follow the instructions provided in the email sent by the scholarship coordinator. This email will also include the date when you will be notified of the committee’s decision.
In the event that you are chosen as a scholarship recipient, you will be expected to express your gratitude by composing a thoughtful thank-you letter to the generous donors who have contributed the funds you will be receiving. Instructions for writing the thank-you letter will be sent to you separately if you are selected.
Scholarships outside of BME
Here are some links that will help you explore more areas Purdue offers scholarships to students.