Dr. Mike Heithaus and Doc Gruber Biology Essay Awards

In honor of the contributions of Mike Heithaus and Sam Gruber, the Gruber family invites students to participate in the Dr. Mike Heithaus & Doc Gruber Biology Essay contest. The contest is open only to students from the Marine Biology major and those who attend General Biology I and II lecture at BBC. Students who were previously awarded are not eligible to apply again.

Please submit a 750 word essay on What is the future of Biscayne Bay? Solutions and insights to conservation and restoration of this ecosystem.

Tips and Guidelines
• Essays should be well researched with information that is backed by scientific knowledge, be imaginative, thought-provoking and include your thoughts so we can have and insight into your personal views and hopes for the future of the ocean. This is not a course and therefore this should not be a scientific review of the topic.
• Why does this topic matter to you?
• Judges will be scientists and graduate students so think about who your audience is and how to grab their attention. Be creative and make your essay interesting.
• No more than 1,000 words.
• Put your name on the essay file.
• Scientific primary and secondary literature should be kept at no more than 4 references, but its use is not mandatory.
• Judges will base selection on four major components:
1. Understanding of the topic: To what extent did the writer demonstrate a clear understanding of the question and respond with details about his/her experience?
2. Original thinking relative to the topic: To what extent was the original thinking relative to the subject?
3. Effectiveness in presenting a point-of-view: To what extent did the writer present his/her point of view?
4. Literary style, grammar, and spelling.

3 Awards:
$5000- First Place
$2,500- Second Place
$1,000- Third Place

Students must be a US citizen, a granted permanent resident or an international student on an F1 visa.
Questions? Email scholarship@fiu.edu.