Julia Elkin is a SEAS alumna (MS 2015) who was tragically killed in an accident in California in February 2024. She was a gifted and talented student whose studies focused on environmental policy and ecosystem management and was a person who radiated energy, goodness, and light. Faculty remember that her smile brought joy into every room she entered. Julia was recognized for her leadership potential by being named a Wyss Scholar in 2013. Since graduating, she worked for the California State Coastal Conservancy, Marin County CA, and the Sonoma Land Trust. 

This award is intended to support the recipient’s summer internship in a public agency or nonprofit organization involved in land conservation. 1-2 outstanding students enrolled in a SEAS master’s degree program who have a career interest in U.S. land conservation in public agencies or nonprofit organizations will be selected.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Commitment to a career in U.S. land conservation in public agencies, land trusts, or other nonprofit organizations

• Leadership potential, including evidence of the kind of energy and spirit embodied by Julia Elkin

• 1st and/or 2nd YR (Dual) SEAS MS/MLA student

Application: 

Submit a copy of the completed application and supporting materials as a single .pdf to [email protected] by 9:00 AM on Monday, January 26, 2026. Applications will then be reviewed for the award. Once decisions have been made, applicants will be notified of their status. Non-compliant submissions will not be reviewed.

1. A one-page essay detailing your past, present, and future commitment to the field of U.S. conservation, evidence of your leadership potential as described in the eligibility criteria, and how this award will enhance your career development.
2. Resume (1-2 pages maximum).
3. Transcripts of all graduate and undergraduate coursework. Unofficial transcripts
   are acceptable.
4. List of at least three potential internship organizations and locations, and the nature of the work you would hope to carry out for them. (Note that you do not need a statement of their support or even an indication that you contacted them. If awarded the funds, you can use the award as negotiating leverage with an appropriate sponsor.  If awarded the funds, you will need to submit follow-up information by mid-March that shows the organization's commitment to you.)