Andrei Snyman, doctoral student, has been selected to receive a $4,000 Shikar Safari Club Scholarship from the Texas Game Warden Association. The scholarship recognizes high-achieving students currently involved in the studies of wildlife management, range management and law enforcement.
"I felt I had a good chance of getting it since the scholarship and organization offering it fitted the profile of what I am studying and doing," Snyman said. "I feel pretty darn happy."
Snyman is a native South African whose research in Botswana focuses on the population dynamics of large carnivores like lions, leopards, spotted and brown hyenas, and African wild dogs. His efforts have resulted in the recovery and steady growth of the resident lion population.
These scholarship funds will go toward Snyman's student fees and research equipment.
"Funding these days is limited with an incredible number of students applying, all with a good shot at getting it," he said. "Finding scholarships outside of a university system is just another way of increasing one's odds of getting awarded."
However, Snyman said it's equally important for students to consider funding opportunities that best fit their needs and interests.
"Take the time and effort to apply to these, but also choose scholarships carefully," he said. "It gets pretty frustrating putting in the time and effort in applying, only to get rejected. But sooner or later, the tables will turn."
The Shikar Safari Club Scholarship is awarded annually to undergraduate and graduate students. Recipients must be active hunters with a minimum 3.0 GPA and good leadership abilities.
— Mekita Rivas, Natural Resources