Michele J. Griswold-Wentz Agriculture Experiential Fund

Michele-Griswold Agricultural Undergraduate Research Scholars Award

2026-2027 academic year

Thanks to the generosity of Michele Griswold, the Pathways to Innovation and Leadership Program in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is pleased to announce the Michele-Griswold Agricultural Undergraduate Research Scholars Award.

This award is intended to support undergraduate students with financial need, engage in undergraduate research, and participate in the CALS Pathways to Innovation and Leadership program, which emphasizes hands-on, transformative experiences, including undergraduate research, that prepare students for leadership in agriculture and related industries.
This award honors the legacy of the late Emanuel Edward Wentz, an Iowa farm landowner and elevator manager, and celebrates the continued commitment of his granddaughter, Michele Griswold and her husband, Gary, to agricultural education and opportunity.

Eligibility:

• Undergraduate status enrolled in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
• Enrolled in one of the following majors: agricultural business, agricultural communication, agricultural engineering, agriculture and life sciences education, agriculture and rural policy, agricultural studies, agronomy, animal science, agricultural systems technology, dairy science, digital and precision agriculture, forestry, global resource systems, and horticulture.
• Preference given to students with verified financial need, as documented by the University Office of Student Financial Aid.

Completed applications must include:

1. Describe the specific undergraduate research project, your role on the project, and the name of your research mentor.
2. How will this experience, engaging in undergraduate research and the Pathways to Innovation and Leadership program, benefit you?
3. Describe your financial need.
4. A copy of your resume.
5. A brief letter of support from the faculty member or staff person who will mentor the student on the undergraduate research.

If awarded, Michele-Griswold Agricultural Undergraduate Research Scholars will be expected to:

• Complete the Pathway Planner.
• Complete the requirements to earn a Research Impact Micro-Credential.
• Present their undergraduate research at the Pathways to Innovation and Leadership Showcase.
• Participate in a seminar on Intellectual Property conducted by a representative of OIC (OIPTT) during the semester. This seminar will be held in conjunction with Michele-Griswold undergraduate scholars in the College of Engineering.
• Award Amount: $2,400 per semester (mandatory taxes not included), based on $16/hr. × 10 hours per week x 15 weeks.

Number of Awards: 10

Term of Award: All awards are for one semester and may be renewed for two additional semesters.

Deadline:

• November 16, 2026 for Spring 2027 awards
• March 22, 2027 for Fall 2027 awards