UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP
The Gender Institute and the Experiential Learning Network awards two scholarships to UB undergraduate students. One $500 award for undergraduates conducting research related to women, gender and/or sexuality, and another $500 award for a community-based project with a gender and/or sexuality focus.
Projects can be individual or collaborative. Open to undergraduates in all schools and departments.
Congratulations to the 2026 Undergraduate Scholarship Awardee
Tasmiah Amhed, Psychology
Tasmiah Ahmed is an undergraduate student at the University of Buffalo majoring in psychology. She always had a passion for understanding human dynamics and especially herself. She hopes to pursue her bachelor’s degree in the College of Arts and Sciences and pursue her long-term goals with clinical work. Beyond academics, you'll probably find her whipping up a crazy good recipe, reading a crime thriller book, on a random side quest or laughing way too hard with friends. Tasmiah loves connecting with people, sharing positivity, and turning ordinary moments into memories. She loves staying active, exploring new experiences, and connecting with her community in meaningful ways. Tasmiah is driven by a desire to learn, grow, and make a positive impact on the lives of others, especially youth navigating the challenges of adolescence.
Guidelines
Applications must include:
1. Statement of academic interests, accomplishments, and career goals (no more than 500 words).
2. Description of the specific research or community project for which you are seeking support (500 words). If you are a visual studies student, please also include a portfolio of 5 images of your work.
3. Complete transcripts from all colleges attended (unofficial transcripts accepted).
4. Resume or c.v.
5. One letter of recommendation, which must be from a faculty member.
(Recommendation is sent directly from faculty member to the Scholarship Portal.)
Supplemental Questions
1. Are you working on a research project toward publication or an honors thesis?
2. Are you an art or media study student working on gender and/or sexuality and you need resources for an art project or senior project?
3. Are you interested in organizing a community event that would address gender, and/or LBGTQ issues?
4. Are you working on a research project that requires travel funds for fieldwork, interviews, research in historical archives?
Applications should be sent to the Scholarship Portal.
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Criteria of Evaluation:
1. Applicants must show a commitment to issues related to gender and/or sexuality
2. Applicants must show evidence of academic excellence
3. Priority is given to applicants with a well-articulated project and research goals
4. Review committee places importance on the letter of recommendation.
2025
Fatima Makama, Public Health
Brianna Tejeda. Fine Arts
2024
Simone Brock, Arianna Kouassi, and Hayley Mundy - UB Honors College Project
Fiona Serrano, History, Global Gender and Sexuality Studies, and English
2022-2023
Rachel Gelat, Media Studies and Global Gender and Sexuality Studies
June Sherpa, Business Administration
2018-2019
Alivia Smeltzer-Darling, Romance Languages and Literatures
Hanna Santanam, Anthropology and English
2017-2018
Rachel Charette, History
Isabel Hall, Environmental Engineering
2016-2017
Sarah Stanford, English
2015-2016
Cathleen Alarcón, Romance Languages and Literatures
2014-2015
Samah Asfour, Political Science and Global Gender Studies
2013-2014
Kerri Pickard-DePriest, Environmental Studies and English
Sharlene Green, Political Science and African American Studies
"Since the 2014-15 academic year, two of the scholarship awardees, Samah Asfour and Sarah Stanford, have won prestigious Fulbright English Teaching Assistantships (ETA) and a third, Cathleen Alarcón, received permission from Mexican playwright Bárbara Colio to translate Colio’s 2014 play “Casi Transilvania” from Spanish into English."