Southwest Projects

Appleton-Whittell Research Ranch Fellowship Program

Our Goals
Engage the next generation of conservation leaders by supporting early career scientists conducting research that supports our mission
What We’re Doing
We provide annual research stipends, free on-ranch housing, mentorship, and communications support to a new cohort of Appleton-Whittell research fellows each year

Applications for the 2026 Appleton-Whittell Research Fellowships are due on March 30, 2026. Awardees will be notified on May 1, 2026. Use the information below to apply today! 

At Audubon Southwest, we seek science-based solutions to the biggest threats facing the region’s birds, other wildlife, habitats, and communities. We need sound science to tell us what birds need, and we believe that securing conservation wins tomorrow depends on fostering a young, diverse cohort of aspiring scientists today. 

That is why we offer our annual Appleton-Whittell Research Fellowships! Through this program, we offer support to early career scientists embarking on research with the potential to further Frank and Ariel Appleton’s founding mission of the Research Ranch – to leave the land better than we found it. Community engagement in science and conservation 

2026 Application Materials: 

Past Appleton-Whittell Research Fellows: 

2025

  •  Matt Jenkins – University of Arizona (Bluebirds) 
  • Perez Sanchez – Arizona State University (Motus/Grassland Sparrows) 

2024 

2023 

  • Adriana Garcia Rivera – Northern Arizona University (Emory Oak) 
  • Matt Jenkins – University of Arizona (Bluebirds) 
  • Mia Brann – Northern Arizona University (Beardless Chinchweed) 

2022 

  • Hillary Goodine – Arizona State University (Yellow Bluestem) 
  • Grace O’Malley – Virginia Tech (Arizona Treefrog) 
  • Yasser Almalki – New Mexico State University (Exotic lovegrasses) 
  • Leonela Vasquez – University of Sonora (Native bees) 
  • Zeinab Rose Haidar - California State Polytechnic University (Western and Eastern Red Bats) 

2018 

  • Maggie Manatov – University of Tennessee (Dung beetles) 
  • Nick Beauregard – Northern Arizona University (Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo) 

2017 

  • Cheyenne J. Herzog – Arizona State University (Riparian mammals) 
  • Caylee Falvo – Colorado State University (Uinta Ground Squirrel) 
  • Dawson Brown – Christopher Newport University (Long-tailed Brush Lizard) 
  • Anthony Gilbert – Ohio University (Ornate Tree Lizard) 

2016 

  • Cynthia Morris – Christopher Newport University (Ornate Tree Lizard) 
  • William Ternes – Christopher Newport University (Ornate Tree Lizard) 
  • Anthony Gilbert – Ohio University (Ornate Tree Lizard) 

2015 

  • Anthony Gilbert – Ohio University (Ornate Tree Lizard) 

2014 

  • Kortney Jaworski – Christopher Newport University (Yarrow’s Spiny Lizard) 
  • Sean Carter – Colorado College (Green Sunfish and Sonoran Mud Turtle) 

2013 

  • Dr. Matthew Lattanzio – Ohio University (Lizards, habitat, and ecology) 
  • Erik Andersen (Mesquite encroachment) 

2012 

  • Pedro Mazier Chavarria – University of Arizona (Montezuma Quail) 

2010 

  • Pedro Mazier Chavarria – Texas A&M University (Montezuma Quail) 

Thank you to the Research Ranch Foundation and the generous Appleton-Whittell Research Ranch community whose contributions make this award possible!