Dr. L. David Mech, Lucas Paschal, 2023 Fellowship recipient, and Doug Smith, retired project lead, Yellowstone Wolf Project
The International Wolf Center is seeking applicants for the 2027 Dr. L. David Mech fellowship. As an investment in the future of wolf research and science-based wolf education, the Center awards up to two fellowships each year to undergraduate students or recent graduates interested in pursuing careers in natural sciences with an interest in wildlife. Fellowship recipients receive a $6,000 stipend and up to $4,000 in support for field research expenses.
Fellowship Goals
- Reduce barriers to allow undergraduate students and recent graduates to directly engage in research and field work.
- Encourage students from diverse backgrounds to explore natural sciences/wildlife biology as a profession.
- Provide bridge support for early-career researchers prior to graduate school.
Fellowship Award Details
- Application opens: November 1, 2026
- Application deadline: February 1, 2027
- Fellowships Awarded: March 31, 2027
- Term: April 1, 2027 through April 1, 2028
- Stipend: $6,000
- Research Allowance: up to $4,000 per year
Stipends are meant to support study and research during the tenure of the fellowship. Fellowship recipients are not employees, contracted workers, volunteers or interns of the International Wolf Center and are not covered by IWC’s benefits or insurance. All funds provided, including stipends and research allowances, are subject to tax. Fellows awarded stipends receive a financial summary at the end of each calendar year and are responsible for meeting their own state and federal tax obligations.
Research allowances are for equipment, supplies, research-related travel costs, housing, and other support required to participate in the project. A budget and general justification for these expenses must be included with your application.
A selection team of International Wolf Center staff and board review application materials and select recipients.
How to Apply
Eligibility
- Applicant must be a U.S. citizen
- Applicants must be either an upper-level student currently enrolled in an undergraduate institution or recently graduated within two years with an undergraduate degree.
- Current graduate students, those accepted to graduate school and those already with graduate-level degrees in wildlife biology or a related field are not eligible.
Application Materials
- Purpose Statement: 500-800-word essay focusing on (a) why you are a good candidate through discussion of need for wildlife research experience, financial support and barriers you have faced, (b) your previous career-building experiences and future goals, (c) how you will accomplish the goals of the fellowship program, and (d) your project preference and ability to carry out the project work. Special consideration will be given to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color candidates.
- Resume/CV
- Budget Proposal: Include financial needs for support during the project. An example is provided below. Estimated dollar amounts preferred but not required. You may enlist the help of the research lead to determine needs. If specific expenses are unknown at the time of application, please indicate this in lieu of a budget.
- Project Selection: Selection of your preferred project from the provided list.
- Reference Letter: An academic or professional reference letter referencing the applicants preferred project and ability to successfully complete the project, emailed by the reference to mechfellowship@wolf.org before February 1, 2027.
Sample Budget Proposal
Expectations for Fellows
Fellows will be expected to present an online webinar summarizing their field research experience and research findings by early 2027.
Fellowship recipients will also be expected to submit a summary report to the International Wolf Center and be willing to be interviewed and photographed by Center staff. These materials may be used in issues of International Wolf magazine or in web/social media posts. Summary reports should include the goals of the research project, methods used during the project, skills acquired, how this opportunity will help further a career in the wildlife field as well as their journey through the wildlife field to get to this point.
Mech Fellowship Projects
Mech Fellowship Projects: Project options will be posted here by November 1, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Dr. L David Mech?
L. David Mech (pronounced “Meech”) is a Senior Research Scientist with the Biological Resources Division, U.S. Geological Survey and an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology, and Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior at the University of Minnesota. He has studied wolves and their prey since 1958, as well as several other species of wildlife.
Although administration of his U.S. Geological Survey research is through Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, he is headquartered on the St. Paul Campus of the University of Minnesota in the Raptor Center, 1920 Fitch Ave., St. Paul, MN 55108.
Mech is also founder and vice chair of the International Wolf Center, and chaired the IUCN Wolf Specialist Group from 1978 to 2013. In 2013, the Wolf Specialist Group merged into the IUCN Canid Specialist Group, and Dave became advisor for wolves in that Group since then.
Mech has used radio-tracking for most of his career on wolves, deer, leopards, caribou, elk, lions, elephants, raccoons, lynxes, elk, hares, etc. For basic info, see Handbook of Animal Radio-tracking, and for info about satellite and GPS collars, see “A critique of wildlife radio-tracking and its use in national parks: a report to the National Park Service”. For wildlife research techniques before radio-tracking, see wildlife research in the old days.
Do I need to design my own project or can I get funded to participate as a volunteer on an established project?
Fellowship applicants should select a project from the list provided. The list will be available when the application opens on October 1.
I am not from the United States, can I apply?
At this point, fellowship recipients must be U.S. citizens to qualify but projects may take place internationally.
Who should I contact for more information?
Please email questions to MechFellowship@wolf.org
