Detering Gurfield Family Scholarship

"Eligibility Criteria The Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison offers the Detering Gurfield Family Scholarship to support undergraduate and graduate students whose research efforts are helping to move our world toward a decarbonized future. This scholarship is intended to support students whose research focuses on climate change, alternative energies, clean technologies, geoengineering, public policy, economic analysis and/or related studies that will help lead our world to a sustainable energy model. Given the highly interdisciplinary processes associated with effective problem-solving, students from across the sciences and humanities are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be a full-time, registered undergraduate or graduate student in good academic standing, with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, from any School, College, Department or Center. Student applicants who are at least one full academic year away from graduation will be given special preference for this scholarship award. Research projects should be ongoing or completed, rather than proposed work. Donor Information This scholarship was established by Ian Gurfield and Susan Detering, local Madison, WI business owners (Ian’s Pizza, Batch Bakehouse), world travelers, and lovers of nature. Susan grew up on a farm in Pennsylvania, graduated from Mt. Holyoke College, and spent nine years as a Grand Canyon River guide. Ian was raised in Brazil and Massachusetts, studied Philosophy and Economics at UMass Amherst, and has pursued entrepreneurial endeavors for the past 20 years. Together they have two rambunctious kids who love animals and outdoor adventures. Award Information One $3,000 scholarship is available to be awarded during the Spring 2026 scholarship competition. Applicants will be notified of their selection in April 2026 and will be honored at the Nelson Institute’s Recognition Reception to be held in the Fall of 202"