The Elmer A. Fridley Scholarship in the Physical Sciences is awarded annually alternating between an outstanding undergraduate and graduate student pursuing a degree in the physical sciences. The scholarship fund was established in 1989 upon receipt of a bequest from the estate of William Fridley, a long-time resident of Santa Cruz County.

Amount & Use
Award amount: $1,400
Eligibility & Requirements
  • One graduate student studying in one of the physical sciences departments (Physics, Earth & Planetary Sciences, Chemistry & Biochemistry, and Mathematics)
  • Must be a continuing student (will enroll in Fall quarter 2025)
Deadlines
  • Faculty nomination files are due Monday, April 21, 2025
  • Student statements and unofficial transcripts are due Monday, May 12, 2025
  • Awards announced Friday, May 30, 2025
Selection Process
Selection process: Physical & Biological Sciences faculty submit nominations and recipients are selected by a faculty committee appointed by the Dean of Physical and Biological Sciences
Past recipients

2025

Alejandra Rosselli-Calderon, Graduate in Astrophysics

2024

Ollie Jackson, Undergraduate in Astrophysics

2023

John Wenger, Graduate in Chemistry & Biochemistry

2022

Jeremiah Ockenfuss, Undergraduate in Physics

2021

Nolan Smythe, Graduate in Physics

2020

Jamie Law-Smith, Graduate in Physics

2019

Ariadna Murguia-berthier, Graduate in Astronomy

2018

Andrea Antoni, Graduate in Astrophysics

2017

Benjamin Lehman, Graduate in Physics
Andrea Antoni, Undergraduate in Astrophysics

2016

no award

2015

Adam Coogan, Graduate in Phyiscs

2014

Andrea Antoni, Graduate in Astrophysics

2013

Morgan Macleod, Graduate in Astronomy and Astrophysics

2012

Brandon Heilman, Graduate in Physics

2011

James F. Guillochon, Graduate in Astromy and Astrophysics

2010

Matthew Coleman, Undergraduate in Physics and Astrophysics

How to apply
This award has no application. Students are nominated by PBSci faculty.
Faculty nominations should be submitted via this Google Form.

Application materials

  • Nomination statement from a faculty member or department chair (submitted by nominator)
  • Student statement (submitted by student)
  • Unofficial student transcripts (submitted by student)