Homola Scholarships
Since 2001, NEMF has awarded Homola Scholarships to applicants interested in furthering their study of fungi through foray attendance. The Homola Scholarship was created in 2000 in honor of Dr. Richard Homola. Of Dr. Homola, NEMF trustees noted, "Dr. Richard Homola, or Dick as we would always address him, was well known for his participation in the NEMF annual forays and in all the mycological clubs in the Northeast. Whether you were an expert mycologist or a beginner, Dick was always ready to answer questions or help with an identification. His patience seemed endless, and he always wore a smile. He was a true and fond friend to all amateurs and is sorely missed by all." More on Dr. Homola below.
NEMF has a limited number of scholarships available for attendees of the annual foray. To apply, please read the below guidelines.
GUIDELINES FOR SCHOLARSHIP APPLICANTS
To the
Northeast Mycological Federation’s
Annual Samuel Ristich Northeast Mycological Foray (NEMF)
The application for a scholarship to attend the annual NEMF is principally comprised of a letter to the Scholarship Committee that includes the following four points:
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Your background and training (if any) in Mycology
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Your current research and/or activities in the field of Mycology, including club affiliations and years of experience
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Any particular branch of Mycology in which you wish to specialize in the future, and lastly
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Why you think you are an exceptional candidate deserving of such an award​
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Note: The award covers your tuition at the four-day conference but not your travel to and from. Please make your necessary arrangements for travel.
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Your letter of application is due by the end of June during the year of the foray. If there are no applicants at that time, letters may be received up until the end of July or no later than a month prior to the foray. The Scholarship Committee, which is a standing committee of the Board of Trustees of NEMF, shall review all applications within one week after the posted deadline of the receipt of the letter of interest. If a suitable candidate has been accepted, they will be notified as soon as all Committee members have come to a consensus about the winning applicant(s) as well as the amount of the award. (Note: in the event of a limited amount of funds and two or more equally qualified applicants, the total award may be split).
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The NEMF Board of Trustees and the Foray Registrar will be notified concurrently with the applicant. It is up to the applicant to provide a timely response to the award by registering for it so as to secure a reservation at the Foray. In general, the Foray Chairperson shall hold the place for the winning applicant(s) up to a month prior to the Foray start date, after which the reservation may be forfeited if there are other wait-listed people wishing to attend the Foray.
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Note: The number of scholarships in any given year will be somewhat dependent upon the NEMF balance from the previous year. Although possible, scholarship recipients who wish to re-apply in subsequent years will have to be considered after those who have never applied before.
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Please send all inquiries and/or application letters to the Chair of the Scholarship Committee:
Rick Van de Poll, Ph.D.
30 North Sandwich Road
Center Sandwich, NH 03227
rickvdp@gmail.com [Electronic communications preferred]
From the Mycophile, Sept/Oct 1997:
"The 1997 recipient of the NAMA award for contributions to amateur mycology is Dr. Richard Homola. Dick began working with fungi during the 1960's while attending the University of Michigan. He earned his doctorate under the direction of Alexander Smith. Although his graduate research focused on the genus Pluteus, he studied many additional genera and developed a broad knowledge of fungi. This has made him one of the finest generalists in mycology, resulting in his being very much in demand at local, regional, and national forays.
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During his tenure at the University of Maine at Orono, Dick continued his mycological research and distinguished himself as a scholar by authoring numerous professional papers and several guides to mushroom identification. His works include a three part color series entitled "The Ectomycorrhizae of Maine, A Listing of Hygrophorus, Lactarius, and the Boletaceae, with the Associated Hosts." He is an excellent photographer and botanical illustrator. Many of his photographs appear in his publications and in numerous works by others.
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For nearly thirty years Dick has collaborated with students, foray participants, and colleagues. He has presented numerous lectures for mycological societies and has served for many years as the advisor to the Boston Mycological Club. His summer workshops held at Eagle Hill, Maine are renowned and provide a wonderful opportunity to study with one of America's finest mycologists. Attending his classes or presentations is not only an occasion to improve one's understanding of mycology, but also affords the opportunity to interact with an individual of exceptional personal qualities.
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Dick is a familiar figure at foray sorting and identification tables where his expertise is greatly appreciated. He is an outstanding teacher who is always approachable and willing to assist others. He is a constant resource for anyone seeking help no matter what level of understanding and an inspiration to both novice and veteran mycophiles. Dick is a knowledgeable mycologist, a patient teacher, and a generous friend to all who have had the privilege of knowing and working with him. Without question he is a most worthy recipient of this prestigious award."