Submit a one-page essay summarizing why you are deserving of this scholarship and how you would use it to further your education.

This scholarship was established by Jeff Carpenter in honor of Dr. Lynn Irby. Mr. Carpenter is an ’81 graduate from MSU with a degree in Fish and Wildlife Biology. Dr. Irby was his advisor at MSU and made a profound impact on his life. Jeff pursued a degree in Dentistry at Marquette University following in his father’s footsteps and taking over the family dental practice. Jeff sold the practice in 2021 and moved “home” to Montana permanently in Lewistown. Jeff attributes much of his success in life to his advisor, Dr. Lynn Irby. During a 26-year career with the Fish and Wildlife Management Program at Montana State University, Dr. Lynn Irby chaired 43 graduate committees and served on hundreds of other graduate committees. Irby and his students produced more than 50 refereed/reviewed publications on a wide variety of vertebrates in Montana and adjacent states. The studies directed by Dr. Irby have improved management of wild ungulates and carnivores throughout the Northern Rockies and Great Plains.

Provide the name and email address of a mentor/faculty member in the Ecology Department or on your committee who may supply a letter of recommendation.

A letter of recommendation is not required to be considered for this scholarship.