David and Norma Karr Fellowship on Environmental Activism and the Built Environment

The Karr Fellowship has been established to encourage research in Special Collections on environmental activism and the built environment. SCUA's archival holdings offer insight into the variety and complexity of the environmental movement and its influence on contemporary American culture. In addition, these materials demonstrate the broad range of interests and activities within the environmental movement at both the local and national level, including the preservation of endangered tracts of land and timber, pollution, public health, and the protection of the oceans, wildlife, and indigenous populations. Relevant records span more than a century (1890-2020) and contain primary source materials such as correspondence, reports, specifications, drawings, photographs, models, and artifacts. 

Fellowship Description

Awards of $1,500 support travel for the purpose of research at SCUA and are open to any non-UO individual, regardless of institutional affiliation. The fellowship selection committee includes representatives from SCUA and selected academic faculty. Fellows should be aware that, depending on their status and country of origin, the US government may consider their award taxable income. It is recommended that fellows familiarize themselves with their tax status and take necessary steps to plan for and pay any potential fees.

Application Requirements

  • A 1,000-word (maximum) proposal that describes the project for which these collections will be consulted, as well as the role that the applicant expects these collections will play in the project
  • A curriculum vitae or résumé
  • Full contact information (name, phone, email, physical address)
  • Full name of applicant must appear on each page of the application
  • Two letters of recommendation (must be submitted separately to Emily Moore at mlemoore@uoregon.edu)

Fellows Will:

  • Complete their research at the University of Oregon within a year of award notification
  • Present a 10-15 minute lecture as part of SCUA's virtual Annual Research Fellow Panel
  • Submit a copy of their final project or publication to SCUA
  • Acknowledge the Karr Fellowship and its sponsor, SCUA, in all publications resulting from the research fellowship

Applications for 2026 will be accepted until January 2nd, 2026. 

Fellows awarded funding will be notified by late March of the application year. 

Access application here.