The Dr. Le Thu Grant for Environmental Conservation has opened applications for undergraduate students nationwide, offering funding and recognition for projects addressing ecological challenges. Established by Dr. Le Thu, MD, a board-certified emergency medicine physician with over four decades of experience, the scholarship aims to support future environmental stewards who can demonstrate genuine dedication to conservation through proposed initiatives or academic pursuits.
Dr. Thu's extensive medical background, including managing emergency departments with annual patient volumes ranging from 15,000 to 100,000 cases, has provided her with unique insight into the connections between environmental health and human wellbeing. This perspective informs the grant's focus on tangible positive outcomes for environmental preservation. Eligible applicants include students, educators, researchers, and representatives from non-profit organizations focused on sustainability, with priority given to candidates who articulate clear project goals and demonstrate relevant experience in environmental science or conservation.
The application process requires a detailed project proposal outlining objectives, methodology, and anticipated environmental impact, along with evidence of prior experience or education in related fields. A key component is an essay response of 500-700 words describing a personal experience that strengthened the applicant's dedication to environmental conservation and explaining how the grant would advance their preservation goals. This allows Dr. Thu to understand the individual stories driving each applicant's advocacy. The scholarship application deadline is October 15, 2026, with the recipient announcement scheduled for November 15, 2026.
Dr. Thu's professional credentials include a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering from Northwestern University in 1978, a medical degree from Rush Presbyterian Medical Center University in 1982, and an Internal Medicine Residency at Cincinnati Medical Center in 1985. She maintains board certification in Emergency Medicine along with certifications in ACLS, ATLS, and PALS, and holds medical licenses across 15 states. Her career includes serving as an attending physician and locum tenens specialist in hospitals nationwide and contributing to medical education as an instructor at institutions including Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, and Boston City Hospital between 1989 and 1997.
The grant's importance lies in its cross-disciplinary approach, bridging medical expertise with environmental conservation at a time when ecological challenges increasingly impact public health. By funding undergraduate initiatives, it invests in early-career leaders who may develop innovative solutions to sustainability issues. The program seeks diverse perspectives and approaches, recognizing that effective conservation requires collaboration across regions, disciplines, and communities. For complete application requirements, guidelines, and submission information, interested candidates should visit the official scholarship website.
