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The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi awarded Sarah Lanphear ’25, a double major in ecology and creative writing with a minor in environmental science from Chittenango, N.Y., a fellowship with a value of $8,500 for her first year of graduate school. Lanphear, named a Slater Fellow by Phi Kappa Phi, completed her studies at Lycoming College in May and will pursue a graduate degree in environment and natural resources at The Ohio State University.
Phi Kappa Phi currently awards 40 fellowships of $8,500 each to members entering the first year of graduate or professional study. Each active Phi Kappa Phi chapter may select one candidate from among its local applicants to compete for the awards, and Lanphear was put forth by Lycoming College chapter this spring for consideration. Phi Kappa Phi Fellows go on to study at some of the nation’s top graduate schools.
As a student at Lycoming, Lanphear was passionate about ecology. She won a Haberberger Fellowship to research wetland restoration in the community, rapidly acquiring the necessary skill set to efficiently and accurately collect and analyze data. She was able to utilize her strong writing skills to effectively communicate research findings to a variety of audiences, including scientists, local volunteer organizations, and local government representatives. Lanphear completed three REUs (Research Experience for Undergraduates) and led Lycoming’s student environmental club. Outside of the sciences, she was published in the Mid-Atlantic Humanities Review for her paper entitled, “Shakespeare’s Characterization of Ideal Leadership through Henry V and Richard III,” and competed as a member of both the women’s tennis and basketball teams.
“I want to express my gratitude for the plethora of opportunities Lycoming presented to me. From interdisciplinary coursework that challenged me to think in different ways, to encouragement in my diverse interests, and support in and out of the classroom, Lycoming helped me grow as a student and as a person,” said Lanphear. “Lycoming's supportive faculty members provided me with feedback on internship and scholarship applications, and I attribute much of my success to their help. My time at Lycoming has prepared me well for graduate school and I look forward to building on the skills I learned as I pursue a master's degree at The Ohio State University.”
The selection process for a fellowship is based on the applicant's evidence of graduate potential, undergraduate academic achievement, service and leadership experience, letters of recommendation, personal statement of educational perspective and career goals, and acceptance in an approved graduate or professional program.
“Sarah is one of the best students I have ever taught in all respects. She is hardworking, passionate, and a clear leader, as well as an excellent mentor to other students,” said Leslie Rieck, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology at Lycoming College. “This Phi Kappa Phi Fellowship will provide great support for Sarah as she embarks on graduate work at The Ohio State University.”
Phi Kappa Phi Fellowships are part of the Society’s robust award programs, which give nearly $1 million each year to outstanding members and students on chapter campuses through study abroad grants, dissertation fellowships, funding for post-baccalaureate development, member and chapter awards, and grants for local, national and international literacy initiatives.
To see the complete list of 2025 Phi Kappa Phi Fellows and learn more about the program, visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org/Fellowship.