Professor’s Gift to Support Undergraduate Scientific Research

A generous $1.5 million gift left to Marlboro College by the estate of Robert (Bob) Edward Engel will be used to fund the Robert Engel Research Grants Fund through investment in Emerson’s endowment, supporting scientific research for undergraduate students. 

Dr. Engel was a Professor of Biology and Environmental Studies at Marlboro College for 36 years, from 1975 until his retirement in 2011. After his retirement, he stayed connected to Marlboro, returning to campus as an Emeritus Professor to make guest appearances and host natural history walks. 

In a remembrance after his death in 2018, Marlboro College stated: “In an age of specialization, Bob acquired an unusually broad-based understanding of the life sciences, teaching courses on topics ranging from general biology to tropical, marine, and desert ecology, and from ornithology to comparative physiology and plant taxonomy.” 

Consistent with the wishes of Professor Engel, the Robert Engel Research Grants Fund has been established to fund student research in biology, ecology, and closely-allied fields. These research opportunities and projects will provide undergraduate students with experiential learning opportunities that are not otherwise available in the classroom. 

“This gift represents a remarkable investment in our students’ hands-on learning and discovery,” Provost Alexandra Socarides said. “Through these grants, our students will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in research that goes beyond the classroom, helping them develop critical skills, curiosity, and confidence in scientific exploration. This fund honors the legacy of Professor Engel by empowering students to engage in meaningful, impactful research that prepares them to tackle the environmental challenges of tomorrow,” she said. 

“We celebrate and value philanthropy in support of the incredible individuals who make Emerson truly special,” said President Jay Bernhardt. “We are so fortunate to be able to honor Professor Engel’s wishes, and we look forward to building on the momentum that his gift brings to our fundraising efforts in advancing the College’s mission.”

Applications may be submitted for up to $6,000 per project; the application process opens March 3, 2025, for awarding in Academic Year 2025-26. 

Projects can include experiential opportunities for students, faculty research that involves students, faculty-student collaborations, speakers and workshops on relevant topics, and more as detailed on the application site. A faculty member (or a designated lead faculty member, if there is more than one) must serve as the primary point of contact for administration and post-award management of the grant. 

To learn more about the Robert Engel Research Grants Fund, please visit the Office of Research and Creative Scholarship (ORCS) web page.