The Johnny Morris Institute of Fisheries, Wetlands and Aquatic Systems is proud to announce the 2025 recipients of the McGeehan Undergraduate Scholarships. These scholarships are awarded to exemplary students pursuing a degree in Natural Resources, Biological Sciences or a related field of study who have demonstrated excellence in academics, leadership and conservation education. The inaugural undergraduate scholarship was issued in the 2024 school year and the Johnny Morris Institute is excited to continue the momentum by issuing two additional scholarships in 2025.
Recipients of the 2025 Johnny Morris Institute scholarships include Allison Moonier, a freshman undergraduate student at the University of Missouri (MU) studying Environmental Science and Abby Welch, a sophomore at MU studying Natural Resource Science and Management, Emphasis in Fisheries & Wildlife. Both students completed a competitive application process and were selected based on their demonstrated experience and commitment to their studies and field.
The McGeehan Undergraduate scholarships are made possible by generous donations to the Chip and Teresa McGeehan Career Pathways Program. The McGeehan’s significant support, in tandem with Fund-A-Need efforts, have helped create and deliver these game-changing scholarships. This program develops conservation professionals, providing them with real-world experiences and training to prepare the next generation of conservationists in the workforce. This program is accomplished in many ways, beginning with internships and scholarships, and will eventually include cooperative learning opportunities, workshops and fellowships. Through the efforts of the Chip and Teresa McGeehan Career Pathways Program, the Johnny Morris Institute will become a national leader in undergraduate education. Being known for turning out the best-trained and most competent students is our goal. Career Pathways Program students will be prepared to find solutions to our biggest conservation challenges, engage the public we serve and adapt emerging technologies to conservation problems.
The Johnny Morris Institute of Fisheries, Wetlands and Aquatic Systems established in collaboration with the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation (MCHF), Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the University of Missouri (MU) within the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) at MU aims to advance the wellness of our watersheds improving all quality of life. The Johnny Morris Institute will train the next generation of aquatic systems conservationists, environmental scientists, and researchers, and serve as a national center of research, knowledge, and best management practices impacting fisheries, wildlife, and aquatic systems. Annual scholarships are just one way the Johnny Morris Institute helps to train and prepare the next generation of conservation professionals.
Interested in supporting the Johnny Morris Institute or learning more about the Career Pathways Program? Reach out to Tricia Burkhardt at tricia.burkhardt@mochf.org or 319.610.5215 to learn more.
About the 2025 Johnny Morris Institute Scholarship Winners:
Ally is a freshman undergrad student majoring in Environmental Science. She is passionate about earth systems and animals, choosing to study the connections between humans, organisms and the climate. Ally has been employed as an entomologist for the past few years and is especially interested in insect life and behaviors. 
Allison Moonier
Abby is a sophomore undergrad student studying Natural Resource Science and Management, Emphasis in Fisheries & Wildlife. Abby says she has always been passionate about fisheries and loves learning everything she can about the natural world. Whether she’s out in the field, working with data, or just having a conversation about conservation, she’s always looking for ways to grow and expand her knowledge. Abby is excited to be a lifelong learner in the field, constantly discovering new things and finding ways to make a difference.
Abby Welch
