The Christopher S. Foote Senior Fellowship in Organic Chemistry is one of the most prestigious internal honors available to graduate students in UCLA’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. Rather than rewarding a research proposal or a written application, it marks a milestone already achieved: the successful completion of the qualifying examination for the PhD degree, combined with exceptional performance across graduate studies and research.
About the Christopher S. Foote Senior Fellowship Program
Established in 2005 to honor the legacy of UCLA organic chemistry professor Dr. Christopher S. Foote on his 70th birthday, the fellowship was created by his former co-workers and UCLA colleagues. Dr. Foote and his wife, Professor Judi Smith, donated the funds to fully endow the program. Dr. Foote, whose 43-year academic career placed him among the world leaders in physical organic chemistry, passed away shortly after the fellowship was created. The program has since run annually, with the organic chemistry faculty selecting Senior Fellows from among third-year PhD students who demonstrate exceptional academic and research distinction.
Funding Size
- Stipend spread across two academic years
- Exact stipend amount not publicly disclosed; determined by the endowment
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Who Can Apply
- Currently enrolled third-year graduate students in the UCLA Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry organic chemistry program
- Students must have completed their qualifying examination for the PhD degree
- Selection is made by the UCLA organic chemistry faculty; students do not submit independent applications
Geographic Eligibility
- UCLA Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry only
- Los Angeles, California, United States
Sector or Thematic Focus
- Organic chemistry research at the graduate level
- Physical organic chemistry and related synthetic and mechanistic disciplines
- PhD-level academic achievement and research excellence
Application Process
There is no external application process. Senior Foote Fellows are identified and selected each year by the UCLA organic chemistry faculty from among qualifying third-year students who have passed their PhD qualifying examination. Students interested in the program should focus on academic and research performance within the department.
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Key Dates
- Fellows are typically announced each spring following the qualifying examination cycle
- The 2026 Senior Foote Fellows are expected to be announced in mid-2026
Selection Notes
- Selection is entirely at the discretion of the UCLA organic chemistry faculty
- Both academic performance and research accomplishment are considered
- The fellowship operates in parallel with the Junior Foote Fellowship, which supports the most promising incoming applicants to the UCLA organic chemistry graduate program