top of page

Scholarships and Awards

George W. Neighbor Jr. Memorial Scholarship

The Northeastern Association of Forensic Scientists is looking for candidates for the George W. Neighbor Jr. Memorial Scholarship award.
 

Who was George W. Neighbor, Jr.?
 

George Neighbor started with the New Jersey State Police in the 1970’s as a Criminalistics Supervisor in the North Regional Laboratory in Little Falls, NJ.  He was a great trace evidence examiner and an excellent microscopist. George was instrumental in helping to overturn the wrongful conviction of Glenn Woodall in West Virginia which led to the downfall of Fred Zain and help

Photograph of George W. Neighbor Jr.

downfall of Fred Zain and help demonstrate the need for quality assurance in forensic science laboratories.  Perhaps George’s most lasting legacy was that he was a great teacher and mentor.     Many of the young scientists he trained eventually became supervisors in their own right. He was a compassionate and patient mentor who took the time to work with junior scientists making them all better. He was President of NEAFS in 1981 and spoke often at NEAFS and other professional conferences. George was also very involved with the Boy Scouts in Hunterdon County (NJ) and a scout leader for a number of years.  George retired in the early 1990's and was diagnosed with cancer and passed away shortly after the initial diagnosis.  The forensic science community and NEAFS lost a great scientist, mentor, leader and a very dear friend.  He was and will always be missed and remembered as one of the great ones that touched our professional and personal lives.
 

The George W. Neighbor, Jr. Scholarship was created and is given out in remembrance of him.

Eligibility requirements for the George W. Neighbor Jr. Memorial Scholarship

  • Currently enrolled in a Forensic Science or related science program.

  • Full-time undergraduate students in their Junior or Senior year.

  • Full or part-time graduate students (limited to first two years for PhD students). 

  • The student must demonstrate excellence in his/her academic program.

Application requirements

  • Two letters of recommendation (each accompanied with the recommendation form) from Professors involved in the Forensic Science curriculum.
     

  • A letter from the student describing his/her personal aspirations in the Forensics field, achievements and reasons for award consideration. (Minimum of 250 words - maximum of 500 words). This must be provided to the Professors submitting the recommendation letters.

  • Applicants should be attending college / university within the area from which NEAFS draws its members (Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania).
     

  • Most current academic transcripts.

George W. Neighbor Jr. Memorial Scholarship (undergraduate) - Award is $1750

George W. Neighbor Jr. Memorial Scholarship (graduate) - Award is $1750

 

Application requirements must be submitted by April 30th.  Out of fairness to all potential candidates, no exceptions will be made.

bottom of page