Springfield, Ohio - Wittenberg University senior Joseph Ullmer of West Carrollton has been awarded the Ohio EPA Environmental Scholarship for the 2002-2003 school year.

Administered by the Ohio Academy of Science, the scholarship program was created in 1999 to encourage studies in environmental science and engineering, provide additional motivation for students to enter the field of environmental protection, and award merit-based scholarships to outstanding undergraduate students to further their education and enhance their employability in environmental fields. This is the first year students at Ohio's private colleges were eligible, as a result of change in Ohio law.

The Ohio Academy of Science received 21 applications for this year's scholarships. Of the 18 recipients, eight students are from private, four-year colleges. The students selected to receive scholarships were judged on academic record, original research, scholarship, employment, volunteering, or other unique contributions to environmental science or environmental engineering.

Ullmer, a biology major, is involved in many activities on Wittenberg's campus including Habitat for Humanity, the American Institute of Biological Sciences, the biology honorary Tri Beta, and he is a faculty aide for the biology department.

Ullmer's future plans include working with endangered species in hopes of promoting wildlife conservation. After graduation from Wittenberg in the spring of 2003, he plans to attend The Ohio State University working toward an M.S. or Ph.D. in zoology or natural resources.

Ullmer is the son of Mike Ullmer of Indiatlantic, Fla. and Carol Ullmer of West Carrollton, Ohio.