The Thomas H. Smouse Memorial Fellowship is awarded to graduate students doing research in fats, oils, proteins, surfactants and related materials. The purpose of this graduate fellowship is to encourage, recognize and support outstanding research in a field of study consistent with the areas of interest to AOCS.
This award was established in memory of Dr. Smouse’s dedication and enthusiasm for lipid chemistry and his commitment to family, education, and AOCS. Dr. Smouse was a long-time member and very active volunteer in AOCS, including serving as President of AOCS in 1983. As well as a noted industrial researcher into the flavor chemistry of fats and oils. Archer Daniels Midland Foundation, AOCS Foundation, AOCS, and the family and friends of Dr. Smouse established and assisted in this fellowship’s funding.
What does the recipient receive?
- Custom inscribed bookends with the recipient’s name and award details
- US $10,000 honorarium
- Up to a US $5,000 research and travel allowance
- Opportunity to present an award lecture at the AOCS Annual Meeting
Who is eligible?
- Graduate students who are AOCS members that:
- are conducting research at an educational institution that is conducting fundamental investigations in the chemistry of fats, oils, proteins, surfactants and related materials, with an above average interest in and aptitude for research
- have never received the Thomas H. Smouse Memorial Fellowship
- Note: the graduate student’s major professor supervising the research must also be a current AOCS member
- Please refer to the Award Guidelines (.pdf) for the detailed eligibility guidelines
How do I nominate someone?
Login to the Awards Portal to submit the following nomination materials by October 14.
- Letter of nomination from the major professor supervising the research
- Major professor statement confirming good standing at the university (complete within the application)
- At least three letters of recommendation from deans, department heads and/or professors who have supervised the student’s most recent academic work. These letters should present essential facts regarding: 1) scholastic record, 2) character and personality, 3) interest and capability in research, 4) ability to cooperate with others, 5) capacity for work, and 6) extracurricular activities
- Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate colleges or university work completed to date
Most Recent Recipient
Thilini Dissanayake, PhD Student, Food and Human Nutritional Sciences, University of Manitoba
Thilini Dissanayake is a second-year PhD student at the Food Proteins and Bioproducts Research Lab, University of Manitoba, working under the guidance of Dr. Nandika Bandara. She completed her MSc in 2022, where her work centered on agricultural byproduct protein-based sustainable food packaging materials. Her PhD research focuses on the development of protein-based nanodelivery systems to enhance the bioavailability of bioactive compounds. Thilini obtained her bachelor’s degree from the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, in 2018. Additionally, Thilini has gained research experience at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences in Uppsala, Sweden, for five months, and at the University of Melbourne in Australia for two months. Beyond her involvement in research and academic work, she is someone who deeply appreciates and enjoys engaging in extracurricular activities. Currently, she is honored to hold the position of co-chair within the AOCS Students Common Interest Group.