The mission of the funder, named in honor of the late John E. Sanders, is to support student research in the fields of coastal or environmental geology. Sanders, a sedimentologist and environmentalist, believed in the application of geologic principles to address environmental problems. His legacy continues through this fund aimed at advancing understanding in these critical areas of geology.
The grant program focuses on supporting student research projects related to coastal or environmental geology. It seeks to fund research efforts that contribute to the broader understanding of geological processes and environmental issues. Awardees are required to acknowledge this funding source in their academic publications, including Masters theses and Ph.D. Dissertations, ensuring recognition of the support provided by the fund.