Scholarships are awarded by EREF to recognize excellence in master's, doctoral or post-doctoral waste management research and education. Awards to doctoral students are given in memory of Francois Fiessinger, P.E., Ph.D., a graduate of Rutgers University, who was a founding director of the foundation; and by the Environmental Research and Education Foundation. Awards to master's students are given by Robert P. Stearns, P.E., DEE/SCS Engineers, former Chairman of EREF; and by Robert J. Riethmiller/PTR Baler and Compactor, current Chairman of the Scholarship Committee.