Student awards

College of Science Research Scholar Award

Awarded to a graduating undergraduate senior for exceptional research contributions. Nomination must come from the nominee’s supervisor or mentor. Awardee receives a $1,000 prize, one-year membership to AAAS and a plaque presented at convocation. They will also be eligible to apply to give remarks at the College of Science convocation. Nominees must be:

• A College of Science graduating student
• Achieved excellence in science or math research
• Have definite plans to attend a graduate program in a science and math research field
• Be dedicated to a career in science or math research.

University Student Researchers Award

The Office of Undergraduate Research awards an undergraduate student researcher from each college. All students working with College of Science faculty are eligible, even if they are not majors in the College of Science. Nominees must:

• Be enrolled as an undergraduate student at the University of Utah
• Actively participating in research-related activities on campus
• Record of sustained commitment to developing research skills and knowledge under the supervision of a faculty mentor
• Evidence of independent and critical thinking
• Positive contributions to the research culture of the College.

Outstanding Undergraduate Student

Awarded to a graduating undergraduate student who exemplifies the mission of the College of Science.  Nominations must come from the nominee’s supervisor or mentor. The awardee will receive $1000 and will be eligible to apply to give remarks at the College of Science convocation.

Outstanding Graduate Student

Awarded to a graduating masters or Ph.D. student who exemplifies the mission of the College of Science.  The award may recognize contributions in scholarship, education, community engagement, or enhancing equity and inclusion across the college. The awardee will receive $1000. Nominations must come from the nominee’s supervisor or mentor.

Convocation Speaker

Faculty and staff are encouraged to nominate an exceptional graduating senior to speak at the annual College of Science convocation. The student should have a unique perspective/experience and the ability to speak publicly at convocation. Final speaker decisions will be made by the convocation steering committee. Students can also nominate themselves; please upload your speech in the application.

Faculty Awards

Excellence in Research

To be awarded for outstanding research accomplishment(s) in the last 3 years. Tenured or tenure-track faculty at all ranks are eligible. The awardee will receive $2000.  Nominations must come from the department awards committee and be accompanied by a letter from the chair/director(s).  

Excellence in Teaching & Mentoring

To be awarded for outstanding teaching and mentoring, broadly defined, including contributions in the classroom or lab, or to the mentoring of students, postdocs, and colleagues.  Tenure-line faculty at all ranks are eligible.  The awardee will receive $1000.  Nominations may come from any member of the College of Science community (students, postdocs, faculty, and staff) and are active for two years.

Distinguished Educator

To be awarded for exceptional contributions to the educational mission of the college.  Career-line faculty at all ranks are eligible. Nominations of faculty who have gone above and beyond to foster community, provide engaged learning opportunities, or otherwise substantially enrich learning experiences are strongly encouraged. The awardee will receive $1000. Nominations may come from any member of the College of Science community (students, postdocs, faculty, and staff) and are active for two years.

Distinguished Service

To be awarded for exceptional service contributions to the college, a department, or the university, as recognized by the College of Science.  All faculty are eligible.  The awardee will receive $1000. Nominations may come from any member of the College of Science community (students, postdocs, faculty, and staff) and are active for two years.

Staff Award

Staff Excellence

For exceptional contributions in support of the college mission. Nomination is open to all staff members, including administration, academic affairs, advancement, and technical staff.  The awardee will receive $1000.  Nominations may come from any member of the College of Science community (students, postdocs, faculty, and staff).

postdoctoral award

Outstanding Postdoctoral Researcher

Awarded to a postdoctoral associate for exceptional contributions in scholarship, education, community engagement, or enhancing equity and inclusion across the college.  The awardee will receive $1000. Nominations must come from the nominee’s supervisor or mentor.