The Excellence in Graduating Teaching Award recognizes a graduate student who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to teaching, mentorship, and student engagement. The recipient goes beyond standard teaching duties to foster a supportive and productive learning environment through innovative teaching methods and a commitment to student success.

Award Criteria

• A nomination letter from a faculty member or a previous undergraduate student
• A teaching philosophy statement from the student
• A curriculum vitae (CV)

Examples of Qualifying Achievements

• Initiatives to develop supporting teaching materials
• Leading engaging discussions
• Effective use of technology to help students understand complex topics

The Excellence in Science Communication Award highlights a graduate student with outstanding science communication skills. The recipient presents their work effectively to both discipline-specific and general audiences, making complex research accessible to all.

Award Criteria

• Nomination (self-nomination or from the Principal Investigator)
• A “bird’s eye view” of their overall research, explaining its importance and impact (maximum 350 words)
• An updated abstract of their most recent presentation (maximum 300 words)
• A list of conferences (local, national, or international), talks, posters, and departmental seminars

Examples of Qualifying Achievements

• Winning a best poster or oral presentation award
• Demonstrating initiative in making a presentation accessible and easily understandable

Supporting Information (Optional)

• A personal testament regarding the nominee’s science communication skills (from the PI, a lab member, or self-nominated)
• A description of the audience’s engagement with the presentation (e.g., questions asked, follow-up discussions, research opportunities, or feedback received)

The Excellence in Mentorship Award includes two categories: one for faculty members and one for Ph.D. students.

It recognizes a graduate student who excels in mentoring peers and undergraduates. Nominees actively create a supportive, inclusive environment that fosters academic and personal growth through clear guidance and shared expertise.

It honors a faculty member who demonstrates exceptional mentorship by offering personalized guidance, constructive feedback, and dedicated support. Nominees help cultivate academic success and professional development among their graduate students.

Award Criteria

For Faculty

• Solicit current students (graduate and undergraduate) to evaluate their principal investigator using a poll with several criteria (1–5 ranking):
  • Availability: “My mentor sets aside time to mentor me as their student.”
  • Feedback on science and soft skills
  • Inclusion in programs and networking
  • Flexibility and understanding
  • Guidance for applying to fellowships and grants
  • Interpersonal relationships (effective communication)
• Faculty members must submit a list of Ph.D. students (or undergraduates) who have graduated in the past five years. The list should include each student’s full name and the first position obtained after graduation.

For Students

• Nomination from the PI and from other students
• A short essay explaining their approach to mentoring
• Demonstrated effort in seeking career development opportunities in mentoring (departmental, UH, or TMC/GCC level)

NOTE: Self-nominations will not be accepted.

Examples of Qualifying Achievements

• A faculty member whose graduate students feel supported and receive valuable feedback
• A graduate student who has mentored an undergraduate student

Supporting Information (Optional)

This award does not include mentoring-related teaching; there is a separate category for that.

The Excellence in Scientific Leadership Award will be given to a graduate student who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, especially through initiatives that improve the department by building relationships, creating community, and cultivating scientific excellence. Preference is given to new initiatives and programs that directly impact the department and its students.

Award Criteria

• Engagement in service activities at the departmental, college, or university level
• Involvement in professional society activities

Examples of Qualifying Achievements

• Leadership of a student organization
• Participation in departmental working groups
• Fostering connections between students and faculty
• Initiating a new organization or working group

Supporting Information (Optional)

• A statement from the student and/or a nomination letter
• A CV highlighting leadership, especially if there are multiple nominations

The Most Impact Research in Ecological and Evolution Biology will be given to a graduate student on the Ecology and Evolution degree track who has displayed excellence in research throughout their graduate career.

Award Criteria

• The student must have completed two long semesters on the Ecology and Evolution degree track.

Examples of Qualifying Achievements

• Quality and impact of published work
• Presentations at conferences
• Key roles in significant projects
• Awards, fellowships, and grants

Supporting Information (Optional)

Students should provide a research statement outlining work relevant to the award and identify a faculty member who has agreed to provide a nomination letter. A student may win this award once per tenure in a graduate program. Additional supporting information may include posters, presentations, or evidence of research impact (e.g., bulletins, published articles, magazine, or internet articles).

The Most Impactful Research in Cellular and Molecular Biology recognizes a graduate student who has demonstrated excellence in research in Cellular and Molecular Biology. It celebrates innovative contributions that advance our understanding of cellular processes and molecular mechanisms.

Award Criteria

• This award is intended for graduate students on the Cellular and Molecular Biology track who are in good standing with the department.
• Nominees should a minimum of one year of dedicated research in Cellular and Molecular Biology.
• Evidence of research excellence may include peer-reviewed publications, strong presentation records at conferences, and contributions to innovative experimental techniques.
• Nomination: Self-nominations are accepted for this award, as well as nominations from the PI.

Examples of Qualifying Achievements

• Publication of research in high-quality, peer-reviewed journals
• Presentations at national or international conferences
• Development of innovative experimental methods or significant contributions to research projects
• Recognition through departmental or external research awards

Supporting Information (Optional)

• A research statement (up to 500 words) outlining the impact of the nominee’s work in Cellular and Molecular Biology
• Additional supporting documents such as copies of publications, presentation abstracts, or letters of recommendation

The Most Impactful Research in Biochemical and Biophysical Sciences recognizes a graduate student who has demonstrated significant impact in research in Biochemical and Biophysical Sciences. This award will be presented to a graduate student in the Biochemistry track who has displayed a record of research excellence through publications of peer-reviewed papers in scientific journals and presenting their research at conferences. Students who qualify for this award must have completed their qualifying exams into Ph.D. candidacy, be on the biochemistry track, and be in good standing within the department.

Award Criteria

• Award for Impactful Research in Biochemical and Biophysical Sciences will be awarded to a student in the biochemistry Ph.D. track who has displayed research excellence. Students nominated will likely have a peer-reviewed publication and a strong presentation record at conferences or symposiums.

Examples of Qualifying Achievements

• First or co-author publications
• Conference Presentations
• Highly cited research/High impact journal publications

Supporting Information (Optional)

Nominated students must submit a statement of research that explains why they believe their research is impactful to biochemical and biophysical sciences (500 words maximum, submitted as .doc, .docx, or .pdf).

The Quiet Leadership Award honors an individual within the department who works behind the scenes to drive improvements. Special consideration is given to those who have taken on new roles in the past year to enhance the department. This award is open to everyone in the department, including staff and administrators.

Award Criteria

• The recipient has led or driven efforts to improve the department.
• The awards committee believes this person does not receive the recognition they deserve or contributes in ways that are typically overlooked.

Examples of Qualifying Achievements

• A staff member who has supported student organizations
• A teaching faculty member who has advocated for graduate students or organized community-building events
• A graduate student who helped coordinate an important departmental or subdivision event
• Anyone in the department who provides reliable support during challenging times