Nominations open for Brina Kessel Medal for Excellence in Science

Nominations are open for the Brina Kessel Medal for Excellence in Science. The award was named for Kessel “to recognize her many contributions to her discipline, to Alaska, and to the University of Alaska,” and “because of her love for her students and commitment to high standards.”

Kessel was a professor at the university for more than 40 years and devoted a lifetime to the study of ornithology, emphasizing the birds of Arctic and subarctic Alaska.

Except in the absence of an outstanding eligible student, the medal and $500 will be awarded annually, usually at an annual awards ceremony held in the spring.

Award criteria:

1. Seniors in the natural sciences, either basic or applied and regardless of UAF administrative unit or department, are eligible for consideration. If in an applied field, the student must be well-grounded in the basic sciences and using these sciences and their methods toward solutions of applied problems.
2. To be eligible, a student must have at least a 3.5 GPA in combined course work in the basic sciences, mathematics, and statistics.
3. Eligible students must have an inquiring mind, evidenced at least in part by interest and participation in research. Participation in true research activities of some kind is essential; self-initiated research is a preferred criterion.
4. Essential characteristics for eligibility must include a) highest levels of integrity in all matters, b) evidence of a creative mind, and c) evidence of analytical thinking abilities.
5. Recipient shall have demonstrated a commitment to their chosen scientific field and have exhibited a potential to succeed professionally in science.

Nominations  are due electronically to the CNSM dean's office no later than April 2, 2022 to the attention of Hild Peters at hmpeters@alaska.edu. Letters of nomination must include an assessment of how the nominee meets the criteria as well as the names of two secondary references.