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Trailblazing Student Award 2024

The ESA Student Section is proud to present our Trailblazing Students Awards! The goal of the awards is to highlight the achievements of STUDENTS in various sectors of ecology, such as research, diversity and inclusion, community outreach and science communication, ecology education, and science policy.

Applications are due February 29, 2024, at 11:59 pm EST.  Late submissions will not be accepted. Award recipients will be notified via email in mid-March. Complete this form to apply.

Award Eligibility:

  • You must be a member of ESA and the Student Section OR a first-time ESA annual meeting attendee.

  • You must be enrolled as a student (high school, undergraduate, Master’s, or PhD) or one-year post-graduation

  • You must be in good academic standing.

  • You must attend the Trailblazing Student at ESA event at the 2024 ESA Annual Meeting in Long Beach, California from August 4th-9th, 2024

  • International and minority students are encouraged to apply.

  • See the award application for additional eligibility requirements

All award receipts will receive:

  1.  Student Section Travel Grant

  2. FREE 1-year membership with ESA and Student Section

  3. Award Plaque

  4. Recognition at the ESA Annual Meeting

Award Description and Application:

  • Trailblazing Undergraduate Research: The Student Section seeks to acknowledge undergraduate students’ innovative and scholarly research in the field of ecology. This award highlights undergraduate research that introduces a new original idea and/or uses novel methods to address ecological problems that are of particular significance to the scientific community. The recipients of the Trailblazing Graduate Research will present a 20-minute talk on their research during the Trailblazing Students at ESA event.

  • Trailblazing Graduate Research (Master’s and Ph.D.): The Student Section seeks to acknowledge two graduate students’ innovative and scholarly research in the field of ecology. This award highlights graduate research that introduces a new original idea and/or uses novel methods to address ecological problems that are of particular significance to the scientific community. The recipients of the Trailblazing Graduate Research will present a 20-minute talk on their research during the Trailblazing Students at ESA event.

  • Trailblazing Ecology Publication (Old name: Outstanding Student Award): The Student Section’s Trailblazing Ecology Publication award honors a student that publishes a paper of particular significance to the scientific community. Broadly, we select winners based on the citability, credibility, and relevance of published research.

  • Trailblazing Work in Diversity and Inclusion: This award seeks to highlight significant work done with underrepresented groups to enhance their understanding of the natural and environmental sciences, and/or to better equip individuals from underrepresented backgrounds for careers in the field of ecology. It can include but is not limited to: serving as a mentor, creating internship opportunities for underrepresented students, organizing professional development workshops, or conducting outreach events/programs for underrepresented individuals.

  • Trailblazing Work in Community Outreach and Scientific Communication: This award aims to highlight outstanding work done to promote and enhance public understanding of scientific concepts pertaining to the field of ecology or the natural and environmental sciences. The work must have been done on a consistent basis over a period of time, with some evidence of its effectiveness. It can be in-person activities or social media-based outreach. This includes but is not limited to, after-school programs that work with grade school students, community engagement activities like environmental fairs, or workshops with teachers on how to better convey the appeal of environmental science to their students.

  • Trailblazing Work in Science Policy: This award seeks to recognize and highlight outstanding individuals who have done commendable work in Science Policy related to Ecology. Judging criteria include but are not limited to: research done in Science Policy, projects/ initiatives undertaken related to Science Policy and the impact it will have in the field of Ecology. We are seeking individuals who put both effort and passion into their work with the goal of inspiring future change in the field of Science Policy.

  • Trailblazing Work in Education: We seek leaders passionate about improving various aspects of ecology education, from teaching to hands-on field experiences. We aim to highlight student excellence in the realm of ecology education. Have you designed your own inquiry-based course? Revised a lab handbook based on teaching best practices? Advocated for new teaching initiatives? If this sounds like you, apply for the Ecology Education Award!

Questions?

Email us at students.esa@nullgmail.com