{"id":893,"date":"2022-02-11T20:09:04","date_gmt":"2022-02-11T20:09:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/esa.org\/students\/?page_id=893"},"modified":"2026-03-17T12:45:54","modified_gmt":"2026-03-17T12:45:54","slug":"trailblazing-student-award","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/esa.org\/students\/awards\/trailblazing-student-award\/","title":{"rendered":"Trailblazing Student Award 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-cece165a wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background-color has-primary-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-f4ed81b2c453fe0fecf61c5adb35a81f is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-af9672fb wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\">The ESA Student Section is proud to present our\u00a0Trailblazing\u00a0Students 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:1.5rem\">Applications are due April 17th 2026, at 11:59 pm EST. Late submissions will not be accepted. Award recipients will be notified via email in late-May. Complete here to apply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons has-custom-font-size has-medium-font-size is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-3f54ed9d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\" style=\"border-top-left-radius:6px;border-top-right-radius:6px;border-bottom-left-radius:6px;border-bottom-right-radius:6px;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button monsterrat\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-secondary-color has-background-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-medium-font-size has-text-align-center has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/forms\/d\/e\/1FAIpQLSdXDWkNhxiLAMZ0CGXDH9H5vbVkXBXfDjYSToCtcTzFIboH9Q\/viewform\" style=\"border-top-left-radius:6px;border-top-right-radius:6px;border-bottom-left-radius:6px;border-bottom-right-radius:6px\">Learn More and Apply Here<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/esa.org\/students\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/64\/2026\/03\/The-2026-1-1-768x1024.png\" alt=\"Poster style image has the text, The 2026 Trailblazing Award and a QR code link.\" class=\"wp-image-1342 img-fluid\" style=\"box-shadow:var(--wp--preset--shadow--deep)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/esa.org\/students\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/64\/2026\/03\/The-2026-1-1-768x1024.png 768w, https:\/\/esa.org\/students\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/64\/2026\/03\/The-2026-1-1-225x300.png 225w, https:\/\/esa.org\/students\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/64\/2026\/03\/The-2026-1-1-1152x1536.png 1152w, https:\/\/esa.org\/students\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/64\/2026\/03\/The-2026-1-1-1536x2048.png 1536w, https:\/\/esa.org\/students\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/64\/2026\/03\/The-2026-1-1-300x400.png 300w, https:\/\/esa.org\/students\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/64\/2026\/03\/The-2026-1-1.png 1728w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-02f6ef2d wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-right:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left\">Award Eligibility<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><p dir=\"ltr\">You must be a member of ESA and the Student Section OR a first-time ESA annual meeting attendee.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p dir=\"ltr\">You must be enrolled as a student (high school, undergraduate, Master\u2019s, or PhD) or one-year post-graduation<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p dir=\"ltr\">You must be in good academic standing.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p dir=\"ltr\">You must attend the\u00a0<span class=\"il\">Trailblazing<\/span> Student at ESA event at the 2026 <a href=\"https:\/\/esa.org\/saltlake2026\/\">ESA Annual Meeting<\/a> in Salt Lake City, Utah from July 26 \u2013 31, 2026<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p dir=\"ltr\">International and minority students are encouraged to apply.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p dir=\"ltr\">See the award application for additional eligibility requirements<\/p><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">All award receipts will receive<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><p dir=\"ltr\">Conference admission vouchers<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p dir=\"ltr\">FREE 1-year membership with ESA and Student Section<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p dir=\"ltr\">Award Plaque<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p dir=\"ltr\">Recognition at the ESA Annual Meeting<\/p><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Award Description and Application<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><p dir=\"ltr\"><span class=\"il\">Trailblazing<\/span>\u00a0Undergraduate Research: The Student Section seeks to acknowledge undergraduate students\u2019 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\u00a0<span class=\"il\">Trailblazing<\/span>\u00a0Graduate Research will present a 20-minute talk on their research during the\u00a0<span class=\"il\">Trailblazing<\/span>\u00a0Students at ESA event.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p dir=\"ltr\"><span class=\"il\">Trailblazing<\/span>\u00a0Graduate Research (Master\u2019s and Ph.D.): The Student Section seeks to acknowledge two graduate students\u2019 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\u00a0<span class=\"il\">Trailblazing<\/span>\u00a0Graduate Research will present a 20-minute talk on their research during the\u00a0<span class=\"il\">Trailblazing<\/span>\u00a0Students at ESA event.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p dir=\"ltr\"><span class=\"il\">Trailblazing<\/span>\u00a0Ecology Publication (Old name: Outstanding Student Award): The Student Section\u2019s\u00a0<span class=\"il\">Trailblazing<\/span>\u00a0Ecology 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.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p dir=\"ltr\"><span class=\"il\">Trailblazing<\/span>\u00a0Work in Diversity and Inclusion:\u00a0This 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.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p dir=\"ltr\"><span class=\"il\">Trailblazing<\/span>\u00a0Work in Community Outreach and Scientific Communication:\u00a0This 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.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p dir=\"ltr\"><span class=\"il\">Trailblazing<\/span>\u00a0Work in Science Policy:\u00a0This 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.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p dir=\"ltr\"><span class=\"il\">Trailblazing<\/span>\u00a0Work in Education:\u00a0We 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!<\/p><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-af9672fb wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Questions?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Email us at <a href=\"mailto:students.esa@gmail.com\" rel=\"nofollow\">students.esa@gmail.com<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The ESA Student Section is proud to present our\u00a0Trailblazing\u00a0Students 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 April 17th 2026, at 11:59 pm EST. Late submissions will not be accepted. Award&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8799,"featured_media":1342,"parent":142,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-893","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/esa.org\/students\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/893","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/esa.org\/students\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/esa.org\/students\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/esa.org\/students\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8799"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/esa.org\/students\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=893"}],"version-history":[{"count":23,"href":"https:\/\/esa.org\/students\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/893\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1436,"href":"https:\/\/esa.org\/students\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/893\/revisions\/1436"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/esa.org\/students\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/142"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/esa.org\/students\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1342"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/esa.org\/students\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=893"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}