Exceptional Postdoctoral Scholar in Physics Award 

Purpose: This award was established to recognize exceptional postdoctoral scholars in the Department of Physics who exemplify department missions of research, mentorship, and service.

Eligibility: This award is open to all postdoctoral scholars with at least six months of service in the Department of Physics.

Frequency: Up to two exceptional postdoctoral scholar awards are available to be issued annually in the spring semester.

Nature of Award (cash or non-cash): This award is a cash award. 

Amount of Award: $500 per award

Award Criteria: 

This award honors up to two postdoctoral scholars annually for their excellence and contributions to the Department of Physics. The award will be presented to recognize exceptional accomplishments and scholarly efforts, as well as exemplary acts of service, and mentorship.

Nomination Process:

1. A call for nominations will be sent to the department by the chair’s assistant between January - March. Nominations may be made by faculty, staff, or students in the department.
2. Nominations need to include the name of the nominator, name of the nominee, and a letter of nomination.
3. Each letter of nomination should articulate how the nominee's scholarly efforts during their postdoctoral work exemplifies excellence in research, service, and teaching.
4. The Physics Staff Advisory Committee will collect additional letters of support for nominees. Nominators may be contacted by a member of the Physics Staff Advisory Committee for more information.
5. An award committee (determined by the Vice-Chair for Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs) will select up to two award recipients based on vote and ranking.
6. Once the recipients are selected, the committee will notify the senior department manager and the chair’s assistant via email so the award and one-time cash payment to be processed.

Award Presentation: The Exceptional Postdoctoral Scholar Award will be presented during the department’s Annual Spring Picnic.