The Department of Earth Science and Environmental Change recently recognized our wonderful undergraduate and graduate students for their achievements in research, teaching, service, and academics. From fieldwork and lab discoveries to leadership in the department, these awards highlight the impact our students are making across Earth and environmental sciences.
We’re proud of all of this year’s award recipients and grateful to have such a strong, supportive community.
Undergraduate Students
Estwing Award – Dylann Martinez
Awarded to an undergraduate student attending summer field school who has demonstrated academic achievement in ESEC, allied science, and math courses, participated in departmental activities, and has shown promise for success in our field school.
Harriet Wallace Outstanding Woman Undergraduate Student Award – Naomi Dolan
Awarded to an outstanding woman undergraduate student who has demonstrated excellent academic performance through rigorous and comprehensive coursework, and completion of an Undergraduate Research Project or Senior Thesis.
Harriet Wallace Geology Undergraduate Student Service Award - Billy Fitton
Awarded to an undergraduate student in ESEC who is active in departmental functions, and is enthusiastically helpful with a positive attitude.
Outstanding Senior Award – Zach Jalley & Billy Fitton
Top graduating senior who has demonstrated general academic performance (Overall GPA), rigor and comprehensiveness of coursework, academic performance in ESEC and allied science and math courses, and completion of Undergraduate Research Project or Senior Thesis.
Graduate Students
R. James Kirkpatrick Award for Outstanding Graduate Research in Geology – Tenley Webb
Awarded to a graduate student in ESEC who is recognized for their outstanding graduate research with the potential to impact their area of specialty.
Harriet Wallace Outstanding Woman Graduate Student Award – KeMia Smith
Awarded to an outstanding woman graduate student who has demonstrated academic achievement and has demonstrated outstanding research activities.
Harriet Wallace Geology Graduate Student Service Award – Christyna Moore
Awarded to a graduate student in ESEC who is active in departmental functions, volunteers on fieldtrips and other departmental functions, and is enthusiastically helpful with a positive attitude.
Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant Award – Fall 2025, Shane Lusk
The Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant Award is conferred to teaching assistants from both Spring and Fall Semesters. This award is conferred upon recommendation of the supervising faculty member, approval of the Associate Head, and individual student teaching evaluations (ICES scores).