QCNR Awards

The QCNR community recognizes excellence in many different areas of our academic and work lives together, including teaching and learning, mentoring and research, service and support.

College-wide Awards

QCNR Team

This award recognizes a team of three or more individuals, the majority of whom are members of the college, who have played a highly impactful role in advancing one or more key aspects of the mission of the QCNR. Assessment of nominations will include the level of impact made as well as the way the team functioned to work together to create positive outcomes where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

  • 2025: QCNR Academic Advising Center
  • 2024: Ecology Center Data Science Workshop Team
  • 2023: QCNR Business Service Center Team

QCNR Inclusive Excellence

This award recognizes a member of QCNR who has made significant contributions toward advancing the college’s values and goals toward inclusive excellence. This award is available to faculty, staff, or students.

  • 2025: Rory Eggleston
  • 2024: Georgie Corkery
  • 2023: Claudia Radel

 

 

    

Outstanding Publication

The Outstanding Publication Award will be presented for one outstanding publication in each academic department in QCNR. Any article, book, or other published document with at least one author affiliated with a department in QCNR is eligible for consideration.

2025

  • ENVS: Jordan Smith, Jake Powell, Casey Trout, Nate Trauntvein, Wayne Freimund, Chris Monz, Chase Lamborn, Elizabeth Sodja, Rachel Hall, and Eunjung Yang, et al. “Utah Outdoor Recreation Strategic Plan.” https://recreation.utah.gov/planning/ 
  • WATS: Janice Brahney and Molly B. Blakowski, et al. , “Dust in the Critical Zone: North American case studies,” Earth-Science Reviews, Volume 258, 2024, 104942, ISSN 0012-8252,
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.earscirev.2024.104942
  • WILD: Brice, Elaine M., Eric J. Larson, Daniel R. Stahler, and Daniel R. MacNulty. 2024. The primacy of density-mediated indirect effects in a community of wolves, elk, and aspen. Ecological Monographse1627. https://doi.org/10.1002/ecm.1627

2024

  • ENVS: Sandra Atwood and Mark Brunson. "Níksókowaawák as Axiom: The Indispensability of Comprehensive Relational Animacy in Blackfoot Ways of Knowing, Being, and Doing." Society & Natural Resources, DOI: 10.1080/08941920.2023.2180696 
  • WATS: Jaron Adkins, Edd Hammill, Umarfarooq Abdulwahab, John Draper, J. Marshall Wolf, Catherine McClure, Adrian Gonzalez Ortiz, Emily Chavez, Trisha Atwood. "Environmental variables drive spatial patterns of trophic diversity in mammals." Ecology Letters 26.11 (2023): 1940-1950. DOI: 10.1111/ele.14306
  • WILD: Yong Zhou. "Soil carbon in tropical savannas mostly derived from grasses." Nat. Geosci. 16, 710–716 (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41561-023-01232-0 

2023

QCNR Science Communication Award
This award recognizes the efforts of individuals to communicate complex science topics with a broad audience, who have worked to produce high-quality, engaging communication products in a variety of accessible forms. This award is available to faculty, staff, or students.

  • 2025: Scott Hotaling
 

 

 

Student Awards

Doctoral Student Researcher
Selection is based on quality of research effort, evidence of success (such as published papers, presentations, posters at professional meetings), and other unique activities related to research efforts. Prior recipients are not eligible. 

  • 2025: Mitch Parsons
  • 2024: Noah Creany
  • 2023: Brian Smith
  • 2022: Emily Tarsa
  • 2021: Leslie Forero
  • 2020: Gavin Cotterill
  • 2019: Emily Wilkins
  • 2018: Christine Rohal
  • 2017: Enjie Li
  • 2016: David Illes
  • 2015: Blake Thomas
  • 2014: Andrew Kleinhesselink
  • 2013: Rodrigo Ferreira
  • 2012: Ryan O'Donnell

Masters Student Researcher
Selection is based on quality of research effort, evidence of success (such as published papers, presentations, posters at professional meetings), and other unique activities related to research efforts. Prior recipients are not eligible.

  • 2025: Philip Saporito
  • 2024: Rae Fadlovich
  • 2023: Kate Sinnott
  • 2022: Macy Gustavus
  • 2021: Emma Doden
  • 2020: Mark Kreider
  • 2019: Desneiges (Deni) Murray
  • 2018: Susan Washko
  • 2017: Bruce Call

Graduate Student Teacher of the Year

This award recognizes an outstanding graduate teaching assistant or graduate instructor (who served in this capacity at least one semester during the academic year). Prior recipients are not eligible. 

  • 2025: Casey Trout
  • 2024: Leanna DeJong
  • 2023: Patrick Kelly
  • 2022: Shantell Garrett
  • 2021: Manny May and Martinique Chavez
  • 2020: Jack McLaren
  • 2019: Leandro Do Nascimento
  • 2018: Erika Blomdahl
  • 2017: Forrest Schoessow
  • 2016: Jarod Raithel
  • 2015: Erica Hansen
  • 2014: Ashley D'Antonio
  • 2013: Jonathan Myers
  • 2012: Justin Stout

Scholar of the Year
This award recognizes excellence in undergraduate scholarship. Other service and student activity involvement may become a consideration in the selection process, but the main emphasis is on academic success and scholarly achievement. 

  • 2025: Eleanor Tenbrink
  • 2024: Madison Fjeldsted
  • 2023: Naomi Orchard
  • 2022: Jeffery Chandler
  • 2021: Maria Catalano
  • 2020: Kenen Goodwin
  • 2019: Anders Hart
  • 2018: Margaret Hallerud
  • 2017: Bret Mossman
  • 2016: Brianne Palmer
  • 2015: Jamie Reynolds
  • 2014: Konrad Hafen
  • 2013: Chelsea DeMarco
  • 2012: Erin F. Jones

Undergrad Researcher
This award recognizes an undergraduate student who has consistently engaged in independent inquiry through courses, extracurricular engagement (e.g. employment, internships, volunteer activity), and/or independent research. Prior recipients are not eligible. 

  • 2025: Paige Sargeant
  • 2024: Cristina Chirvasa
  • 2023: Austin Garner
  • 2022: Emily Bonebrake
  • 2021: Madison Vega
  • 2020: Lauren Tango
  • 2019: Rylee Jensen
  • 2018: Jesse Fleri
  • 2017: Margaret Hallerud
  • 2016: Arthur Wallis
  • 2015: Colin Brady
  • 2014: David Baird
  • 2013: Konrad Hafen
  • 2012: Shannon Kay

Undergrad Teaching Fellow
Each Year the QCNR selects an Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Fellow. This award is to recognize a student who shows extraordinary commitment to his/her fellow students as a UTF.

  • 2025: Luke Forsberg
  • 2024: Jared Young
  • 2023: Sage Chatterton
  • 2022: Cole Walton
  • 2021: Amanda Mast and Claire Tempest
  • 2020: Tyler Hatch
  • 2019: Delaney Phariss
  • 2018: Stephen Lytle
  • 2017: Liz Winters
  • 2016:
  • 2015:
  • 2014: Cody Butler
  • 2013: Clayton Handy
  • 2012: Cari Forsgren

Outstanding Senior
The QCNR Awards Committee selects the QCNR Outstanding Senior from the list of three students selected by the department faculty as departmental outstanding seniors

  • 2025: Alexander Fielder, Luke Forsberg, Paige Sargeant
  • 2024: Jacob Lancaster, Christian Stewart, Rachel North
  • 2023: Sandra Johnston, Lily Martindale, Abigail Mackay
  • 2022: River Johnson, Sydney Southers, Meridian Wappett
  • 2021: Sage Sutchlifee, Holden Regnier,
    Bailey Holdaway, Hannah Johnson
  • 2020: Ethan Hammer
  • 2019: Casey Trout
  • 2018: Margaret Hallerud
  • 2017: Molly Van Engelenhoven
  • 2016: Patrick Adams
  • 2015: Jason Brown
  • 2014: Benjamin Poulsen
  • 2013: George Fawson
  • 2012: Daniel Howell

Jardine Juniper
The recipient of this award is selected by the QCNR Undergraduate Student Body to honor an outstanding graduating senior in the QCNR who has made the biggest impact on the College through involvement in clubs, organizations, and/or other college-related activities. 

  • 2025: Stephen Bunnell
  • 2024: Ana­ís Barrientos
  • 2023: Elexis Bernstein
  • 2022: Bryce Johnston
  • 2021: Maria Catalano
  • 2020: Rachel Chamberlain
  • 2019: Casey Trout
  • 2018: Margaret Hallerud
  • 2017: Elizabeth Winters
  • 2016: Brianne Palmer
  • 2015: Jason Brown
  • 2014: Chlode B. Wardle
  • 2013: George Fawson
  • 2012: Caitlin Laughlin

Legacy of Utah State
This award recognizes a student (undergraduate or graduate) who represents the "heart and soul of the University." Students should show a commitment to the institution and their program of study, as well as demonstrate internal involvement and service, department dedication, perseverance during times of adversity, and contribution behind the scenes.  

  • 2025: Bailey Holdaway
  • 2024: Stephen Bunnell
  • 2023: Katie Seisel
  • 2022: Christina Morrisett
  • 2021: Christina Longjohn
  • 2020: Angelia Klein
  • 2019: Casey Trout
  • 2018: Rebecca Thomas
  • 2017: Logan Christian
  • 2016: Saul Karamesines
  • 2014: Thomas Thompson 
  • 2013: Clayton Handy
  • 2012: Lisa Boyd

Faculty Awards

Faculty Researcher of the Year
Annually, each of the academic colleges selects a Faculty Researcher of the Year, who is recognized for his or her accomplishments during Research Week. This award recognizes excellence in research, scholarship or creative activity over the past 3 years.

  • 2025: Jordan Smith
  • 2024: Karen Beard
  • 2023: Peter Adler
  • 2022: Mark Brunson
  • 2021: Jim Lutz
  • 2020: Janice Brahney
  • 2019: Peter Howe
  • 2018: Patrick Belmont
  • 2017: Jacopo Baggio
  • 2016: Juan Villalba
  • 2015: Chris Monz
  • 2014: Karen Mock 
  • 2013: David Koons 
  • 2012: Layne Coppock

Teacher of the Year
This award is based on teaching excellence. Provided is a list of all faculty who meet eligibility criteria (has taught at USU more than three years; with a teaching load of 6+ credits per year, including one undergraduate course; not a recipient previous five years).  

  • 2025: Karin Kettenring
  • 2024: Gustavo Ovando-Montejo
  • 2023: Eric LaMalfa
  • 2022: Larissa Yocom
  • 2021: Mark Chynoweth
  • 2020: Shannon Belmont
  • 2019: Edd Hammill
  • 2018: Peter Adler
  • 2017: Andrew Kulmatiski
  • 2016: Claudia Radel
  • 2015: Kari Veblen
  • 2014: Dan MacNulty
  • 2013: Dave Koons
  • 2012: Fee Busby

Undergraduate Faculty Mentor of the Year
This award emphasizes excellence in academic mentoring of undergraduate students and engagement outside the classroom, including as a faculty advisor, club advisor, or in other capacities. This is different from the Undergraduate Research Mentor of the Year. Recipients from the previous five years are not eligible. 

  • 2025: Kezia Manlove
  • 2024: Sunshine Brosi
  • 2023: Justin DeRose
  • 2022: Eric LaMalfa
  • 2021: Edd Hammill
  • 2020: Sarah Klain
  • 2019: Layne Coppock
  • 2018: Nat Frazer
  • 2017: Dan MacNulty
  • 2016: James Long
  • 2015: Mike King
  • 2014: Chris Call
  • 2013: Mark Brunson
  • 2012: Claudia Radel

Faculty University Service Award
This award recognizes a QCNR faculty member for excellence in service to the operations and governance of the University. Recognized activities include service at the university, college, or department levels. Recipients from the previous five years are not eligible. 

  • 2025: Sunshine Brosi
  • 2024: Erin Rivers
  • 2023: Doug Ramsey
  • 2022: Sarah Klain
  • 2021: Joanna Endter-Wada
  • 2020: Layne Coppock
  • 2019: Patrick Belmont
  • 2018: Juan Villalba
  • 2017: Robert Schdmit
  • 2016: Fee Busby

Undergraduate Research Mentor of the Year
This award emphasizes excellence in academic mentoring of undergraduate students and engagement outside the classroom, including as a faculty advisor, club advisor, or in other capacities. This is different from the Undergraduate Research Mentor of the Year. Recipients from the previous five years are not eligible. 

  • 2025: Mark Chynoweth
  • 2024: Shannon Belmont
  • 2023: Courtney Flint
  • 2022: Tim Walsworth
  • 2021: Tal Avgar
  • 2020: Trisha Atwood
  • 2019: Phaedra Budy
  • 2018: Janice Brahney
  • 2017: Karin Kettenring
  • 2016: Kari Veblen
  • 2015: Karen Beard
  • 2014: Rich Etchberger
  • 2013: Zhao Ma
  • 2012: Helga Van Miegroet

Graduate Mentor of the Year
This award recognizes a significant record of cumulative accomplishment focused on graduate mentorship. This award recognizes a faculty member, including adjunct faculty, with a significant record of cumulative accomplishment focused on graduate student mentorship. Recipients from the previous five years are not eligible. 

  • 2025: Tim Walsworth
  • 2024: Kari Veblen
  • 2023: Kezia Manlove
  • 2022: Tal Avgar
  • 2021: Janice Brahney
  • 2020: Karin Kettenring
  • 2019: Tom Monaco
  • 2018: James Lutz

Staff Awards

Employee of the Year
Nominee must be 3/4 to full time, must have worked in QCNR at least 2 years, and cannot be faculty. Selection criteria include initiative, professional attitude, reliability, efficiency, motivation, quality/quantity of work, and cooperativeness with co-workers. Recipients from the previous five years are not eligible. 

  • 2025: Leslie Gonzalez
  • 2024: Alisha Beus & Lael Gilbert
  • 2023: Allison Cochley
  • 2022: Wes James
  • 2021: Melanie Conrad
  • 2020: Becky Hirst
  • 2019: Brian & Marsha Bailey
  • 2018: Shelly Kotynek
  • 2017: Ricky Downs
  • 2016: Kay Kelsey
  • 2015: Lana Barr
  • 2014: Mykel Beorchia
  • 2013: Marsha Bailey
  • 2012: Becky Hirst

Staff Researcher of the Year
This college award recognizes the contributions of our research staff, separate from the Employee of the Year award (for which they are also eligible). 

  • 2025: Matteo Petit Bon
  • 2024: Jaron Adkins
  • 2023: Rae Robinson
  • 2022: Kevin Landom
  • 2021: Chase Lamborn
  • 2020: Brendan Murphy
  • 2019: Gary Thiede

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