Student Awards

The ESO encourages students outreach in all forms, whether it's spreading the word about their own research or science as a whole.​ To this end the ESO bestows two awards annually: The Charlie Mitter Travel Award, and the Award for Excellence in Extension and Outreach. Applications for both awards are due on January 15th.

Award for Excellence in Extension and Outreach

The purpose of this award is to promote graduate student service in Extension and Outreach. This award recognizes significant contributions in a wide range of extension and outreach activities. Up to one award will be given each year and will be presented at the first Departmental Colloquium of the year. The funds accompanying this award will be subject to rules of disbursement as per the business department for travel and expenses. This award is valued at $250.

Applications

Applications packets are to be submitted by hand to the President of ESO by January 15th. Each packet must contain four copies of:
  • Application Form EA-1. 
  • Curriculum vitae. Two (2) pages maximum, recent contributions only
  • Cover Letter. Why do you deserve this award? (e.g. significance of contributions)

Past Award Winners

  • 2018 -  Peter Coffey, for his extensive outreach work with the Maryland agriculture community.
  • 2017 - Natalie Steinhauer for her work with the Bee Informed partnership, and extensive beekeeper outreach working to improve honeybee and minimize winter losses in our region. 
  • 2016 - Christopher Taylor for his work with BMSB extension, urban mosquito control and outreach, and his work with the 2015 UMD Bug Camp.
  • 2015 - Natalie Steinhauer for her work with the Bee Informed partnership, and extensive outreach working to improve honeybee and minimize winter losses in our region. 
  • 2014 - Armando Rosario-Lebron for his agricultural extension work, and outreach to elementary schools in Maryland.
  • 2013 - ​Not awarded.
  • 2012 - Dilip Venugopal for his work in India with tiger conservation and outreach. 
  • 2011 - Kevin Ulrich has been getting the word out on bed bugs and what people can do to avoid them.  
  • 2007 - Ada Szczepaniec has done insect presentations for local elementary schools, and has also organized extension training sessions and workshops with the help of Dr. Raupp.
    Bob Smith established the Aquatic Entomology Network for the ESA, which is a forum for entomologists and government groups. He has also participated with the Discover the Swamp exhibit at Maryland Day.

Charlie Mitter Travel Award

Travel grants are designed to benefit ESO members by supporting their pursuit of academic and professional goals. The Charlie Mitter Travel Award is intended to offset expenses related to presenting research at local, national, or international scientific/societal meetings. The travel awards are valued at $250, and a maximum of 3 grants will be awarded. Eligible travel periods include those occurring from July 15th of last year through July 15th of this year (i.e. the grant covers a period of 6 months before and after the due date). Applications for this grant will be judged on need and merit.

​Priority is given to students that:

  • have sought the University of Maryland Graduate School's Jacob Goldhaber Travel Grant
  • are covering all travel expenses for their first meeting of the eligible period
  • have not received this award previously

Applications

Applications packets are to be submitted by hand to the Treasurer of ESO by January 15th. Each packet must contain four copies of:
  • Application Form TG-1.
  • Curriculum vitae. Two (2) pages maximum, recent contributions only
  • Abstract of paper/presentation. Must include results/conclusions, limited to 300 words.
Application packet must also contain 1 copy of:
  • Advisor(s) letter confirming funding status (ie: unable to fund, matching support).
  • Documentation of Jacob Goldhaber Travel Award. Acceptance / rejection letters, if applicable.
If the award is for travel out of state the student must have filed an out of state travel form with the business office prior to the date of travel to receive reimbursement. 

Past Award Winners

2018 - Morgan Thompson, Elske Tielens
2017 - Gussie Maccracken
2016 - Elske Tielens, Becca Eckert, and Peter Coffey
2015 - Ryan Gott
2014 - Alex Forde, Christopher Taylor, and Crystal McEwan
2013 - Not awarded.
2012 - Cora Ann Johnston
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