Dorina Kosztin Memorial Award

1. Eligibility and Award Categories

a)    An annual award shall be presented to an undergraduate Physics major in the final year of their degree who demonstrates excellence in at least two of the following areas: research, teaching/mentoring, and service/outreach.

b)    An annual award shall be presented to a Physics graduate student in the final year of their degree who demonstrates excellence in all three of the following areas: research, teaching/mentoring, and service/outreach.

c)    In exceptional cases, more than one award may be granted in either or both categories.

2. Selection Committee

The award recipients will be determined by a committee appointed by the Department Chair. The committee should include members who represent both undergraduate and graduate student interests, such as the Directors of Undergraduate Studies and Graduate Studies, as well as faculty representing the department’s research areas and teaching faculty.

3. Nomination Process

Faculty members will be invited to submit nominations for the award. In a single pdf file from the nominator, each nomination must include:

a)    An overview letter from the nominator highlighting the nominee’s qualifications for the award.

b)    CV or resumé of the nominee.

c)    In addition to the nominating letter, up to two supporting letters for undergraduate nominees or up to three supporting letters for graduate nominees that provide evidence of excellence in research, teaching/mentoring, and service/outreach.

4. Evaluation Criteria

The award will be based on the following attributes:

a)    Originality, independence, and exceptional quality of the student’s contributions to research.

b)    Outstanding quality and dedication in teaching.

c)    Commitment to mentoring others.

d)    Dedication and energy demonstrated in service to others within the context of Physics and Astronomy.

e)    Enthusiasm and dedication to outreach activities.

5. Award Presentation

An annual announcement call for the award will be generated by the appointed award committee.  The award should be presented to the awardees at a conspicuous public event, such as a department luncheon.  The award carries a monetary prize, with an amount determined by the endowment distribution, a certificate, and a keepsake.