College Awards
The NatSci awards are presented to faculty and staff in the college following the annual State of the College address. For more information on the awards, contact Teri Compeau in the NatSci Dean’s Office. The NatSci Awards Committee selects the faculty awards in the spring and early fall for the following academic year based on nominations submitted by departments and programs.
Spring packets due by April 1 and Fall packets due by September 1. See below for more information on each award.
Send completed nomination packets to natsci.dean@msu.edu.
Awards
- Outstanding Faculty Award
- Teacher-Scholar Award
- Norman L. and Olga K. Fritz Excellence in Teaching Award
- Early Career Research Award
- Mid-Career Research Award
- Research Leadership Award
- Undergraduate Teaching Award
- Junior Faculty Mentoring Award
- Postdoctoral Mentoring Award
- Distinguished Academic Staff Award
- Undergraduate and Graduate Advisor Awards
- Support Staff Award
- Excellence-in-Teaching Citation
- Undergraduate Learning Assistant Award
- Faculty Teaching Prize
- View past Award Recipients
Outstanding Faculty Award
Number of Awards: Up to 4
Award Amount: $1,000 each
Nomination Deadline: April 1
Submit Nominations To: natsci.dean@msu.edu
About the Award
The Outstanding Faculty Award recognizes members of the regular faculty—including tenure-system faculty and librarians in the continuing appointment system—for their exceptional service to Michigan State University.
This award honors individuals whose contributions span across teaching, advising, research, creative works, public service, and more.
Eligibility & Criteria
Nominees must:
- Be regular faculty members (tenure-system or continuing appointment librarians).
- Typically have at least five years of service at MSU.
- Demonstrate excellence in one or more of the following areas:
- Teaching and advising
- Research and publications
- Artistic or scholarly performance
- Committee work and university service
- Public service, including extension and continuing education
Note: Administrative excellence and length of service alone are not sufficient for nomination.
This award is based on University-level criteria. For full details, refer to the Outstanding Faculty Award Instructions.
Nomination Guidelines
- Nominations should include:
- A nomination letter (max 500 words)
- CV or summary of accomplishments
- Optional letters of support
Nomination Form
Download the Outstanding Faculty Award Nomination Form (PDF)
2025-26 Award Recipients
- Laura Chomiuk – Department of Physics and Astronomy
- Sean Crosson – Department of Microbiology, Genetics and Immunology
- Nick Haddad – Department of Integrative Biology/Kellogg Biological Station
- Phoebe Zarnetske - Department of Integrative Biology
Teacher-Scholar Award
Number of Awards: Up to 2
Award Amount: $1,000 each
Nomination Deadline: April 1
Submit Nominations To: natsci.dean@msu.edu
About the Award
The Teacher-Scholar Award honors tenure-system faculty at the ranks of assistant professor and associate professor who, early in their careers, have earned the respect of students and colleagues for their dedication and skill in teaching.
This award provides recognition to MSU’s most promising educators who have served the university for seven years or less.
Eligibility & Criteria
Nominees must:
- Be tenure-system faculty at the assistant or associate professor level.
- Have seven years or less of service at MSU.
- Demonstrate excellence in teaching and a strong reputation among students and peers.
This award is based on University-level criteria. For full details, refer to the Teacher-Scholar Award Instructions.
Nomination Guidelines
- Nominations should include:
- A nomination letter (max 500 words)
- CV or summary of teaching contributions
- Optional letters of support
Nomination Form
Download the Teacher-Scholar Award Nomination Form (PDF)
2025-26 Award Recipient
- Emily Josephs – Department of Plant Biology
- Ekaterina Rapinshuk - Department of Mathematics/CMSE
Norman L. and Olga K. Fritz Excellence in Teaching Award
Number of Awards: Variable
Award Amount: $9,000
Nomination Deadline: April 1
Submit Nominations To: natsci.dean@msu.edu
About the Award
The Fritz Excellence in Teaching Award honors teaching faculty of any rank—fixed-term or tenure-track—who demonstrate exceptional commitment to science education. Priority is given to those teaching physics and mathematics. Awards are made in the spring and selected by the College of Natural Science award committee with student input.
Selection Criteria
Nominees should demonstrate:
- Commitment to teaching the sciences
- High educational standards
- Superior classroom performance
- Well-organized and sequenced instruction
- Active learning and student participation
- Interdisciplinary connections
- Encouragement of critical thinking and problem solving
- Integration of research into instruction
- Genuine concern for students inside and outside the classroom
Nomination Guidelines
Nominations may be submitted by students or faculty and must include:
- A completed nomination form
- A written statement addressing the criteria above, with recent teaching examples
- Three letters of support
- Current Curriculum Vitae
- Summary of teaching responsibilities in science courses over the past five years
- Summary sheets of student instruction ratings from one or more classes
Recipients are not eligible to receive the award more than once every five years.
Nomination Form
Download the Fritz Award Nomination Form (PDF)
2025-26 Award Recipient
- Rachel Henderson – Department of Physics and Astronomy
Early Career Research Award
Number of Awards: 1
Award Amount: $2,000
Nomination Deadline: April 1
Submit Nominations To: natsci.dean@msu.edu
About the Award
The Early Career Research Award recognizes tenure-track faculty in the College of Natural Science for outstanding research achievements and promise in their field. This award highlights early-career scholars who are making significant strides in research excellence.
Eligibility & Criteria
Nominees must:
- Be tenure-track faculty with no more than five years as an associate professor.
- Demonstrate excellence through:
- High-quality publications
- Research funding
- Other indicators of promise and impact in their field
- Preference is given to faculty with their tenure home in NatSci.
Nomination Guidelines
- Nominations should clearly outline the nominee’s research accomplishments and potential.
- Supporting materials may include:
- A nomination letter (max 500 words)
- CV or summary of research contributions
- Optional letters of support
Nomination Form
Download the Early Career Research Award Nomination Form (PDF)
2025-26 Award Recipients
- Ilya Kachkovskiy – Department of Mathematics
Mid-Career Research Award
Number of Awards: 1
Award Amount: $2,500
Nomination Deadline: April 1
Submit Nominations To: natsci.dean@msu.edu
About the Award
The Mid-Career Research Award recognizes tenured faculty in the College of Natural Science for outstanding research achievements. This award highlights excellence in scholarship, impact in the field, and continued growth in research leadership.
Eligibility & Criteria
Nominees must:
- Be tenured faculty within twelve years post-tenure.
- Demonstrate excellence through:
- High-impact publications
- Significant research funding
- Other indicators of success and recognition in their field
- Preference is given to faculty with their tenure home in NatSci.
Nomination Guidelines
- Nominations should clearly outline the nominee’s research accomplishments and impact.
- Supporting materials may include:
- A nomination letter (max 500 words)
- CV or summary of research contributions
- Optional letters of support
Nomination Form
Download the Mid-Career Research Award Nomination Form (PDF)
2025-2026 Award Recipient
- Thomas Hamann – Department of Chemistry
Research Leadership Award
Number of Awards: 1
Award Amount: $3,000
Nomination Deadline: April 1
Submit Nominations To: natsci.dean@msu.edu
About the Award
The Research Leadership Award recognizes tenured full professors in the College of Natural Science for their outstanding research achievements and internationally recognized leadership in their field. This prestigious award highlights excellence in scholarship and the impact of research on the broader academic and scientific community.
Eligibility & Criteria
Nominees must:
- Be tenured full professors in the College of Natural Science (preference given to those with their tenure home in NatSci).
- Demonstrate excellence through:
- Prominent publications
- Significant research funding
- Other indicators of stature and impact in their field
Nomination Guidelines
- Nominations should clearly outline the nominee’s research accomplishments and leadership.
- Supporting materials may include:
- A nomination letter (max 500 words)
- CV or summary of research contributions
- Optional letters of support
Nomination Form
Download the Research Leadership Award Nomination Form (PDF)
2025-26Award Recipient
- Seung Yon (Sue) Rhee – Plant Resilience Institute/BMB/PLB
Undergraduate Teaching Award
Number of Awards: Up to 2
Award Amount: $1,000 each
Nomination Deadline: April 1
Submit Nominations To: natsci.dean@msu.edu
About the Award
The Undergraduate Teaching Award recognizes faculty and academic specialists who demonstrate a strong commitment to high-quality undergraduate education. Recipients are those who take pride in their teaching and maintain substantial, ongoing involvement in undergraduate instruction.
Eligibility Criteria
Nominees must:
- Be a current fixed-term or tenure-system faculty member, or an academic specialist (teaching).
- Have at least three years of teaching experience at Michigan State University.
- Demonstrate excellence and dedication to undergraduate teaching.
For full details, refer to the Undergraduate Teaching Award Instructions.
Nomination Form
Download the Undergraduate Teaching Award Nomination Form (PDF)
2025-26 Award Recipient
- Dirk Colbry – Department of Computational Mathematics, Science and Engineering
- Katherine Krueger - Biological Sciences Program
Junior Faculty Mentoring Award
Number of Awards: 1
Award Amount: $1,000
Nomination Deadline: April 1
Submit Nominations To: natsci.dean@msu.edu
About the Award
The Junior Faculty Mentoring Award honors an outstanding mentor who has successfully guided junior faculty members through their academic career paths. This award celebrates individuals who foster professional growth, personal balance, and long-term success for their mentees.
Criteria for Nomination
A strong mentor:
- Prioritizes the mentee’s best interests.
- Builds a mentoring relationship based on trust, honesty, and confidentiality.
Nominations should address the following areas:
Professional Development
- Serves as a role model and resource for research, teaching, and navigating institutional systems.
- Helps expand the mentee’s professional network and visibility.
- Supports the mentee in balancing roles within the faculty, department, college, university, and broader professional field.
Holistic Balance
- Shows genuine interest in the mentee’s life beyond academia.
- Encourages a healthy work-life balance.
- Connects mentees with university resources and support systems.
Nomination Guidelines
- Nominations may be submitted by the mentor’s supervisor, colleagues, or mentees.
- Retired faculty are eligible for nomination.
- Each nomination should include:
- A nomination letter (max 500 words).
- Optional supporting materials that demonstrate the mentor’s impact.
Nomination Form
Download the Junior Faculty Mentoring Award Nomination Form (PDF)
2025-26 Award Recipient
- Richard Lenkski– Department of Microbiology, Genetics, and Immunology/IBIO
Postdoctoral Mentoring Award
Number of Awards: 1
Award Amount: $1,000
Nomination Deadline: April 1
Submit Nominations To: natsci.dean@msu.edu
About the Award
The Postdoctoral Mentoring Award honors an outstanding mentor who has made a significant impact on the professional and personal development of postdoctoral researchers. This award recognizes individuals who guide postdocs successfully along academic or non-academic career paths.
Nomination Criteria
A strong mentor:
- Prioritizes the mentee’s best interests.
- Builds a relationship based on trust, honesty, and confidentiality.
- Supports both professional and personal growth.
Nominations should address the following areas:
1. Professional Development
- Provides guidance on research and navigating institutional systems.
- Helps expand the mentee’s professional network and visibility.
- Assists in refining research interests and managing projects or personnel.
2. Holistic Balance
- Demonstrates genuine interest in the mentee’s well-being beyond academia.
- Encourages a healthy work-life balance.
- Serves as a role model and connects mentees with university resources.
Nomination Guidelines
- Nominations may be submitted by the mentor’s supervisor, colleagues, or current/former mentees.
- Retired faculty are eligible for nomination.
Nomination Form
Download the Postdoctoral Mentoring Award Nomination Form (PDF)
2025-26 Award Recipient
- David Lowry – Department of Plant Biology
Distinguished Academic Staff Award
Number of Awards: 1
Award Amount: $1,000
Nomination Deadline: April 1
Submit Nominations To: natsci.dean@msu.edu
About the Award
The Distinguished Academic Staff Award honors academic staff members whose careers and accomplishments have significantly contributed to the excellence of Michigan State University. This award recognizes outstanding achievements in areas such as:
- Advising
- Curriculum development
- Outreach and extension
- Research
- Teaching
Eligibility & Criteria
This award is based on University-level criteria. Nominees should demonstrate excellence and impact in one or more of the areas listed above. For full details, refer to the Distinguished Academic Staff Award Instructions.
Nomination Form
Download the Distinguished Academic Staff Award Nomination Form (PDF)
2025-26 Award Recipient
- Virginia Cangelosi – Department of Chemistry
Undergraduate & Graduate Advisor Awards
Number Awarded: 1 in each category
Monetary Award: $1,000
The Undergraduate and Graduate Academic Advisor Awards are given annually by the NatSci Student Advisory Council to faculty or academic specialists who have shown exceptional expertise in advising graduate or undergraduate students in the college.
Nominate an advisor for the Outstanding Academic Advisor Award
2025-26 Recipients:
- Berkley Walker, Plant Research Laboratory/PLB (Graduate Advisor)
- Brian Chadwick, Department of Mathematics (Undergraduate Advisor)
Support Staff Award
Number of Awards: 2
Award Amount: $500 each
Nomination Deadline: September 1
Submit Nominations To: natsci.dean@msu.edu
About the Award
The Support Staff Award recognizes outstanding support staff members in the College of Natural Science who demonstrate exceptional dedication, professionalism, and service. These individuals play a vital role in supporting the college’s mission and enhancing the work environment for faculty, staff, and students.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible, nominees must:
- Be employed as support staff within the College of Natural Science.
- Demonstrate excellence in service, collaboration, and commitment to the college community.
- Contribute meaningfully to the success of their department or unit.
Nomination Guidelines
- Nominations may be submitted by faculty, staff, or supervisors.
- Each nomination should include:
- A nomination letter (max 500 words) describing the nominee’s contributions and impact.
- Up to three supporting letters (1 page each, max 500 words) from colleagues, supervisors, or others familiar with the nominee’s work.
- Optional: Additional documentation or examples of the nominee’s achievements.
Nomination Form
Download the Support Staff Award Nomination Form (PDF)
2025-26 Award Recipients
- Kimberly Crosslan, Department of Physics and Astronomy
- Deanna Ely, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Excellence-in-Teaching Citation
Number of Awards: 2
Award Amount: $1,000 each
Deadline to Apply: September 1
Submit Nominations To: natsci.dean@msu.edu
About the Award
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered, nominees must:
- Be a graduate assistant with instructional duties for at least one semester.
- Hold a teaching assistantship in Summer 2026 or during the 2026–27 academic year (including Summer 2027).
- Play a significant role in teaching undergraduate courses.
- Be enrolled as a student during the 2026–27 academic year.
Required Documentation:
A confirmation letter or email from a mentor or graduate program director verifying
enrollment in both Fall and Spring semesters.
Nomination Form
Download the Excellence-in-Teaching Citation Nomination Form (PDF)
2025-26 Award Recipients
- Tiange Deng – Department of Chemistry
- Alyssa Vadovsky – Department of Physiology
Undergraduate Learning Assistant Award
Number of Awards: 2
Award Amount: $500 each
Nomination Deadline: September 1
Submit Nominations To: natsci.dean@msu.edu
About the Award
The Undergraduate Learning Assistant (ULA) Award honors ULAs who have shown exceptional dedication and skill in supporting undergraduate instruction. These awards recognize the valuable contributions ULAs make in classrooms and teaching labs across the College of Natural Science.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible, nominees must:
- Be enrolled as an undergraduate student in good standing in the College of Natural Science during the 2026–27 academic year.
- Have served as a ULA for at least one semester during the prior academic year (Fall 2026), Spring 2027, or Summer 2027).
- Not have previously received this award.
Nomination Guidelines
- Departments typically submit one nomination per year. Larger departments may submit up to three.
- Nominations must be endorsed by the chairperson/director of the unit where the ULA served. If this differs from the nominee’s degree program, the degree department must also endorse the nomination.
- The nominator (usually the supervising faculty member) must submit:
- A nomination letter (max 500 words) demonstrating excellence in teaching.
- Up to three supporting letters (1 page each, max 500 words) from students, other ULAs, graduate TAs, or faculty.
- The nominee’s CV.
Nomination Form
Download the Undergraduate Learning Assistant Award Nomination Form (PDF)
2025-26 Award Recipients
- Jenna Greene – Biological Sciences Program
- Kaveri Nambiar – Neuroscience Program
Faculty Teaching Prize
Number Awarded: Up to 10 (no more than 2 from any one unit)
Monetary Award: $2,000 salary increment
Deadline: Submit nominations to natsci.dean@msu.edu by June 30
Description
Faculty Teaching Prizes recognize fixed-term and tenure-system faculty and academic specialists for excellence in teaching. These awards honor individuals who demonstrate outstanding commitment and effectiveness in the classroom.
Nomination Process
- Nominations are made by department chairs during the annual faculty raise process.
- Use the official Faculty Teaching Prize Nomination Form (PDF) for chairs.
Recipients
2025-26 Recipients:
- Elijah Dikong, Department of Statistics and Probability
- Seth Jacobson, Department of Earth and Environmental Science
- Jenifer Saldanha, Biological Sciences Program
- Devin Silvia, Department of Computational Mathematics, Science and Engineering