14 September 2009 The United States Aquaculture Society Awards – An Underutilized Benefit for Chapter Members Anita M. Kelly1 The United States Aquaculture Association (USAS), a chapter of the World Aquaculture Society, provides its members with the opportunity to recognize members through their awards program. There are awards for those who have been established in their careers for an extended period, for those who have recently embarked on their career paths and several awards and scholarships for student members. Historically, the number of applications that have been received for these awards has been low, resulting in some awards not being given annually. In order for USAS to recognize its members through our achievement awards program, individuals need to be nominated by one of our USAS members. The purpose of this article is to familiarize members with the types of awards and the criteria for eligibility with the hope that members will take the opportunity to nominate deserving individuals. USAS Achievement Awards The Achievement Awards are inclusive of work and activities associated with research, extension, instruction and service. Also these awards are inclusive of academia, government and industry. All nominees must be members of the U.S. Chapter (to join go to http://www.was.org). Nominations for awards will be solicited from the membership. All nominations must include three letters of recommendation that address the specific contributions of the nominee corresponding to each award’s criteria and biographical information. The Distinguished Early Career Award recognizes an individual who has been involved in U.S. aquaculture for 10 years or less. This award recognizes outstanding leadership or innovation in research, education, extension or industry development. The award specifically emphasizes significant personal contributions that advanced U.S. aquaculture. The Distinguished Service Award recognizes an individual who has made outstanding personal contributions to USAS and/or the U.S. aquaculture industry. This award emphasizes significant leadership and overall impact in research, education, extension or industry development in the field of aquaculture. The Distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes an individual throughout his/her career who has made contributions and broad impacts to aquaculture in the United States within research, education extension and/or industry development. This award recognizes a longtime commitment of service to the field of aquaculture that is deemed highly significant and enduring. Achievement awards are bestowed during the Plenary Session at the annual conferences involving USAS. All awardees will receive a plaque and complementary registration. The complimentary conference registration is only applicable to the meeting at which the award is presented. Student Awards and Scholarships Best Abstract/Travel Award: To be eligible for this award, a student must be a USAS member and must have submitted his/her abstract by the official published deadline. Additionally, the student must be giving an oral or poster presentation and be a WAS student member. A total of three winners will be awarded $300 each prior to the conference and presented with certificates at the plenary session of the conference. Best Oral and Poster Presentations: Student members of USAS giving oral and poster presentations will be eligible for the Best Oral Presentation (one $400 first place award and one $200 second place award) and Best Poster Presentation (one $400 first place award and one $200 second place award) awards. Students giving oral and poster presentations will be judged during the conference and winners will be announced after the conference. To be eligible for this award the student must have submitted her/his abstract by the official published deadline. Sea Grant Association’s Best Student Paper Award: The Sea Grant Association will present its Best Student Paper Award to one student who presents outstanding work in marine or Great Lakes research (oral presentations only). Students must be members of WAS to be eligible. One winner will receive an award of $350 and a plaque. To be eligible for this award you must have submitted your abstract by the official published deadline. Mulvihill Scholarship: As a result of the passing of Michael Mulvihill from his battle with cancer in August of 2002, the Mulvihill family and Aquaculture Research/Environmental Associates, Inc. (AREA) are now offering the M.P. Mulvihill Aquaculture Student Scholarship. A $1,500 scholarship is awarded at the annual USAS conference to a deserving aquaculture student to help further his/her education. Applications for the M.P. Mulvihill Aquaculture Student Scholarship will be accepted before each USAS annual conference (or triennial World Aquaculture Society conference). The
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