Division Awards

GSA Karst Division Awards Nominations Announcement 

The GSA Karst Division encourages and recognizes excellence in scholarship and service within its membership through the following awards and research grants. See below for the application/award deadlines for each category of award.  

The John W. Hess Research Grant in Karst Studies (DUE February 3rd)
This award supports graduate student research involving any aspect of cave and karst studies aimed at providing improved understanding of how caves and karst work, including how these resources can be better managed. 
Applications should be submitted to the KD Vice-Chair and must include:

1. GSA Karst Division Award Application/Nomination Form
2. A research proposal that clearly states the problem to be addressed, its significance, and a detailed strategy that will help resolve the problem. The research proposal should be no longer than two, single spaced pages (including figures, tables, and references)
3. A budget that describes in detail how the award will be used. Up to $2000 may be requested. Your project can cost more than $2000, but you should tell us how you are going to pay for the remainder. Acceptable expenses include travel and lodging for field work, analyses, consumables in the field/lab, field assistant expenses, and equipment rentals.  Unacceptable expenses include travel or registration costs for meetings, personal equipment (e.g., boots, tents, sleeping bags), standard equipment (e.g., Brunton compass, thin sectioning machines, etc.)
4. A letter of reference from the applicant’s primary advisor to the KD Vice-Chair that indicates that they have read the research proposal and with comments on the applicant’s independence and potential for research.
5. A Curriculum Vitae

Awardees will be encouraged to attend the Karst Division Business Meeting at the Annual GSA Meeting.

 
The GSA Karst Division Outstanding Student Presentation Award 
Awarded to the best oral or poster presentation at the National GSA Meeting given by a student in karst science. The KD Awards Committee is responsible for judging KD student presentations at each national GSA meeting and will announce the awardee through the KD website. 

All awardees are encouraged to attend the Karst Division Business Meeting at the Annual GSA Meeting.

The GSA Karst Division Meritorious Contribution Award 
Awarded to the author of a published paper or body of work of distinction that has significantly influenced the intellectual direction of karst or broadly enhanced the knowledge of the discipline.

If you are submitting a self-nomination, please include a letter of recommendation from a karst professional that can attest to your qualifications.

The GSA Karst Division Early Career Award 
Awarded to a distinguished scientist (35 or younger throughout the year in which the award is to be presented, or within 5 years of their highest degree or diploma) for outstanding achievement in contributing to the karst profession through original research and service, and for the demonstrated potential for continued excellence throughout their career.

If you are submitting a self-nomination, please include a letter of recommendation from a karst professional that can attest to your qualifications.

The GSA Karst Division Distinguished Service Award 
Awarded as a highly esteemed award in recognition of distinguished personal service to the karst profession and to the Karst Division.

If you are submitting a self-nomination, please include a letter of recommendation from a karst professional that can attest to your qualifications.