Stay Connected. Strengthen Relationships. Mentor the Next Generation
As alumni of the Department of Earth and Space Sciences, you are now trained scientists, professionals, and educators. After graduation, we hope you will continue to stay connected with ESS, whether by keeping up with ESS news and discoveries, mentoring the next generation of students, or supporting ESS as a friend or donor. Our current students are excited to hear about your professional journey, whether you’re in your first professional role or holding leadership positions in the region, across the country, or around the world.
Stay Connected with ESS
We value the ability for our alumni to remain connected to each other. One of the best and easiest ways to remain connected is to join the University of Washington Department of Earth & Space Sciences Group on LinkedIn, and list yourself as a graduate of an ESS degree on your LinkedIn profile. LinkedIn allows current students to see what careers alumni are pursuing and allows current students and alumni to connect if desired.
The ESS News page offers the latest news on our students, faculty, and alumni, while the Events page shows details of our events throughout the year. ESS Alumni are warmly welcome at all of our events and activities!
Alumni can stay connected with fellow UW graduates through the University of Washington Alumni Association (UWAA), by joining or participating in its events and programs. The UWAA offers a variety of opportunities, including local and global alumni gatherings, the UW Alumni Book Club, and the Career Connections audio series, featuring podcasts and content focused on career development and alumni success stories. Alumni can participate in exclusive alumni nights at major Seattle sports events, enjoy travel deals, and connect through UW Husky Landing, a professional networking tool for career opportunities, mentorship, and professional advice. Additionally, alumni can participate in Huskies@Work, a program that pairs them with current students for one-time career conversations.
To be considered for this cycle, nominations must be received by 11:59 p.m. Friday, February 7, 2025.
ESS Distinguished Graduate Award
The Department of Earth and Space Sciences recognizes truly outstanding individuals who have had an inspirational impact on students and the community, and made significant contributions to their profession and community service. By honoring our former students we hope to inspire today’s students to strive for both personal and professional success.
The Distinguished Graduate Award is designated for an outstanding alum, distinguished for service and achievement over a period of years since graduation from the Department of Earth and Space Sciences. It is emphasized that this award is not based on the individual’s work for the preceding year, but rather on their lifetime contributions.
Graduates, current students, faculty and staff throughout the ESS community are encouraged to nominate distinguished graduates. Nominations are accepted year-round. The ESS Advancement & Engagement Committee meets in February to review all nominees. Selection is generally determined in late February or early March and the winner notified shortly thereafter.
Selection Criteria
Nominees must be a former student who graduated from the UW Department of Earth & Space Sciences (or its predecessor units) with an undergraduate or graduate degree. Nominees must have a sustained record of achievement in one or more Nomination Categories, of which there are five. To demonstrate achievement, nominators should typically make compelling arguments in two (2) to three (3) elements of the selected Nomination Categories.
Scientific Achievements
Contributions that advance knowledge in Earth, space, or environmental sciences
Evidence of distinguished scholarship and impact
Leadership and Service
Demonstrated leadership in their professional community or in interdisciplinary fields
Contributions to mentoring, advising, or serving organizations
Impact on Education and Outreach
Contributions to Earth and space science education, whether through teaching, curriculum development, or outreach
Contributions to public engagement or effective science communication
Recognition and Influence
Recognition of accomplishment within their scientific discipline, profession, or beyond
Evidence of excellence in the form of honors, awards, or positions of influence
Engagement with the UW, College of the Environment, and/or ESS
Sustained engagement with the University of Washington, its Earth and space science community, or its students?
Support or contributions to the department’s goals, initiatives, or alumni network
How to Nominate
Nominations are submitted using the ESS Graduate Awards Nomination Form below. To be considered, a nomination must include:
A letter of nomination (at least 600 words, but no more than 1,000 words)
Four or more supporting documents (e.g. articles, letters, websites, etc.)
Once nominated, the individual’s name remains in consideration for a total of three (3) years. Nominations do not need to be re-submitted during this time. To be considered for this cycle, nominations must be received by the deadline, typically in early February. All entries received after the deadline will be considered for the following year. Nominations are accepted year round.
New supporting materials can be added to an existing nomination by emailing materials to Summer Caton at . In accordance with campus sustainability guidelines, ESS cannot accept paper copies of award nominations.
Nominations are reviewed by the Advancement and Community Engagement committee. The committee may consult faculty or the ESS Advisory Board for additional information. The committee has the discretion to select none, one, or multiple recipients in a given year. Once all nominations are considered, the committee will advance a candidate(s) for a vote by the faculty.
Questions? Please contact Summer Caton at or 206-685-9871.
ESS Emerging Leader Award
The ESS Emerging Leader Award recognizes a graduate of the Department of Earth and Space Sciences who has earned their highest degree within the last 10 years, and is a role model for current and future professionals through leadership, innovation and dedication in their field of practice. This award highlights the positive impact ESS graduates make on their local community, country and the world early in their career.
Selection Criteria
Nominees must be a former student of the UW Department of Earth & Space Sciences and have earned their highest degree within the past 10 years at the time of nomination. Nominees must be distinguished in two (2) or more Nomination Categories that are supported in the nomination letter.
Nomination Categories
Exemplifies the vision and values of the University of Washington, to produce the next generation of global citizens and future leaders
Creative and influential scholarship or contributions to their profession
Demonstrated promise for future impact in basic research, education or public policy
Exceptional service to professional organizations, government, or the community
The benefit to the recipient in elevating their career through the recognition of their accomplishments
How to Nominate
Nominations are submitted using the ESS Graduate Awards Nomination Form below. To be considered, a nomination must include:
A letter of nomination (at least 600 words, but no more than 1,000 words)
Two or more supporting documents (e.g. articles, letters, websites, etc.)
Once nominated, the individual’s name remains in consideration for a total of three (3) years. Nominations do not need to be re-submitted during this time. To be considered for this cycle, nominations must be received by the deadline, typically in early February. All entries received after the deadline will be considered for the following year. Nominations are accepted year round.
New supporting materials can be added to an existing nomination by emailing materials to Summer Caton at . In accordance with campus sustainability guidelines, ESS cannot accept paper copies of Award nominations.
Nominations are reviewed by the Advancement and Community Engagement committee. The committee may consult faculty or the ESS Advisory Board for additional information. The committee has the discretion to select no, one, or multiple recipients in a given year. Once the committee has considered all nominations, it will advance the selected candidate(s) for a vote by the faculty.
Questions? Please contact Summer Caton at or 206-685-9871.
Tell Us What You’ve Been Doing
As we move to communicating with you more online and less at a traditional mailing address, we don’t want to lose touch! ESS alumni are doing incredible work. We invite you to share news, career, or life accomplishments with us via our ESS Alumni Updates form.
We rely on accurate alumni lists to stay in touch with you. To make sure you’re receiving relevant updates from the University of Washington and ESS, please take a moment to update your contact information with the UW, regardless of whether you’re a UWAA member.
