Herbert Osborn Awards for Professional Performance

Herbert Osborn was internationally recognized as an authority on Homoptera and made significant contributions to the field of Economic Entomology. In 1880, he became the first professor to teach a course in Entomology at Iowa State University. Osborn Cottage and Osborn Drive on campus were named after him.

The purpose of the Herbert Osborn Awards for Professional Performance is to recognize and encourage the development of professional skills beyond academic achievement. Applications will be reviewed by the Student Awards and Scholarships Committee excluding the student representative on that committee. Performance while working on the student's current degree only will be considered. Applications will be evaluated on overall professional performance using the following criteria (1) Research progress, manuscripts and presentations and (2) Service including contributions to professional societies, university, department (including teaching beyond TA requirements), and outreach.

Awards are available for one M.S. student and one Ph.D. student each year. Awardees receive $100 toward ISU costs and will have their names engraved on the Herbert Osborn Award plaque, which is displayed outside 432 Science II.

Eligibility: Students majoring in the Department of Entomology may apply during the year of their graduation (prior to graduation), or the year before expected graduation. A student may only receive the award once for each degree.

Applications should include

1. Curriculum vitae including a description of professional contributions and achievements beyond academic requirements. Ph.D. students should include details of teaching experience.
2. A description of the student's research including progress (one page maximum).
3. A letter from the student’s major professor in support of the application including expected graduation date, and appraisal of professional attributes such as leadership qualities, interpersonal and organizational skills. The major professor should specifically address the productivity of the student and the significance of the research.

Applications should be sent to Dr. Bryony Bonning, Chair, Student Awards and Scholarships Committee, 418 Science II. Applications must be received by 5 pm on November 1. Awards will be presented at the Holiday Party in December.