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Eugene P. Odum Award for Excellence in Ecology Education
The Eugene P. Odum Award recognizes an ecologist for outstanding work in ecology education. This award was generously endowed by, and named for, the distinguished ecologist Eugene P. Odum. Through teaching, outreach, and mentoring activities, recipients of this award have demonstrated their ability to relate basic ecological principles to human affairs. Nominations recognizing achievements in education at the university, K–12, and public levels are all encouraged. The award recognizes outstanding contributions in one of the following areas:
- Excellence in undergraduate and graduate teaching and ecology program and curriculum development, including elementary and high school environmental education programs.
- Excellence in ecology outreach programs such as teacher training, adult education, distance learning and virtual laboratories, or the development of ecology programs at nature centers, field stations, other non-formal education centers, and education programs for the general public.
- Excellence in mentoring new young ecologists at the undergraduate and graduate level.
The nominator should explain how the nominee demonstrates excellence in ecology teaching, program development, outreach or mentoring that serves as a model for others in ecology education. Excellence may be demonstrated by providing evidence of student achievement and learning in the following areas:
- Understanding ecological principles and concepts
- Involvement in scientific inquiry and critical thinking in ecology
- Knowledge of local organisms and ecosystems
- Knowledge of current environmental problems and ways to help solve them
- Application of ecology to human concerns
In addition, evidence might be provided demonstrating the following:
- Development and application of innovative and creative teaching techniques
- Success in working with students of varied abilities and from a diversity of backgrounds
- Development and use of innovative and authentic assessment of student understanding and growth
- Excellence in ecology education research
- Success in fostering student advancement in their careers
- Journalistic skills in writing for the public (e.g. newspapers and/or popular magazines)
Nominations for this award should include a letter of nomination, a curriculum vitae at most four pages, one required letter of support, and no more than two additional letters of support. The letter of nomination and letters of support should be no longer than two pages.