Dr. Michael White
Teacher of the Year

Mike is a fully engaged teacher who uses a variety of approaches to instill in his students a firm knowledge of the course’s disciplinary material.  More importantly, however, he also uses multiple techniques that develop critical thinking skills in his students.  It is obvious from the student letters in support of this nomination that he has succeeded in both goals.  They all mention his skill as a teacher, his skill in drawing students into discussions and his obvious passion for his work.

Dr. Robert Schmidt
Advisor of the Year

Robert  is cited by his colleagues for his commitment and the respect he has for those he advises.    He cares about the success of these students and makes himself available to them as much as possible.   The students he has advised comment on the value of his academic advice and also how they never leave his office “without receiving at least one beaming smile.”   He has also been the faculty advisor of several student clubs, including the Student Organization for Society and Natural Resources.

Dr. Michael Conover
Researcher of the Year

Mike’s years of research have contributed significantly to a better understanding wildlife management, particularly of the conflicts that arise as human activities expand into the habitat of native wildlife.  He has mentored many successful students, published multiple peer-reviewed journal articles with these students and has published three books since 2002.

Brian Bailey
Employee of the Year

Brian is well known for his knowledge, competence and communication skills.  He works closely with the graduate students in WATS, assuring that they understand and follow the often complex requirements of the Graduate School.   To quote one nominating letter, he “gets his work done in an efficient manner, but is very patient and goes above and beyond to listen carefully to concerns from students, faculty and employees”.  Many of us in the college also appreciate his love of travel, and his willingness to share his proficiency in Spanish by instructing others in the college during lunch-time tutoring sessions.

Dr. Karen Mock
Undergraduate Research Mentor of the Year

Last year, Karen was CNR’s Teacher of the Year.  It is obvious that her commitment to undergraduate education extends far beyond the classroom.  Since coming to USU, she has mentored 7 undergraduate students in her laboratory, providing them with invaluable experience in the generation and application of genetic data for a variety of applications.  Five of these students have gone on to graduate school.

Graduate Mentor of the Year

Dr. Terry Messmer

Dr. Messmer is an outstanding Graduate Mentor to numerous students in the Wildland Resources Department.  His activities as a faculty member reflect an unusual degree of success in combining his diverse roles as an Extension specialist, researcher and graduate mentor. Dr. Messmer involves graduate students in all of his work: Extension, facilitation, field research, grant writing , and professional presentations – providing a deep and highly successful training ground for young professionals in his area of expertise.  The scope of his Extension work and outreach on applied wildlife management and policy in Utah and the western region is unparalleled.  He has generated more that $3.6 million in grants and published over 20 peer-reviewed articles and three book chapters since 2000.  During those years, Terry mentored 19 M.S. and four Ph.D. students to completion of their degrees.  His students have gone on to important positions in their respective professions and fields.  He provides his graduate students with opportunities for research that have immediate real-world application.  He holds students accountable for their work, and he provides clear incentives and rewards for success and praise for their accomplishments.  He is also devoted to his graduate students, providing financial support, career advice and emotional and logistical support at a level that goes well above the norm. 

Randy Larsen
Graduate Research Assistant of the Year

Randy is a PhD student of Dr. John Bissonette, working on the impact of water developments on wildlife and the protection of critical habitat.   Randy has an impressive publication record, has given multiple presentations, and has generated sufficient external funding to support his PhD work.  He has also helped mentor and provided financial support for 4 Masters students.

Andrew Rayburn
Graduate Teaching Assistant of the Year

Drew comes from a family of teachers and sought out teaching experience as part of his graduate work here.  Nominating letters for Drew cite his knowledge of the material, positive attitude, attention to detail, care for the students in the class, and his obvious passion for teaching.  He will make a great representative for CNR as this nomination moves forward to the USU Robins Award competitions.

Andrew Braithwaite
Scholar of the Year

Spring 2008 CNR Valedictorain

Drew is a Quinney Scholar and has majored in Environmental Studies.  He has an impressive academic record, but has also been fully engaged beyond the classroom.  He has participated in Study Abroad in Tanzania, working with one our PhD students, Yared Fabusa.  Upon return, he initiated a drive to sponsor 100 students in the Kiganza area so they can further their education.  He has conducted research in the Political Science department on alternative methodologies in electoral contests, and has been invited to participate in the highly selective Kock Foundation Fellowship Reading Group in the College of Business.   
Drew is also well known in the college for his friendliness and willingness to help with college activities.

Melissa Sanders
Undergraduate Researcher of the Year

Melissa, a senior majoring in Conservation and Restoration Ecology, worked for Dr. Chris Luecke for three years and last year conducted an independent study on the environmental factors affecting growth of fish in lakes in northern Alaska.  She has presented these results in a poster at the Posters on the Hill event in Salt Lake City and will participate in Student Showcase here at USU in April.

 Amanda Murray

Recepient of the Terry Lynn Steel Scholarship

Amanda has worked mostly on her own through the winter collecting data on bighorn sheep in the mountains of Antelope Island and the Stansbury Range, sleeping at night in the back of her truck in extreme weather.  Her dedication to wildlife research is beyond question.  She intorduced the EcoLunch concept to CNR and has been the main driver behind making it a great success. She is active in grad student goverance and is usually one of the kingpins involved in organizing grad studen socials.  She is always available to serve as an ambassador for the College and has featued prominently in USU promotion and PR materials. 

Tammy Wilson

Recepient of the Stokes Leopold Scholar Award