Earth science professor Arjun Heimsath returned from a research trip to Alaska and pressed play on his answering machine. The message informed him that he been awarded the most prestigious national honors for young science researchers.
Heimsath, still unshaven and dirty from the field, asked himself if there was some mistake. Nominated by the National Science Foundation and selected by the Office of Science and Technology Policy, he was one of fifty-seven recipients nationwide to be awarded The Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers.
The award is designated for researchers who are young in their careers and among the most "promising" of the nation's beginning researchers, according to the Office of Science and Technology Policy.
Heimsath's research, which measures erosion rates and identifies factors that break down the Earth's surface, focuses on the way in which geological formations are changing.
Heimsath said that his research centers on answering questions such as, "How does climate affect the surface of the Earth? How do humans affect this surface? How does the surface change under natural processes?"
Heimsath, who already holds a CAREER grant, a prestigious government research grant given to young scientists, described his latest award as "a mind-blowing honor."
Heimsath received his award Sept. 9 in Washington D.C., at a ceremony directed by John H. Marberger III, the Science Advisor to the President.
Dean of Graduate Studies Carol Folt didn't share Heimsath's initial surprise when she heard he had won.
"His research in the study of geomorphology and erosion has wide-ranging application and scientific importance which makes it quite fitting for him to be honored on a national scale," she said. "I therefore felt quite pleased, but not surprised, when I heard that he had been given this prestigious award."
Heimsath teaches an introductory Earth Science course and an upper-level course titled "Earth Surfaces Processes and Landforms."
He also instructs a segment of the STRETCH, a graduate field class, and a freshman seminar called "Humans and the Environment."
He said he thinks his teaching and research complement each other, helping him be both a better researcher and a better professor.
Benjamin Burke, a graduate student, praised Heimsath's teaching style.
"As a teacher, he is very engaging. He is able to explain a subject a variety of ways until students get it," he said.
Burke also said that he can attribute his growth as a research to Heimsath's oversight of his doctoral work. "The resources I've had access to and the connections I've made through working with him have taken me all over the world. He is always available when I need him to read a draft or answer a question," he said.
Heimsath predicted that the honor would push him to strive even harder as a professor and researcher.
"The award is wonderful because it gives me an external medal, so to speak," he said. "But by getting this recognition it will make people expect me to do more, to work harder."
