FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Rosenstiel Graduate Students Receive Prestigious National Research Awards

Awardees selected for their outstanding accomplishments and potential to contribute to strengthening the vitality of the U.S. science enterprise

MIAMI — Aug 10, 2010 — University of Miami (UM) Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science graduate students are among a select few honored with a 2010 National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Award.

This year’s Rosenstiel School award recipients include; geosciences student David Weinstein, evolutionary physiology student Kevin Brix, marine biogeochemistry student Quinn Bross Devlin, and Erica Staaterman, who will begin pursuing a graduate degree in Applied Marine Physics this academic year.

The Graduate Research Fellowship provides three years of support for graduate study leading to research-based master’s or doctoral degrees and is intended for students who are in the early stages of their graduate study. The Graduate Research Fellowship Program invests in graduate education for a cadre of diverse individuals who demonstrate their potential to successfully complete graduate degree programs in disciplines relevant to the mission of the National Science Foundation.

The National Science Foundation aims to ensure the vitality of the human resource base of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in the United States and to reinforce its diversity by offering approximately 1,654 graduate fellowships in this competition.

Rosenstiel School marine biology students Adam Greer and Rebecca Duncan also received the NSF Graduate Researchhonorable mention award for their outstanding research contributions during their academic career.

“The NSF Graduate Research Award program is based on peer review and is a highly competitive nationwide competition. A total of six awards were offered to the University of Miami, with five of those being awarded to current or prospective Rosenstiel School graduate students. This illustrates the strength of our Ph.D. programs,” said Dr. Martin Grosell, associate dean for Graduate Studies at UM’s Rosenstiel School. “We, and especially the award recipients, have every reason to be proud of this significant achievement, and strongly encourage our current and prospective students to enter future competitions for NSF Graduate Research Awards.”

About the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School
The University of Miami is the largest private research institution in the southeastern United States. The University’s mission is to provide quality education, attract and retain outstanding students, support the faculty and their research, and build an endowment for University initiatives. Founded in the 1940’s, the Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science has grown into one of the world’s premier marine and atmospheric research institutions. Offering dynamic interdisciplinary academics, the Rosenstiel School is dedicated to helping communities to better understand the planet, participating in the establishment of environmental policies, and aiding in the improvement of society and quality of life. For more information, please visit www.rsmas.miami.edu.