Distinctions
CNS Distinction Awards recognize undergraduates who have made meaningful contributions beyond the classroom through research, innovation, leadership, mentorship and community engagement.
Approximately 150-200 students are recognized annually at different stages of their undergraduate experience:
- Dean’s Distinctions: awarded to outstanding sophomores and juniors who have demonstrated exceptional achievement in one of the distinction categories
- Graduates of Distinction: awarded to graduating seniors who have demonstrated sustained excellence and impact throughout their undergraduate career.
Students are recognized in one of the following areas:
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Research
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Service & Leadership
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Innovation & Entrepreneurship
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Community Engagement & Mentorship
Student nominations are accepted from faculty, staff or students, and students can self-nominate with faculty endorsement. Each nomination is reviewed holistically by a committee in each dimension, with final selections approved by the Dean.
Distinction recipients are honored at the annual Distinction Recognition Ceremony in the fall, where they receive a certificate and commemorative pin. Graduates of Distinction recipients are also recognized during their commencement ceremony.
Students may receive on distinction per nomination cycle and may earn distinctions in multiple years as they continue to make meaningful contributions during their time in the College of Natural Sciences.
Please note: this is a separate award from Dean’s Honored Graduates (DHG), and students can earn both awards.
Nominate an undergraduate for a CNS Distinction Award
Nominations are due by Friday, October 9, 2026.
Research Distinction
This distinction recognizes students who have demonstrated excellence in research, showcasing their curiosity and contributions to advancing knowledge in their field. Excellence can look like:
- Publishing research or presenting findings at conferences, symposia, or other scholarly venues
- Contributing to innovative research across laboratory, field, theoretical, computation, or applied settings
- Receiving recognition or awards for research accomplishments
- Demonstrating sustained engagement and meaningful contributions to a research program
Service & Leadership Distinction
This distinction recognizes students who have demonstrated exceptional leadership by inspiring others, driving meaningful initiatives, and strengthening organizations while creating opportunities for others and fostering positive change. Excellence can look like:
- Serving in a leadership role within a student organization, college initiative, or professional society
- Leading committees, conferences, events, or other large-scale initiatives
- Building and guiding teams to accomplish shared goals and create lasting impact
- Developing new programs, resources, or initiatives that improve student experience
Innovation & Entrepreneurship Distinction
This distinction recognizes students who have demonstrated creativity, initiative, and entrepreneurial thinking to develop innovative solutions and translates ideas into real-world impact. Excellence can look like:
- Developing innovative products, technologies, tools, or creative solutions to real-world challenges
- Launching a start-up, nonprofit, social enterprise, or entrepreneurial initiative
- Securing funding, patents, or other support to advance an innovative idea or venture
- Receiving recognition or awards for innovation, entrepreneurship, product development, or commercialization
Community Engagement & Mentorship
This distinction recognizes students who have created meaningful impact by sharing their knowledge, fostering belonging and strengthening communities both within and beyond CNS. Excellence can look like:
- Mentoring or advising fellow students through peer mentoring, research, or academic support programs.
- Participating in STEM outreach, education, or K-12 engagement initiatives
- Volunteering with community organizations, nonprofits, healthcare organizations, or advocacy initiatives.
- Demonstrating a sustained commitment to serving and strengthening communities within and beyond CNS