Award Overview

Research Excellence Awards are presented to graduate and professional (master's and doctoral level) students who have completed original, innovative research, scholarship and/or creativity during their career at Drexel. The awards are designed to recognize widely disseminated student research with significant impact on the field or society. Eligible graduate students must be fully matriculated in a graduate program. We also encourage nominations for online students. Self-nominations will also be considered for this award, but must be supported by a faculty member, professional staff member, and/or an external supervisor.

Up to four awards are presented to:

• A post-candidacy doctoral student (earned 45 or more credits toward his/her degree) for $750
• A pre-candidacy doctoral student or master’s student continuing through a doctoral program (earned less than 45 credits toward his/her degree) for $500
• A master’s students not continuing through a doctoral program for $500
• A graduate student for most original and creative work for $500

Nomination Process & Timeline

Full-time faculty are encouraged to nominate eligible graduate students. Self-nominations will also be considered for this award, but must be supported by a faculty member, professional staff member, and/or an external supervisor.

Submissions for the 2025-2026 awards cycle are now open.

Submissions are due by 12 p.m. EDT Wednesday, April 29, 2026. Awardees will be announced on or around May 11, 2026.

Required Materials

1. Completed Nomination Form - Please see below and prepare your responses in advance as the form will not save a draft.
2. Self-nominations will require a letter of recommendation or statement from a faculty member, professional staff member, or external supervisor.
3. Student’s Personal Statement- Maximum of 2 pages
4. Student's Resume/CV- Maximum of 2 pages (such as an NSF or NIH biosketch)

Evaluation Criteria

The nomination from will ask the nominator to provide brief but specific examples of each of the following criteria:

• Originality, Creativity and Significance of Research
• External Recognition (peer-reviewed papers published, presentations, awards, recognition by professional associations, etc.)
• Internal Recognition (Drexel awards, standing of the student among peers, etc.)
• Impact on the Field (through citations, H-index, etc.)

Award Rubric

Award Selection & Distribution

The Office of Graduate Studies appoints a diverse group of faculty and professional staff representing Drexel's Colleges and Schools to review nominations and select University-level awardees based on the evaluation criteria. Awards are usually distributed each year at a Graduate Student Excellence Awards Ceremony & Reception.

If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Graduate Studies at gradawards@drexel.edu.

Visit the Office of Graduate Studies website for more information about the Graduate Student Excellence Awards.