The University of Texas Institute for Geophysics recognized outstanding staff and students at its annual awards celebration, May 19, 2023. The UTIG awards recognized achievements by students, researchers and staff in 2022 and 2023.
The awards were presented by UTIG Director, Demian Saffer, and were preceded by a review of the institute’s recent highlights. Award winners received a trophy and a cash prize.
Although the awards go to a handful of people, they recognize the collective achievements of everyone who makes UTIG an exciting and great place to work.
Congratulations to all our winners!
2023 Awardees

Don Blankenship
Director’s Circle of Excellence

Ginny Catania
Director’s Circle of Excellence

Sean Gulick
Director’s Circle of Excellence

Yuko Okumura
Director’s Circle of Excellence

Krista Soderlund
Director’s Circle of Excellence

Ian Dalziel
Career Award

Kristian Chan
Outstanding Graduate Student

Ethan Conrad
Outstanding Graduate Student

Adam Woodhouse
Outstanding Postdoc

Conny Rasmussen
Outstanding Young Researcher

Thorsten Becker
Outstanding Researcher

Shuoshuo Han
Outstanding Researcher

Sara Sieberath
Outstanding Support Staff
Eleanor Picard Excellence Award
Established in 2012, the award honors the work and service of the late Eleanor Picard, whose dedication, compassion and outstanding performance enhanced the scientific reputation of the University of Texas Institute for Geophysics and made it a better place to work.

Carla Thomas
Eleanor Picard Excellence Award