Sliwinski, Messinger receive SNR Meritorious Awards

Maggi Sliwinski (left) and Lindsey Messinger are the 2015 School of Natural Resources Meritorious Graduate Student Award recipients.
Maggi Sliwinski (left) and Lindsey Messinger are the 2015 School of Natural Resources Meritorious Graduate Student Award recipients.

Maggi Sliwinski, doctoral student, and Lindsey Messinger, graduate student, have been selected to receive the School of Natural Resources Meritorious Graduate Student Award. The award is given to one master's and one Ph.D. student annually.

"Being recognized by faculty and nominated by my adviser and peers really means so much to me," Sliwinski said. "It's an honor that they would take the time to write nomination letters for me for this award. I try to stay on top of my research while also doing a lot of professional service activities, like serving in the SNR Graduate Student Association."

Criteria for the award includes outstanding performance as a graduate student, research and professional contributions. The award is presented by the SNR Graduate Committee.

"Being nominated and selected for the School of Natural Resources Masters Meritorious Graduate Student Award by my peers and the SNR community, many of whom shaped me both as a student and a professional, has particular meaning for me," Messinger said. "Knowing that my research and professional contributions are valued inspires me to continue to strive for excellence both in my ongoing work here in SNR with the Nebraska Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit and in the future as my career develops."

Sliwinski and Messinger will each receive a $500 stipend and their names will be included on a plaque that hangs in Hardin Hall.

— Mekita Rivas, Natural Resources