Awards & Honors

Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences Professor Bayani Cardenas is on a world tour this year, giving talks as the 2025 Birdsall-Dreiss and LaMoreaux International Distinguished Lecturer (BDL). He has 73 talks scheduled in 19 states and 10 countries.

The lectureship is part of the hydrogeology division of the Geological Society of America. Lecturers are chosen by a panel of former BDL lecturers who review nominations and make their choice solely on each prospective candidate’s reputation for research excellence and ability to communicate.

Danielle Touma, a research assistant professor at the University of Texas Institute for Geophysics, was one of five scientists named a 2024 Women In Science Incentive Prize winner by The Story Exchange, a nonprofit media platform. This grant program supports women scientists working to combat the impacts of climate change. Each winner was given $5,000 to continue their work. The winners were selected following a rigorous scientific review by judges from several universities, as well as an assessment by The Story Exchange editors.

Chris Lowery, a research assistant professor at the University of Texas Institute for Geophysics and lecturer at the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, was named the recipient of the 2024 Asahiko Taira International Scientific Ocean Drilling Research Prize by the American Geophysical Union. The prize, which recognizes an “outstanding, transdisciplinary research accomplishment,” is the highest honor available for early-to-mid career scientists in the field of scientific ocean drilling.

Michael Young, the Jackson School of Geosciences associate dean for research, has been named a fellow of the American Society of Agronomy (ASA). The ASA is an international scientific and professional society that empowers scientists, educators and practitioners in developing, disseminating and applying agronomic solutions to feed and sustain the world. Fellow is the highest recognition bestowed by the ASA. A maximum of 0.3% of the society’s 7,000 active and emeritus members may be elected fellow. It is based on professional achievements and meritorious service.