Stimulation of Interest in the Earth Sciences: Neil Miner Award
Neil Alden Miner: September 9, 1898 - September 16, 1947
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Each year, the NAGT presents the Neil Miner Award to an individual for exceptional contributions to the stimulation of interest in the Earth sciences. The Award, presented each year since 1953, commemorates Neil Miner's concern for personal excellence and effective teaching. His ideals, his notably unselfish outlook on life, and his personal philosophy inspired his fellow teachers as well as his students. The Neil Miner Award is presented annually at the NAGT awards ceremony.
Award Recipients
2025 Award Recipient:
Laura Guertin, Penn State Brandywine
Past Recipients
Make a Nomination
- A letter of nomination describing how the nominee meets the criteria for the award (see below);
- Up to a maximum of four letters of support no more than two pages in length. At least one letter each should come from a student, a colleague, and an administrator. All letters must be written specifically for the Neil Miner Award nomination.
- The nominee's curriculum vitae.
Selection process
The award winner is chosen by a committee consisting of the President of the Association, who serves as Chair; the immediate Past-President; the Secretary/treasurer; and two members recommended by the Executive Committee. The committee evaluates nominations on the basis of a rubric with the following criteria:
- Documentation of the stimulation of interest in the geosciences: Excellence is demonstrated through clear documentation in letters and CV of multiple, sustained, and innovative contributions specifically aimed at stimulating broad interest in geoscience (e.g., novel curriculum, impactful outreach programs, influential publications/presentations, creative projects).
- Evidence of inspiration and impact: Excellence is demonstrated through compelling, multi-faceted, and tangible evidence from multiple sources (letters, data) showing significant inspiration/influence on multiple audience groups (students, colleagues, community members/leaders), clearly demonstrating how the nominee motivated or shaped others' actions, ideas, or career paths in geoscience. Evidence can include specific examples of: similarities/parallels in others' work/ideas; Direct references/acknowledgments by others; Personal statements (quotes) from those inspired detailing the impact; Expert analysis (in letters) linking nominee to influence; Supportive evaluation data.
- Exceptional nature of contributions and impact: Excellence is demonstrated through a nomination package that convincingly articulates how the contributions and demonstrated impact significantly exceed standard expectations for the nominee's role, career stage, and context. "Exceptional" may include demonstrating a unique vision, broad reach, transformative effects, overcoming significant barriers, or establishing highly influential models/ideas.
- Quality and completeness of the nomination package: Excellence means that all required documents are present, well-organized, and specifically written for the award. Letters (from required sources: student, colleague, admin) are detailed, specific, compelling, strongly corroborating claims with concrete examples. CV is clear, relevant, and supports the narrative. Evaluation data (if applicable) is presented effectively. The package presents a cohesive and persuasive case.
Nominations will be considered active for three years.
Nomination Deadline is April 15.
You may submit all nomination materials through the online nomination form.