NPSMA Awards
Each year at the National Conference held in November, the NPSMA presents awards to outstanding members of the PSM community. These recognitions honor individuals who have made meaningful contributions to PSM programs, the NPSMA, and the broader PSM initiative.
Nominations are accepted throughout the year. If you would like to submit a nomination or request additional information, please contact us at manager@npsma.org.
NPSMA Awards & Recognition
The National Professional Science Master’s Association honors outstanding contributions to the PSM community through several annual awards. These recognitions celebrate leadership, innovation, service, and long‑term commitment to advancing Professional Science Master’s programs nationwide.
President’s Award
Awarded to a member of the PSM community for outstanding contributions or service to the PSM Initiative.
- 2024: Seema Freer, Temple University
- 2023: Kristin Kuter, Saint Mary’s College
- 2021: Tim Born, Grand Valley State University
- 2021: Scott Herness, Montclair State University
- 2019: Courtney Thornton, North Carolina State University
- 2018: Linda Strausbaugh, University of Connecticut (Emeritus)
- 2016: Debra Warren‑Hite, NPSMA
- 2015: Saeed Foroudastan, Middle Tennessee State University
- 2014: Donald Langenberg, University System of Maryland (Emeritus)
- 2013: Bogdan Vernescu, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
- 2012: Sheila Tobias, Author & Consultant
Board of Directors Award
Awarded to PSM program directors, faculty, staff, alumni, students, or industry leaders for exemplary contributions to PSM programs or the PSM Initiative.
- 2024: Marcel Blais, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
- 2023: Starra Priestaf, University of Illinois
- 2021: Jeannie Houts, NPSMA
- 2019: Ray Hoobler, University of Utah
- 2018: Heidi Harkins, University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill
- 2017: Carol Lynch, University of Colorado Boulder
- 2017: Michael Teitelbaum, Alfred P. Sloan Foundation / Harvard Law School
- 2016: Todd Arnold, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; Mount Sinai Genetic Testing Laboratory
Chelsea Nihill, Middle Tennessee State University - 2015: Elizabeth Friedman, Illinois Institute of Technology
- 2014: Rana Kahn, University of Maryland University College
Gerald Santoro, Pennsylvania State University - 2013: Dagmar Beck, Rice University
Peiru Wu, Michigan State University - 2012: Cynthia Bainton, Northeastern University
Saeed Foroudastan, Middle Tennessee State University
Liz Friedman Exceptional Contribution Award
Awarded to a member of the PSM community who exemplifies the dedication and vision shown by Liz Friedman.
- 2024: Deborah Silver, Rutgers University
- 2023: Dagmar Beck, Rice University
Continued Support Award
Awarded to a member of the PSM community who has demonstrated longevity and excellence in support of the NPSMA.
- 2024: Linda Strausbaugh, University of Connecticut (Emeritus)
- 2023: Al Kern, California State University San Marcos
Gerald Grunwald, Thomas Jefferson University
Lifetime Achievement Award
Recognizes individuals whose long‑term contributions have significantly advanced the PSM initiative and strengthened the NPSMA community.
- 2021: Linda Strausbaugh, University of Connecticut (Emeritus)
Award for Outstanding Service
Honors exceptional service, leadership, and commitment to the NPSMA or PSM programs.
- 2023: Derek Payne, NPSMA
Advisory Board Award
Awarded 2012–2014 to industry leaders for outstanding contributions to PSM programs or the NPSMA.
- 2014: Ross Grossman, Regeneron (Emeritus)
- 2013: EMD Serono, Inc.
- 2012: Michael Morad, Covidien Vascular Therapies
Certificate of Special Recognition
Acknowledges unique contributions or achievements that have positively impacted the PSM community.
- 2013: Eleanor Babco (Posthumously)