Each year, the AOS confers several prestigious Student Presentation Awards to students (undergraduate, masters, and doctoral) who present an outstanding poster or oral paper at the society’s annual meeting. Each award consists of a $500 honorarium. These awards are administered by the Travel Grants and Presentation Awards Committee.

Individuals wishing to be considered for a Student Presentation Award will be required to submit an abstract for the general scientific sessions through the Abstract Submission Portal. The submission form will include a set of questions for those who want to be considered for the Student Presentation Award competition. Please note that spaces are limited and that answering these questions does not guarantee a spot in the competition. Individuals will be notified later as to whether or not they have been invited to compete.

All award nominees are expected to have a high standard of ethical and social behavior that is strongly aligned with the AOS Code of Conduct & Ethics.

The Awards

The AOS Student Presentation Awards include the following:

  • The Nellie Johnson Baroody Award, given for the best presentation on any topic in ornithology.
  • The Robert B. Berry Student Award, given for the best oral presentation on a topic pertaining to avian conservation.
  • The Mark E. Hauber Award, given for the best oral presentation on avian behavior.
  • The A. Brazier Howell Award, given for the best presentation on any topic in ornithology.
  • The Frances F. Roberts Award, given for the best presentation on any topic in ornithology.
  • The AOS Council Awards, given for the best presentations on any topic in ornithology.

Eligibility for Student Presentation Awards

To participate in the presentation award competition, a student must be:

  • A current member of AOS.
  • The sole presenting author of a poster or oral paper presentation. Students giving 15-minute talks as part of a symposium are eligible, but those giving longer talks in a symposium are not eligible.
  • A full-time or recently graduated student (including undergraduates). Students graduating the semester prior to the meeting are also eligible for presentation awards.

Awards are made based on the quality of research and presentation. Preference is given to students in the final phases of completing their research, as opposed to those presenting preliminary findings. Students may receive only one presentation award from AOS in their lifetime.