Geoff Cook Among the comments were: "Overflows with passion and excitement both for his field of study and for the opportunity to share scientific wisdom." "Makes every lecture worthwhile." "Never afraid to admit he doesn’t know the answer but always finds it for the next class." "As an education major looking for the perfect role model, I found him. He is an awesome teacher." Cook has been a lecturer in geosciences for two years and is finishing his PhD in geology at Washington State University. (Presented by Fred Launer)

Linda Vetovis Among the comments were: "She seems to know and anticipate all that is going on and is on top of every situation so that all things are attended to on schedule and in a timely manner. When a problem arises across campus or with a vendor or outside agency, she intervenes and reconciles it without us ever having to become distracted." Vitovis has been at URI 22 years, the last four with CELS. (Presented by Megan Dyer)

Debra Bourassa "She is the matriarch of our department. She knows all the graduate students and many of the undergraduates by first name. She genuinely cares about the quality of people’s lives both inside and outside the workplace. She is a warm, caring person who loves to help, has pride in her work and enjoys and helps create a comfortable place to work each day." Bourassa has been at URI since 2000 and in her present position for more than three years.(Presented by Megan Dyer who explained that both Vetovis and Bourassa received 20 nominations apiece)

David Kalen "He has a knack for translating what would be to us, overly technical material, into training materials for the public, including engineers, surveyors and soil scientists. He has been know to log more than 100 training courses per year not only in Rhode Island but in new England, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. His sly sense of humor makes for a more enjoyable work environment and everyone he works with values him as an essential member of their team." Kalen has been at URI since 2003. (Presented by Erin Rainone)

Dr. Cheryl Wilga "Is one of the hardest working, energetic and successful researchers." "Has a consistent publication record in highest quality journals." "Has a consistent funding record from competitive basic science agencies." "Has been interviewed in scientific publications and in a TV series on evolution." "Her excellence in research is also reflected and recognized by this person’s enthusiastic and rigorous training and mentoring of the next generation of researchers." Wilga has been at URI since 2000 and in CELS for four years. (Presented by Yeqiao Wang)