Drew gave generously of his time to help every one, especially graduate students. I'm going to write separately about the huge impact Drew had on me when I worked at NSIDC. But this story is more specifically about a group of 3 graduate students whom he influenced tremendously, mostly outside the scope of his official duties and for which he never received anything back.
We were so appreciative of all the energy and attention he gave so freely to us that we jumped at the opportunity to get him some formal acknowledgement. What follows is the letter we submitted for a departmental (CIRES) "Outstanding Performance Award" in February 2010.
Please type in a brief letter or abstract describing in general terms why the nominee is worthy.
We enthusiastically draw your attention to the extracurricular service activities of Dr. Andrew Slater (Drew) of the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC). We believe his past and present engagement within CIRES go well beyond the call of duty and merit special recognition. In particular, Drew's interactions with CIRES graduate students have played a vital role in improving the quality and efficiency of their research - even while he has not served on their committees, except in one case. His example as a mentor and collaborator is inspiring and a tremendous asset to NSIDC as well as CIRES and we believe he should be recognized for not only the impact he has made but also for the example he sets. Though only a small token of our gratitude, nominating Drew for this service award is an opportunity for us to publicly thank him for all he has given to us. I therefore nominate him for a 2010 CIRES service award.
1. The service increases the efficiency and/or quality of research performed at CIRES.
Drew has continually and tirelessly put efforts into supporting the academic pursuits of several graduate students at CIRES. Drew's encouragement and selfless collaboration have made a tremendous impact on their research and education. It must be noted that Drew's efforts lie outside his duties as a CIRES research scientist. Yet, time and again, not only has Drew improved the quality of our work through thoughtful dialogue and pointed assistance, he has inspired excellence in each of us. Attached testimonies from three CIRES graduate students whom Drew has helped over the past several years more than convey Drew’s dedication and service beyond his formal role in CIRES.
2. Implementation of a creative/innovative idea, device, process, or system that enhances CIRES research or assists in accomplishing the CIRES mission.
The same spirit of scientific intrigue, cross collaboration, and dedication to scientific pursuits outside his own specific research pervades Drew's work beyond his interactions with the graduate students. While this spirit or idea of science is not novel, implementing it and realizing it effectively requires innovation, creativity, and energy. Drew does just that and his dedication and creativity conspire to further the CIRES mission. Not only is Drew involved with public outreach (e.g. http://learnmoreaboutclimate.colorado.edu/ - see video #3) and with teaching inside the university (e.g. guest lectures in Prof. Balaji's class), his ability to cross-pollinate cutting-edge ideas in diverse fields of science was recently recognized through his nomination and invitation to participate in the National Academy of science's “French-American Kavli Frontiers of Science” in Roscoff, France, from November 20 to November 22, 2008. (See http://www.nasonline.org/site/PageServer?pagename=FRONTIERS_fusfos for details on this prestigious program.) At Kavli, attendees from wide array of scientific backgrounds “participate actively in a general discussion period, during which they learn from and form collaborative relationships with other young scientists in different fields.” To the CIRES graduate students whom Drew has mentored, Drew's selection was no surprise. We benefit from his lively discussions and collaborative relationship every day. An email confirming his participation with the title of his presentation is included in the supplementary documentation.
3. The service promotes or inspires excellence and dedication to the science and research performed at CIRES.
Drew not only gives hands-on help and guidance to graduate students’ research, he also sets an example as an excellent scientist that we should all aspire to be. Drew embodies the ideal of willing selfless collaboration in pursuit of a wide array interesting questions – just because they are interesting. His willingness to venture well outside his area of expertise, to learn about new topics, and commit significant time to helping students to whom he bares little relationship, save proximity in a common hallway, is a testament to such spirit of research. In the supporting letters, the inspiration of each CIRES graduate student shines through along side gratitude for Drew's support and encouragement (promotion of dedication) in the attainment of their academic goals.