The Michael J. Pelczar Award for Excellence in Graduate Study

After earning multiple degrees at the University of Maryland culminating with a doctorate in 1941, Dr. Michael J. Pelczar’s professional career at the University began in 1946 and spanned over 30 years.  He was a Distinguished University Professor of Microbiology and served as Vice President for Graduate Studies and Research for many years.  In honor of Dr. Pelczar’s retirement in 1977, the Michael J. Pelczar Graduate Award was established from contributions made by friends and alumni and the award is intended to honor excellence in graduate studies. 

The Michael J. Pelczar Award for Excellence in Graduate Study offers $2,500 to an outstanding University of Maryland doctoral candidate who has demonstrated excellence beyond his or her coursework, and who has served at least one academic year as a teaching assistant with a commendable performance.

Eligibility: Eligible candidates must be University of Maryland doctoral students who have reached candidacy by April 1, 2026.

Nomination Process: Departments/Programs may nominate one student.  Nomination deadline is noon on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.*

*Eligible students must contact their department for the department’s internal deadline.

Spring 2026 Guidelines and Nomination Cover Sheet

Award Recipients

   2025       Shannon Grogans, Psychology
                     Mohammad Ali, Information Studies
   2024       Mira An, Counseling Psychology
                     Molly Ellenberg, Psychology
   2023       NaYeon Yang, Psychology
                     Alexander Dittman, Astronomy
   2022       Suhana Chattopadhyay, Environmental Health
                    Jared Strange, Theater, Dance and Performance Studies
   2021       Thomas Le, Psychology
                     Usman Fiaz, Electrical and Computer Engineering
   2020       Konstantino Pozoukidis, English
                     Katchen Lachmayr, Chemistry
   2019       Taehyuk Keum, Counseling, Higher Education, and Special Education
   2018       Zexin Ma, Communication
                     Matthew Thum, Chemistry
   2017       James Andorko, Bioengineering
                     Irina Iles, Communication
   2016       Krista Smith, Astronomy
   2015       Kaitlyn Crawford, Chemistry
   2014       Brandi Townsend, History
   2013       Lindsey Vansandt, Animal and Avian Sciences
   2012       Douglass Ishii, American Studies
   2011       Zhao Zhang, Mechanical Engineering
   2010       Nathan Orloff, Physics
   2009       Rebecca Thorpe, Government and Politics
   2008       Kimberly Williams, Women’s Studies
   2007       Guy Ziv, Government and Politics
   2006       Bu Zhong, Journalism