Honoring Overall Excellence
2019-2020 Praesto Award Recipient
Saswati Karmakar
Ph.D. in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
View a complete list of all previous award winners.
The Praesto Award is given annually to recognize the most exceptional graduate, based on overall excellence or excellence in multiple areas. The award is presented at the Spring Graduate Studies Convocation Ceremony.
Criteria
The particular strengths and activities of the winner vary widely each year. Given the nature of the award, there is no specific minimum standard or weighting for any of the various criteria. The Selection Committee looks at:
- Cumulative graduate GPA
- Leadership at the UNMC, community, regional and/or national levels
- Service to UNMC, the community, and/or profession
- Publications
- Certificates earned in addition to the degree
- Thesis/Dissertation.
Eligibility
Any individual eligible to walk in the December or May commencement ceremonies held during a single academic year can receive the award. For example, August 2016, December 2016 and May 2017 graduates were eligible for the 2016-2017 Praesto Award.
Nomination Process
Each UNMC Graduate Program Director may nominate one individual for consideration during the annual award cycle.