On April 15, the University of Maryland's leadership and reseach community gathered at The Hotel at the University of Maryland to honor faculty members for their contributions to elevating the visibility and reputation of the UMD Research Enterprise.

Co-hosted by the Division of Research and the Office of the Provost, the event highlighted faculty who best represent research excellence as selected by the deans of each college. This year, Dean Susan Rivera of the College of Behavioral and Social Studies nominated GEOG Assistant Professor Catherine Nakalembe as "Exemplary Researcher." 

"In 2023, Dr. Nakalembe was awarded the highly prestigious Al-Sumait Prize for African Development for her groundbreaking research supporting food security in Africa. Dr. Nakalembe’s selection for this prize is a testament to her tireless efforts in leveraging satellite data to enhance agricultural decision-making and prevent the potentially devastating consequences of crop failure, Her work has directly benefited farmers by mitigating the effects of food insecurity and has also influenced the formulation of policies and programs that support these communities," said BSOS's nomination. 

Vice President for Research Gregory F. Ball presented the award to Nakalembe. Also in attendance were President Darryll J. Pines and Senior Vice President and Provost Jennifer King Rice.

"I am grateful for the support and encouragement I have received from my dean, colleagues, and the university as a whole. This recognition is a testament to the collaborative efforts and dedication of the entire team I work with," Nakalembe said.

Among the honorees were also Associate Professor Sergii Skakun, who holds a joint appoinment between GEOG and the College of Information Studies (iSchool), and Research Professor Alyssa Whitcraft, executive director of NASA Acres, which focuses on agriculture and food security. 

Provost Rice addressed the honorees, saying, “Your excellence and creativity in research and scholarship make it possible for us to reimagine learning, invest in people and communities, partner to advance the public good, and to take on humanity’s greatest challenges.”

Image: Exemplary Researchers pose for a group photo. Courtesy of Tatiana Loboda