There is no recognition like peer recognition! Awarding professional achievements is an important way to maintain high standards within the American Fisheries Society.
Alaska Chapter Awards
- Alaska Chapter Service Award »
- Best Student Oral and Poster Presentations »
- Recruitment and Engagement Travel Award »
- Meacham Family AFS Student Travel Award »
- Meritorious Service Award »
- Molly Ahlgren Scholarship »
- Wally Noerenberg Award for Fishery Excellence »
We are currently soliciting nominations for the Meritorious Service Award, the Alaska Chapter Service Award, and the Wally Noerenberg Award for Fishery Excellence. We encourage all members to consider nominating deserving individuals for these awards using one of these forms:
AK-AFS-Awards-Nomination-Form [PDF version]
AK-AFS-Awards-Nomination-Form [Word version]
NOMINATIONS ARE DUE BY FEBRUARY 15. Award recipients will be announced at the Annual Meeting.
Rewarding excellence is an enjoyable but challenging task. If you would like to help out, the Chapter is soliciting a Chair and members for the Awards Committee. If you are interested in being a part of this committee, please contact the Awards Chair.
Past Award Recipients
- Alaska Chapter Service Award »
- Best Student Oral and Poster Presentations »
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Travel Award »
- Meritorious Service Award »
- Molly Ahlgren Scholarship »
- Wally Noerenberg Award for Fishery Excellence »
Alaska Chapter Service Award
The Chapter Service Award was established to award outstanding service to the Alaska Chapter of the American Fisheries Society. These candidates should have been involved in some or all of the following activities: active participation in standing or ad-hoc committees; made important contributions to advance the current objectives, long-term goals or stature of the Chapter and fisheries professionals; contributed a significant amount of time to Chapter activities; improved public awareness of the Alaska Chapter and Chapter activities; encouraged development of students as fisheries professionals through recruitment and involvement as Chapter members; and recruited fisheries professionals as Chapter members.
Submit Alaska Chapter Service Award nominations and letters of support to Awards Chair.
Best Student Oral and Poster Presentations
Student presentations will be evaluated by members who volunteer to judge for the competition. Each judge will score talks and posters using a pre-established rating sheet. Four categories of presentations will be considered: Best Oral (MS and PhD) and Best Poster (MS and PhD) presentation. The award in each category will be determined by the highest average score. An additional category for undergraduate students will be added if any should present at the meeting.
If there is only one presentation in a category, no award will be given for that category. In the event of ties, the judges will discuss the merits of the top papers and attempt to reach a consensus. If a consensus cannot be reached, the selection will be made by a simple majority vote. Only one award will be presented to each individual. Award recipients will be announced at the close of the Chapter meeting. Student award recipients will receive a monetary prize in recognition of their work.
Note: Only presentations that directly reflect student-led research (i.e., capstone, thesis, or dissertation projects) are eligible for this award. Student presenters for other projects (e.g., long-term monitoring programs) do not qualify.
Please contact AFS President if you are interested in serving as a judge for the best student oral or poster presentation competition.
Recruitment and Engagement Travel Award
The Cultural Diversity Travel Fund is an endowment of the American Fisheries Society – Alaska Chapter established in 1994. The purpose of the fund is to provide monetary awards for people belonging to underrepresented groups in fisheries such as those provided annually with the Recruitment and Engagement Travel Award.
The Recruitment and Engagement Travel Award is intended to cover registration and travel costs associated with annual AK-AFS meetings. Funds will be awarded to recipients identifying with one or more underrepresented groups, and/or being in an entry level professional position or student, based on their demonstrated commitment and/or clear intent to pursue a career in fisheries or related discipline, reasons for attending the conference, and financial need. Successful applicants will also receive a one-year AK-AFS membership, and partial awards may be given, depending on available funding.
With your donation, the Cultural Diversity Travel Fund, which supports the Recruitment and Engagement Travel Award, will grow to provide a permanent, reliable source of funding to support underrepresented groups in fisheries and strengthen the future of our profession. DONATE HERE
For more information or to apply for the RAE Travel Award, please click here. If you have questions or would like assistance with completing the application, please contact the Recruitment and Engagement Committee at rae@afs-alaska.org. Applicants will be notified regarding the outcome of their application at least one month prior to the start of the annual meeting.
The Meacham Family AFS Student Travel Award
The Meacham Family AFS Student Travel Fund is an endowment of the American Fisheries Society – Alaska Chapter. The purpose of the fund is to prioritize the growth and professional development of student members of the Chapter by supporting student travel and networking opportunities. This fund allows donors to contribute to student development with confidence that their donations will do exactly what they intended. DONATE HERE
The fund was established in 2023 with an initial pledge of $30,000 by Charles H. Meacham and Charles P. Meacham, retired fisheries scientists who dedicated most of their decorated careers to Alaska fisheries. With your help, this gift will grow to provide a permanent, reliable source of funding to support students and strengthen the future of our profession.
Building on the Meachams’ founding donation, the Chapter is raising more funds until we reach an initial goal of $85,000 in base principle, which will be held in perpetuity. After the fund reaches this initial goal, student travel endowment awards will begin being disbursed annually, using up to 2% of the market value of the fund. After the fund principal reaches an ultimate goal of $125,000, the amount available for awards will rise to 4%, providing a stable and permanent source of support for student travel. The fund’s guiding principles state that awards will be made to graduate and undergraduate students intending a career in a fisheries-related field, with priority given to students attending Alaska campuses or conducting Alaska-specific research.
Meritorious Service Award
Nominations for the Meritorious Service Award should be based on an outstanding contribution in any area of Alaska fisheries, including research, management, education, planning, industry, and policy development. Nominations do not have to come from AFS members, nor do nominees need to be active members. The contribution or accomplishment of the candidate must be recent and not the result of many years of effort (recognition of career-long contributions is more appropriate for the Wally Noerenberg Award). The Awards Committee will select winners based on strength of the nomination and the accomplishment.
Submit Meritorious Service Award nominations and letters of support to Awards Chair.
Molly Ahlgren Scholarship Award
Professor Molly Ahlgren was an Associate Professor of Environmental Science at Sheldon Jackson College. The Alaska Chapter of the American Fisheries Society (Chapter) elected her to be the Chapter’s president in 2005, after many years of her active involvement and leadership in the Chapter. Less than two weeks after being installed as Chapter president, she was killed in a boating accident. The Chapter responded by creating the Molly Ahlgren Scholarship to honor her and her life’s work. DONATE HERE
The Molly Ahlgren Scholarship provides at least $2,000 annually to a worthy undergraduate student(s) in their sophomore, junior, or senior year of studies with the intent of earning a baccalaureate degree in fisheries, aquatic, or biological science at the University of Alaska (any branch) or Alaska Pacific University.
Applicants need to complete and submit an application and will be evaluated on their work and/or educational experiences and interest in the fields of fisheries, aquatic, or biological science, interest in professional advancement, and reason(s) for financial need.
Applications for the Molly Ahlgren Scholarship are due no later than November 7, 2025 at 5PM Alaska time. The year’s application form is available as a PDF and Word doc. For additional information, contact Ray Hander (907) 456-0402, Ray Hander.
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- Since 2006 the Molly Ahlgren Scholarship has awarded $87,000 in support of fisheries student tuition.
Wally Noerenberg Award for Fishery Excellence
The Wally Noerenberg Award for Fishery Excellence is the highest award of the Alaska Chapter, is bestowed as a special honor on individuals who have made great and outstanding contributions to Alaska fisheries. This award was established in 1981 by resolution of the membership. The membership has also set, by resolution, specific guidelines for the Wally Noerenberg Award Committee. Nominee contributions may include scientific research; technological development; species and habitat management; innovations in harvesting, processing, or marketing; academic and fishery education; or involvement in national and international affairs affecting Alaska fisheries.
Please submit Wally Noerenberg Award nominations and letters of support to Milo Adkison.
Past Award Recipients
Alaska Chapter Service Award | |
| 2023 | Cheryl Barnes |
| 2022 | No award given |
| 2021 | Toshihide “Hamachan” Hamazaki |
| 2020 | No meeting due to COVID-19 pandemic |
| 2013 – 2019 | No award given |
| 2012 | Bill Bechtol |
| 2011 | Ray Hander |
| 2010 | Gretchen Bishop |
| 2009 | No award given |
| 2008 | Lee Ann Gardner |
| 2007 | Allen Bingham |
| 2006 | Cindy Hartmann |
| 2005 | No award given |
| 2004 | Bill Hauser |
| 2000 – 2003 | No award given |
| 1999 | Carl Burger |
Best Student Oral Presentation and Posters | |
| 2025 | |
| High School – Kayhi National Ocean Science Bowl Team | |
| Poster (BS, 1st) – Elias Reynolds | |
| Poster (BS, 2nd) – Hunter Kaufman | |
| Poster (MS, 1st) – Carolyn Knapper | |
| Poster (MS, 2nd) – Shira Berkelhammer | |
| Poster (MS, 3rd) – Dakota Keller | |
| Poster (MS, 4th) – Thomas House | |
| Presentation (MS, 1st) – Maggie Harings | |
| Presentation (MS, 2nd) – Elena Eberhardt | |
| Presentation (MS, 3rd) – Samuel Comeau | |
| Presentation (MS 4th) – Mary Commins | |
| Short Presentation (MS) – Blake Toney | |
| Presentation (PhD, 1st) – Austin Flanigan | |
| Presentation (PhD, 2nd) – Genoa Sullaway | |
| Presentation (PhD, 3rd) – Lindsey McCulloch | |
| Presentation (PhD, 4th) – Garrett Dunne | |
| People’s Choice – Sarah Miyabi Hendricks | |
| 2023 | Poster (BS, 1st) – Kristin Reece |
| Poster (BS, 2nd) – Naomi Boyles-Muehleck | |
| Poster (MS, 1st) – Sydney Almgren | |
| Poster (MS, 2nd) – Cara Hesselbach | |
| Poster (PhD, 1st) – Nicole Watson | |
| Poster (PhD, 2nd) – Lia Domke | |
| Presentation (BS, 1st) – Suzie O’Neill | |
| Presentation (BS, 2nd) – NA | |
| Presentation (MS, 1st) – Lilian Hart | |
| Presentation (MS, 2nd) – Maggie Harings | |
| Presentation (PhD, 1st) – Matt Cheng | |
| Presentation (PhD, 2nd) – Carter Johnson | |
| 2022 | Long Talk (MS, 1st) – Taylor Cubbage |
| Long Talk (MS, 2nd)– Luke Henslee | |
| Long Talk (PhD, 1st) – Matt Dunkle | |
| Long Talk (PhD, 2nd) – Chris Sergeant | |
| Lightning Talk (MS, 1st) – Maggie Harings | |
| Lightning Talk (MS, 2nd) – Lindsay Turner | |
| Lightning Talk (PhD) – Genoa Sullaway | |
| 2021 | Presentation (MS) – Olivia Edwards |
| Presentation (PhD) – Kelly Ireland | |
| Presentation (Undergrad) – Will Samuel | |
| Poster (MS) – Carolyn Hamman | |
| Poster (PhD) – Chris Sergeant | |
| 2020 | No meeting due to COVID-19 pandemic |
| 2019 | Presentation – Chris Sergeant |
| Poster – Kelly Ireland (Graduate) | |
| Poster – Alyx Hoover (Undergraduate) | |
| 2018 | Presentation (PhD) – Neil Mochnacz |
| Presentation (PhD) – Lauren Wild | |
| Presentation (MS) – Taylor Ulrich | |
| Poster (PhD) – Brita Baechler | |
| Poster (MS) – Laura Junge | |
| Awarded Jointly with WDAFS | |
| 2017 | Presentation – Thomas Farrugia |
| Poster – Chase Jalbert | |
| 2015 | Presentation – Will Deacy |
| Poster – Benjamin Meyer | |
| 2014 | Presentation – Elizabeth Figus |
| Poster – Allison Martin | |
| 2013 | Presentation – Emily Lescak |
| Poster – Kevin Fraley and Bryce Mecum | |
| 2012 | Presentation – Trevor Haynes |
| Poster – Kyle Shedd | |
| 2011 | Presentations – Parker Bradley and Jason R. Neuswanger |
| Poster – Robert Marcotte | |
| 2010 | Presentation – Jason R. Neuswanger |
| Poster – Jamie McKellar | |
| 2009 | Presentation – Jason R. Neuswanger |
| Poster – David A. Roon | |
| 2008 | Presentation – Kristen Dunlap |
| Poster – Lisa South | |
| 2007 | Presentation – Becky Clausen |
| Poster – Jennifer Marsh | |
| 2006 | Presentation – Andrew C. Seitz |
| Poster – Wongyu Park | |
| 2005 | No award given |
| 2004 | Presentation – Cindy Tribuzio |
| Poster – Angela Middleton | |
| 2003 | Presentation – Suzann G. Speckman |
| Poster – Anthony Eskelin | |
| 2002 | Presentation – Mark D. Scheuerell |
| 2001 | Presentation – Sara Gilk |
| 2000 | Presentation – Karla Granath |
| 1999 | Presentation – Amy Browning |
| Poster – Scott H. Maclean | |
| 1998 | Presentation – Robert Begich and Lisa Thompson |
| 1997 | Presentation – Jennifer Boldt |
| 1996 | Presentation – Michael Daigneault |
| 1995 | Presentation – Gretchen Bishop |
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Travel Award | |
| 2023 | Recipient unable to accept |
| 2021 – 2022 | Virtual meetings – No award given |
| 2020 | No meeting due to COVID-19 pandemic |
| 2019 | Jesse Gordon and Danielle Lowrey |
| 2018 | Sonia Ibarra |
| 2017 | Sarah O’Neal |
| 2015 | Henry Masters |
| 2014 | Molly McCarthy |
| 2013 | Lauren Divine and Allyson Olds |
| 2012 | Casie Stockdale and Danielle Duncan |
| 2011 | Rachel DeWilde, Leslie Jensen and Theresa Floyd |
| 2010 | Ernestine Ahgeak, Elena Fernandez, and Emilie Springer |
| 2009 | Alissa Joseph and Jessica Davila |
| 2008 | Shelley Woods |
| 2007 | Lisa Kangas |
| 2006 | Valli Peterson, Lisa Kangas, and Heidi Herter |
| 2005 | No award given |
| 2004 | Mike Martz and Tyler Dann |
| 2003 | Courtenay Peirce |
| 2002 | Karen Pletnikoff and Jodi Neil |
| 2001 | Iris O’Brien |
| 2000 | Kalei Shotwell |
| 1999 | Cheryl Dion |
| 1998 | Kathleen M. Kennell Menke |
| 1997 | Carol Kerkvliet |
Meritorious Service Award | |
| 2023 | No award given |
| 2022 | Jodi Estrada |
| 2022 | No award given |
| 2021 | No award given |
| 2020 | No meeting due to COVID-19 pandemic |
| 2018 – 2019 | No award given |
| 2017 | Sonia Ibarra and Steve Moffitt |
| 2012 – 2015 | No award given |
| 2011 | Charles Krueger, Christian Zimmerman, Karen Gillis and Joseph Spaeder (shared) |
| 2008 – 2010 | No award given |
| 2007 | Ray Troll |
| 2006 | Mason “Buck” Bryant |
| 2003 – 2005 | No award given |
| 2002 | Jie Zheng |
| 1999 – 2001 | No award given |
| 1998 | Gordon Kruse |
| 1997 | Fred Everest |
| 1996 | Lyman Thorsteinson |
| 1995 | Fred DeCicco |
| 1994 | Alex Wertheimer |
| 1993 | Bill Wilson |
| 1992 | No award given |
| 1991 | Steve Klein |
| 1990 | Nick Dudiak |
| 1989 | John Clark |
| 1988 | Bill Heard |
Molly Ahlgren Scholarship | |
| 2026 | Cameron Walker (UAF) and Kaylee Brown (UAS) |
| 2025 | Felicia Holman (UAF) and Mary Simeon (UAS) |
| 2024 | Brandilyn Castro (UAS) and Holly Hoffbauer (UAS) |
| 2023 | Molly Legg (APU) and Kristen Reece (UAF) |
| 2022 | Zoe Munson (APU) and Brittany Gardner (UAF) |
| 2021 | Kortney Birch (UAF) |
| 2020 | Monica Keim (APU) |
| 2019 | Noah Khalsa (UAF) |
| 2018 | Keenan Sanderson (UAF) |
| 2017 | Kelly Ireland (UAA) |
| 2015 | Maggie Schaffer (APU) |
| 2014 | Sky Brandt (UAF) and Lauren Bailey (UAF) |
| 2013 | Rosario Fuentes (APU) and Melissa Rhodes-Reese (UAF) |
| 2012 | Ryan Lucas (UAA) |
| 2011 | Dan Prince (UAA) |
| 2010 | Andrew Reichel (APU) and Casey McConnell (UAF) |
| 2009 | Matt Catterson (UAF) |
| 2008 | Shelley Woods (UAF) |
| 2007 | Christian Anderson (UAF) |
| 2006 | Sonya Weihl (Sheldon Jackson) |
Wally Noerenberg Award | |
| 2025 | Bill Hauser |
| 2024 | No award given |
| 2023 | No award given |
| 2022 | No award given |
| 2021 | Catherine W. (Kitty) Mecklenberg |
| 2020 | No meeting due to COVID-19 pandemic |
| 2019 | No award given |
| 2018 | Stephen Jewett and Brenda Norcross |
| 2017 – 2018 | No award given |
| 2015 | Gordon Kruse |
| 2013 – 2014 | No award given |
| 2012 | Chuck Meacham |
| 2011 | Bill Heard and Jack Helle |
| 2010 | No award given |
| 2009 | Terrence J. Quinn II |
| 2007 – 2008 | No award given |
| 2006 | Bill Wilson |
| 2005 | No award given |
| 2004 | Lance Trasky |
| 2003 | Alex Wertheimer |
| 2002 | A. J. Paul |
| 1998 – 2001 | No award given |
| 1997 | John Clark |
| 1996 | No award given |
| 1995 | Ken Roberson |
| 1994 | Ole Mathisen |
| 1993 | No award given |
| 1992 | Jim Reynolds |
| 1991 | Jim Branson |
| 1990 | Steve Pennoyer |
| 1989 | Clem Tillion |
| 1988 | Bob Armstrong |
| 1987 | No award given |
| 1986 | Armin Koerning |
| 1983 – 1985 | No award given |
| 1982 | Wally Noerenberg (awarded posthumously) |