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Graduate Dean's Awards

Kate Carlson, graduate student in the Master of Science in Kinesiology program, has been selected as the 2024–2025 Graduate Dean’s Award recipient.

Kate’s outstanding academic record, and her exceptional thesis—“Effects of Solar Radiation on Fluid Loss in Aerobic Exercise”—exemplify the highest standards of graduate scholarship. Her year-long, large-scale study, conducted in collaboration with a global leader in the sports apparel industry, has produced the most comprehensive real-world dataset to date on this topic and is already influencing safety and performance research in athletics and labor settings.

In addition to her academic and research excellence, Kate has demonstrated unwavering leadership, professionalism, and service to both the university and the broader community. A first-generation college student and former student-athlete, she continues to inspire others through her resilience, dedication, and commitment to impactful scientific inquiry.

After graduating this Spring, Kate will head up to Oregon as she has accepted a research scientist position at the prestigious Nike Sport Research Lab housed in the - 

Please join us in congratulating Kate Carlson on this well-deserved honor!

Graduate Dean's Award

This award acknowledges the importance of graduate degrees at California State University San Marcos by recognizing the accomplishments of an outstanding master’s or doctoral degree recipient. Graduate study involves both greater independence and closer intellectual interaction with faculty mentors as the student develops focused knowledge and expertise in a subject area. The recipient of this award will have demonstrated mastery in advanced coursework as well as engagement in independent study and research, scholarship, or creative activity.

One of the recipients of the 6 Dean's Award, which includes the recipient of the Graduate Dean's Award, will be selected to receive the President’s Outstanding Graduate Award for the year.

• Award Criteria
  • Completion of master’s or doctoral degree requirements in Summer 2024, Fall 2024, or Spring 2025
  • Minimum graduate cumulative GPA of 3.5
  • Departmental and/or college recommendation (only one nomination per graduate program will be accepted)
  • Evidence of outstanding scholarship in graduate coursework
  • Evidence of outstanding achievement on the master’s or doctoral culminating experience (thesis, project, comprehensive examination, or dissertation)
  • Achievement in academic, professional, and service activities
• Nomination Process

  Nominations are due to the Office of the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research via email (gradstudies@csusm.edu) by Friday, March 14, 2025 at 5pm. Completed packets must include:

  Student’s Personal Statement (maximum 3 pages) describing:
  

  • Significant educational accomplishments and career goals
  • Any obstacles that were overcome on the path to the graduate degree
  • One critical graduate school experience and its impact on the student’s education

  Letter of Recommendation from the student’s faculty advisor commenting on the special achievement of the student’s culminating experience (thesis, project, comprehensive examination, or dissertation)

  Student’s Curriculum Vitae/Resume that includes academic, professional, employment, and service history