The Senate Award for Distinction in Research recognizes a tenured faculty member whose research or creative activities have made a significant and lasting impact on their field - either through a sustained body of work or a singular, highly influential contribution. In recoginition of their accomplishments, recipients receive $1000.00.
Recipient: Dr. Nancy Burke (SSHA, Public Health)
The committee was especially impressed by Dr. Nancy Burke’s exceptional research productivity and impact during her time at UC Merced. Her work has been cited over 1,300 times since joining the university, with an h-index of 18 based solely on contributions made at Merced. She has also demonstrated remarkable success in securing external funding, with 11 of 17 research proposals funded in the past three years - totaling $9.32 million.
Letters supporting her nomination praised both the depth and influence of her scholarship, noting its profound impact on the field and her mentorship of emerging scholars. Her recent first-authored publications continue to address timely issues and revisit foundational concepts, affirming her role as a thought leader and innovator in her discipline.
