A national student award from AVS recognising excellence in graduate research in the sciences and technologies the society covers, including surface science, thin films, vacuum technology, plasma processing and nanoscale materials. Nominees must be registered graduate students at an accredited institution when applications are due and are normally expected not to graduate before selection. Roughly ten awards are made each year; top nominees present their research to the Awards Committee in a virtual interview, and recipients receive a cash award, a certificate and reimbursed travel to the AVS International Symposium.