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Darrel S. Metcalfe Manuscript Contest

 

The Darrel S. Metcalfe Student Journalism Contest invites undergraduate student members of ASA, CSSA, and SSSA to submit original manuscripts in one of the following formats:

  • A research report on an experiment conducted by the student.
  • A literature review or “term paper” with the student’s own analysis and perspectives.
  • An article written for a popular magazine audience.
  • A creative version or combination of the above.

This contest honors Dr. Metcalfe’s leadership and dedication to students, while encouraging undergraduates to strengthen their communication and writing skills.

Awards & Recognition

The authors of the top three entries will receive:

  • 1st place: $500 and a one-year subscription to Natural Sciences Education
  • 2nd place: $300 and a one-year subscription to Natural Sciences Education
  • 3rd place: $200 and a one-year subscription to Natural Sciences Education

Winning entries will be published in Natural Sciences Education. Results will be announced in CSA News, and awards will be presented during the SASES Awards Program at CANVAS.

Eligibility

  • Open to all undergraduate student members of ASA, CSSA, and/or SSSA.
  • Former recipients are not eligible.
  • Entries must be submitted prior to the student’s graduation.

Submission Requirements

Each submission must include:
  • A manuscript of 1,000–1,500 words (excluding figures, references, and title page).
  • A complete title page with the author’s name, university, entry title, the words “Darrel S. Metcalfe Manuscript Contest”, and the year.
  • At least one illustration, photograph, table, or graph.
  • A PDF upload of the manuscript through the ASA Awards system.

Certification

During submission, students must certify that:

  • They are a current ASA, CSSA, or SSSA member.
  • The manuscript is their original work.
  • Assistance received was limited to topic suggestions, material sources, and feedback from a single reviewer (no editorial rewriting).
  • If selected as a winner, they agree to publication of their entry (with editorial adjustments as required).

Authors of the top three entries will receive one-year subscriptions to the Natural Sciences Education journal and cash awards of $500 for first place, $300 for second place, and $200 for third place. The results of this year’s contest will be announced and the awards will be presented to the winners at the SASES student awards program at the ASA, CSSA and SSSA Annual Meetings.

Visit acsmeetings.org/program/undergraduates/journalism-contest for complete guidelines.

 


Eligibility

View Award Committee members
View ASA Board of Directors
View Past Recipients

Nominee

  1. Undergraduate Student Member

Qualifications

Nominee

  1. SASES Club Name
  2. Faculty/Advisor name
  3. Faculty/Advisor email
  4. Upload your entry
    Please submit a pdf file of your entry.
  5. Student Certification
    The following information/acknowledgement is required during the manuscript submission process. This manuscript: Has between 1000 and 1500 words of text, excluding figures, references, and title page. Has a complete title page. Has at least one (1) illustration, photograph, table, or graph. I certify that: I am a current member of ASA, CSSA, or SSSA If selected as a winner, I agree to allow publication of my entry in the format submitted and judged in this contest, after any required editorial changes. I hereby state that the accompany manuscript is my own work. The only assistance I may have received during preparation of this submission was in the form of suggestions of topics and sources of materials prior to writing and feedback from a single reviewer that includes suggestions for improvements, but no specific editorial help as defined by the Contest Rules.

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