The Awards Program was created in 2015 to recognize outstanding individuals in our research community who have a significant impact on the NORC’s research and training environment. We engage our entire research base in identifying technical staff, trainees, and faculty members that we acknowledge with these awards each year.
Every NORC-affiliated administrator, PRA, clinical coordinator, trainee (students and fellows), staff, and faculty members can nominate one individual for each award. Nominations are collated and reviewed by an awards committee consisting of the prior 3 years of awardees.
Nominations for the Colorado NORC awards are gathered annually in October and awardees are presented with their awards at our annual December event.
Outstanding Research Support: Olivia Schmidt
“I always walk away from a discussion with her with a smile and some daily lightness. I don't know what we would do without her.”
“She intuitively knows what we'll need and makes sure it is in the most logical format and place.”
“Olivia is dedicated and dependable, she is thoughtful in responding to all investigators who need NORC services.”
“She incredibly generous with her time when helping others.”
“…she is one of the kindest and friendliest individuals I know. She is always smiling and cheery.”
"Here role in the Colorado NORC is fundamental and she is very kind and available."
"Olivia is a fantastic support! She seems to know what is needed before being asked!"
"In addition to going above and beyond at her job, she is also pleasant to be around and interact with."
"Olivia is does an outstanding job supporting all aspects of the NORC."
Outstanding Graduate Student: Francesca Cendali
“Francesca is amazing. She is motivated, hard-working, and has produced exceptional results in a short period of time.”
“she has pulled together these projects into a unifying theme that demonstrates her intelligence and ability to synthesize large amounts of information (research in metabolomics) to important, impactful results.”
“I am quite impressed with Francesca's maturity and perseverance.”
“…she has excelled far beyond the expectation for Ph.D work.”
“Francesca goes the extra mile by mentoring and guiding students as a tutor and contributing as a reviewer for scientific journals, ensuring her knowledge benefits both the academic and broader research communities.”
“Francesca is a force of nature.”
“Tyler is unafraid to tackle ambitious projects and push the boundaries of his field.”
Outstanding PhD Fellow: Tyler Cook
“Tyler has consistently demonstrated the qualities essential for a thriving research career.”
“His creativity shines in the innovative approaches he brings to his work, often finding unique solutions to complex challenges.”
“…he is such a nice person to be around. Always has a smile on his face.”
“Tyler is extremely smart and inspiring. One day I want to be like Tyler!”
“Tyler has been a true rockstar this year! I always enjoy time that I get to work with him, he keeps a cool head no matter what chaos is going on and that is always a critical skill to have in science!”
“In addition to his motivation, his ability to take initiative, and his independence, his most impressive attribute is fearlessness; Tyler is unafraid to tackle ambitious projects and push the boundaries of his field.”
"Tyler is there any time I have questions about continuing my education."
"He is a valuable team player for both the NORC and our Lab with both his personality and his insightful inputs, and we are lucky to have him."
"Tyler... has very high emotional intelligence which enables him to work effectively with his team."
Outstanding MD Fellow: Rebecca Rosenberg
“…she is an outstanding clinician and a pleasure to work with and is always willing to help out.”
"Over the past 2 years, she has been submitted multiple grants including a Colorado NORC Pilot (May 2023 and May 2024), an initial NIH F32 submission (8/2023, impact score 35), resubmission NIH F32 (4/2024, Impact Score 20), and an NIH Loan Repayment Program application (11/2023, awarded)."
"Dr. Rosenberg has published 3 first author book chapters with three additional first author manuscripts under review and two first author manuscript in preparation."
"...she has presented her research at two local conferences and will present her research at the International Endocrine Society conference in June 2024"
"...she was recently awarded the Young Investigator Award through the Women in Endocrinology society."
"She has obtained IRB approval for a pilot study comparing insulin sensitivity in response to acute (4 days) or morning versus evening exercise and secured a CCTSI microgrant to support this project."
Outstanding Faulty: Annie Caldwell
“She has exhibited incredible resilience and determination as well as excellent leadership”
“Dr Caldwell is a highly accomplished scientist who brings an innovative perspective on obesity management”
“We are incredibly fortunate to have a colleague as inspiring as Annie”
“It is not an exaggeration to say that I have never been more inspired by a scientist nor more thrilled about being even a minor collaborator in her work.”
“I have not seen a fresher, more unique, and yet more meaningful line of research that has the broad potential to impact nutrition and obesity research in my career.”
“With everything she does, she emanates her passion for her research and helping move the field forward.”
“I have found Annie to be intelligent, thoughtful, and highly collaborative.”
“She always goes the extra mile to offer help on collaborative projects - which really helps to elevate the science of those around her.”
“I have been astounded with the level of leadership and attention to detail she has demonstrated in all aspects of data collection, management, and analysis.”
“She leads with a collaborative approach that beautifully embodies an outstanding member of the NORC research community.”
Outstanding Mentor: Noel Mueller
“Dr Mueller continuously used the phrasing “working with you”, as opposed to “working for me”; while seemingly insignificant, I found this inclusive phrasing to be a powerful indicator of Dr Mueller’s approach to mentoring and management.”
“Dr Mueller is first interested in what we think and why we think it.”
“…he has created a truly collaborative environment in which knowledge is spread laterally rather than vertically.”
“As I advance in my career, his inquisitiveness, enthusiasm, and collaborative approach to science will certainly stay with me.”
“…his trainees consistently excel in their research during the two-year master's program.”
“In the classroom, Dr. Mueller is an exemplar of effective and engaging pedagogy.”
“It's evident that his command over epidemiological research is profound, and he possesses the remarkable ability to communicate this depth of knowledge in a lucid and approachable manner.”
“…Dr. Mueller's mentorship in research and career guidance is unparalleled.”
“His motivational approach furthered my confidence and zeal for research.”
This award recognizes outstanding individuals (PRAs, administrators, and other technical staff) in our research community who have made significant contributions through technical and administrative support to the NORC’s research and educational objectives.
This award recognizes faculty members (Instructor – Full Professor) in our research community who have made significant contributions to the NORC’s success through their mentoring and educational activities.
This award recognizes the efforts of graduate students in our research community who make significant contributions to the NORC’s success through their research accomplishments, leadership, and service.
This award recognizes the Ph.D. post-doctoral fellows and junior faculty (recently promoted), who have made significant contributions to the NORC’s success through their research accomplishments, leadership, and service. Fellows who have recently been promoted to a faculty rank of instructor or Assistant Professor are eligible for this award.
This award recognizes the junior and mid-level faculty members (Instructor, Assistant Professor, or Associate Professor) who make significant contributions to the NORC’s research enterprise through their scholarly achievements, leadership efforts, and service.
This award recognizes the M.D. fellows and junior faculty (recently promoted) who have made significant contributions to the NORC’s success through their research accomplishments, leadership, and service. Those who have recently been promoted to faculty are eligible for this award.