The purpose of this award is to recognize early excellence with clear potential for future preeminence in research by faculty in the College of Engineering. The faculty member receiving the award must be either an assistant professor or an associate professor who has been in that rank for no more than three years, and who has not previously received this award.

Research, teaching, and service are integral to and expected of all faculty. Thus, Professor Nauman's document addressed his contributions in all three areas, but especially highlighted his research/discovery impacts and the potential of his current program for future growth and increased significance.

As an awardee, Professor Nauman received a cash award, an individual plaque, and was honored in April at the annual faculty awards banquet.

Nauman was also named a University Faculty Scholar for 2010-2015. The University Faculty Scholars Program recognizes outstanding faculty members at the West Lafayette campus who are on an accelerated path for academic distinction.  Eligible faculty must hold the rank of tenured associate or full professor and have been in that rank for no more than five years.  Faculty Scholars are appointed for a nonrenewable five year term and receive an annual discretionary allocation.