Selection for this award is conducted by members of the graduate faculty who review and evaluate the proposals based on the following criteria: interdisciplinary component clearly defined; relevance of research to the field; research statement is well written.

Vahidi’s research is with the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of Rare Earth Elements (REEs) production sponsored by the Department of Energy and Critical Materials Institute. His findings are working to greatly improve the ability to identify the most environmentally impactful materials and energy flows within REEs’ production. This research also helps to develop new sustainable products or processes to meet the expanding demand for rare earth elements, while also improving their environmental performance.

Named after the later Professor A.H. Ismail (Department of Physical Education, Health and Recreation Studies, 1958-84, the awards commemorate his passion for interdisciplinary research and graduate students.