This form is for submitting a nomination for the AEE Dr. Betty van der Smissen Distinguished Researcher award. If you would like to submit a nomination via video you can do that with this form also. If you would prefer a Zoom conversation or phone call please contact awards@aee.org to set up a time with a representative from the Awards Committee.
After submission of this form, the Awards Committee may reach out to you for further information. We will contact the nominee also, so they can provide additional information in support of the criteria. This could include a resume, CV, nominee’s ratings on the i 10 and h- research indexes, artifacts, sample of work, marketing materials, curriculum, etc. The nominee will not be told who nominated them for this award.
About the Award
Research in experiential education holds a significant and growing level of importance in both the academic and applied contexts. This award provides a declaration of the value of that enterprise and recognizes the role that long-term and productive research efforts provide the multiple fields in which experiential education principles are utilized. Additionally, it recognizes the person or people producing this exemplary research and their efforts to make it visible to a wide audience.
The award was established in 2010 originating within AEE's volunteer committee, the Council on Research and Evaluation (CORE).
In August of 2022, AEE's Board of Directors voted to add Dr. Betty van der Smissen's name to the Distinguished Researcher Award. For over 50 years Dr. van der Smissen conducted research in the outdoor fields of camping, adventure, environmental and conservation education, and recreation. She was one of the earliest and most prolific researchers in the professional outdoor fields.