“When I was informed that I was selected as the inaugural recipient of the Ellen Swallow Richards Diversity Award, I was speechless. I was honored just to be nominated for this award and all that it represents. Almost two decades ago, I made it my personal mission to do whatever I can to increase diversity in materials science and engineering. The fact that TMS has established this award to recognize an individual who reflects the remarkable pioneering spirit of Ellen Swallow Richards makes me even prouder to call myself a member of TMS.”

—Viola Acoff, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, 2014 Ellen Swallow Richards Diversity Awardee, and 1998 TMS SMD Young Leaders Professional Development Award Recipient

---

The TMS Foundation is committed to the development of a more diverse and inclusive professional community through programs like the TMS Diversity Awards. Each year, TMS confers the following awards upon individuals during the Diversity in the Minerals, Metals, and Materials Professions Summit, or at the TMS-AIME Awards Ceremony at the TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition in years when the Diversity Summit is not held. Learn more about each of these awards:

Ellen Swallow Richards Diversity Award

This award is conferred upon an individual who, in the remarkable pioneering spirit of Ellen Swallow Richards, has helped or inspired others to overcome personal, professional, educational, cultural, or institutional adversity to pursue a career in minerals, metals, and/or materials. Presentation of this award is supported by a gift to the TMS Foundation from Jeffrey Wadsworth and Geraldine McCulley Wadsworth. 

Frank Crossley Diversity Award

This award recognizes an individual who reflects the remarkable pioneering spirit of Frank Crossley by personally overcoming personal, professional, educational, cultural, or institutional adversity to pursue a career in minerals, metals, and/or materials. Presentation of this award is supported by a gift to the TMS Foundation from Jeffrey Wadsworth and Geraldine McCulley Wadsworth. 

For More Information

Learn more about how TMS is advancing diversity and inclusion in the minerals, metals, and materials professions on the Diversity and Inclusion at TMS page.