Susan Cobb was awarded the 2023 Silver Sherman award by GSL Director Jennifer Mahoney and the NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad. Susan was recognized for going above her normal duties to advance GSL by working to increase the diversity and infuse early career students into the Lab.

This past summer, Susan successfully planned, organized, and executed GSL’s Intern program, which involved 14 students funded through CIRES and other programs such as Hollings and Lapenta. She reviewed 90+ applications to make selections for the CIRES program, facilitated student onboarding, organized accommodations for the summer, developed a summer agenda that included interactions with a variety of staff and numerous professional development activities, and ensured that all the students’ needs were met. Through her efforts, the students were prepared, gave outstanding presentations of their research results, and formed a tight bond.

This award was initiated during Dr. Kathy Sullivan's tenure as NOAA Administrator, to recognize individuals who excel in their work, achieve a milestone that contributes significantly or critically towards a particular program's goal, or demonstrate leadership toward process improvement of a significant magnitude. Dr. Sullivan was particularly invested in reaching down into the organization to recognize those who made extraordinary efforts to keep the mission moving forward.