Auburn geology student honored as Alabama’s outstanding geology student

Geology major Nathan Deese has been named the 2025 recipient of the Thornton L. Neathery Outstanding Geology Student Award in Alabama, an honor presented annually by the Alabama Board of Licensure for Professional Geologists. 

Nathan earned the award during the 2025 spring semester as an undergraduate at Auburn University, where he will receive his bachelor’s degree in geology this August. 

“This award is very prestigious and highly competitive across the state,” said Ashraf Uddin, Ph.D., professor in Auburn’s Department of Geosciences, who nominated Deese. “By recognizing Nathan, it also highlights the strength of our undergraduate program here at Auburn.” 

Named for Thornton Lee “Tony” Neathery, a respected geologist and mapmaker, the award recognizes undergraduate students who demonstrate not only academic achievement, but also research capability, service, and professional promise. 

According to Uddin, Deese stood out for his exceptional performance in upper‑level coursework and his active engagement in departmental research projects, an indicator of both academic excellence and professional promise.  

“Nathan was not just an excellent student,” Uddin said. “He showed real curiosity. He asked thoughtful questions, visited my office regularly to dive deeper into the material, and always engaged with both faculty and fellow students.” 

In spring 2025, Deese passed the State of Alabama Fundamentals of Geology exam on his first attempt, an uncommon achievement for students before graduation. 

In his nomination letter, Uddin described Deese as “a mature student, a good citizen of the department, and someone who is enthusiastic about contributing to research on carbon sequestration and greenhouse gases.” 

For Deese, receiving the award has been both a surprise and a motivator: 

“Winning this award means a lot to me,” Deese said. “It means that the great mentors I have around me have noticed the hard work I’ve put into learning and mastering this discipline. It’s inspired me to work even harder as I move into graduate school.” 

Deese plans to continue his education at Auburn this fall, pursuing graduate studies under the guidance of Uddin and David King, Ph.D. His research will focus on North Alabama’s geological features. 

“Nathan has great potential to be a future geologist who can make a real contribution to the state,” Uddin said. “We are proud to have him continue his work here at Auburn.” 

Deese will officially receive the award this September at a ceremony in Pelham, Alabama.