Matthew J. Huber Award

The Matthew J. Huber Award for Excellence in Transportation Research and Education is given to University of Minnesota graduate students demonstrating outstanding academic achievement in engineering, science, and technology fields. Up to two students are honored each year (one master's and one doctoral candidate).

The award is named in honor of the late Professor Emeritus Matthew J. Huber in recognition of his long and valuable contribution to the teaching and study of transportation.

Recipients each receive a $1,500 scholarship award and a plaque from CTS. Awards may be disbursed as a taxable, lump-sum payment. Applications are reviewed by a subcommittee comprised of representation from CTS scholars, the CTS Education and Engagement Council, and CTS staff. The awards are presented at the Center's Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon. Award recipients and their advisors are invited to attend.

Application Process

Applications for 2026 are now closed. Instructions for the 2027 award will be available by January 2027.

Rules and Requirements

  • A student can win the Huber Award only once (even if their degree program has changed).
  • Students may apply for the Huber Award or the Adams Award, but not both.
  • Awards for master’s students are not limited to terminal master’s degrees. Students may apply for the master’s award even if they are continuing into a PhD program.
  • Applicants must be active students during semester of the award.

Award Criteria and Scoring

  1. Academic contributions to transportation- or energy-related research, writing, and other educational activities related to transportation (30 points).
  2. Applicant capstone project, or transportation- or energy-related papers presented at nationally or internationally recognized conferences and/or submitted or published journal publications (30 points).
  3. Transportation- or energy-related work experience, coursework, or involvement in student or professional organizations (10 points).
  4. Applicant written summary responding to questions one and two in the online application (15 points).
  5. Recommendation by a University faculty member (15 points).

What makes a well-written application summary?  Read a sample application from a previous award winner (DOCX).

Award Recipients

View a list of recipients of the Matthew J. Huber Award.

Questions?

Please contact Carissa Frandrup, CTS program coordinator, at [email protected].