RADFORD – Rising sophomore Jessica Sosnicki is the recipient of the 2009 student award given annually by the Thomas Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation District.

The $1,000 scholarship is given to one undergraduate student pursuing a career in a conservation related field. Sosnicki received the award based on her exemplary grades, an essay she wrote and a strong letter of recommendation written by RU biology professor Karen Francl.

Sosnicki served as a co-vice president of the newly organized Radford University Student Chapter of The Wildlife Society and will be the group’s co-president beginning in the fall. Sosnicki has volunteered for numerous activities at RU, including small animal trapping, Vulture Day, frog/toad calling surveys and organization/implementation of Bioblitz at RU’s Selu Conservancy. “I am very impressed with Jessica as a student and as a future researcher,” Francl said. “I suspect we'll celebrate more of her successes over the next few years.”

The Thomas Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation District provides comprehensive and efficient natural resource assistance and serves the Virginia counties of Albemarle, Fluvanna, Louisa and Nelson.