Anthony J. Brazel Research Exam Award

The School of Geographical Sciences Research Examination - a unique ASU institution created in 1973 as the "Field Exam" - is a two-week examination that evaluates a Ph.D. student’s capacity to undertake and successfully complete an independent research project and write it up in journal form.

The examination is appraised on the ability to: (1) refine and hone a question into a manageable research problem; (2) frame it in the context of a relevant literature; (3) acquire and organize relevant information; (4) analyze and display the data; and (5) organize and express the research through clear, effective writing in the style and format of a peer-reviewed academic journal.

The Anthony J. Brazel Research Exam Award was established in 2007 as a way to recognize outstanding work on the exam. The award also honors Professor Brazel's career and leadership of ASU's Department of Geography and School of Geographical Sciences, and his ongoing mentorship of graduate research.

The Graduate Program Committee reads and discusses each exam, and selects the Brazel Research Exam Award recepient at the end of the academic year.