2026 Results
2026 Grand Prize Winner
Dr. Kathleen Hu
Graduate Clinical Pathology Resident
After the Climb (Iceland)
“Skógafoss is one of Iceland’s largest and most iconic waterfalls, located on the Skógá River in the south, about a 2-hour drive from Reykjavík. It is renowned for its immense power, 60-meter (200-foot) drop, and 25-meter (82-foot) width, which often produces single or double rainbows. Seeing this photo brings me back to the exact moment – after a tough climb up 500 steps of stairs, surrounded by dearest friends, laughing, out of breath, but still got my breath taken away.”
Category Winners
A. Transformational Education Abroad
Abigail Dwelle
Rangeland, Wildlife, and Fisheries Management Graduate Student
Measuring a Giant (South Africa)
“This photo was taken during as part of elephant research in South Africa. After locating the elephant by helicopter, the vet team safely darted the animal so we could fit a GPS collar and estimate its age. Standing beside the elephant, I placed my hand against its foot and was struck by the incredible size of these animals. This moment captures both the scale of an elephant and the hands-on work involved in studying and conserving them.”
C. Natural & Built Beauty
Vignesh Kumar
BIMS Graduate Student
Stories of a Weathered Boat (India)
“A weathered blue fishing boat leans into calm water, its ropes, nets, and peeling paint hinting at years of hard work on the sea. The distant shoreline, dotted with smaller boats and low huts, fades into the soft light of evening under a wide, open sky. This quiet moment captures the rhythm of coastal life between journeys—when the labor pauses, but the boat still holds the memories and stories of those who depend on it.”
D. Animal Life
Vignesh Kumar
BIMS Graduate Student
Waiting at the Doorstep (India)
“A small litter of street puppies gathers in the crumbling doorway of an old house, their tiny bodies framed by warm, earthy walls. One puppy stands at the edge, gazing outward, as if waiting for its mother to return and lead them into the world. The soft light, rough textures, and deep shadows highlight both their vulnerability and resilience. This moment captures the quiet, universal bond of motherhood and the hope and trust young animals place in the one who cares for them.”
E. Experiencing Aggieland & Beyond
Tae Wook Kang
BIMS Graduate Student
Dawn of a New Day (Florida)
“Sunrise at dawn on a winter beach in Florida. The bright red sun rises across the horizon as the crescent-shaped moon begins to set. A gentle ocean breeze blows as waves brush against the silky soft sand, where a set of footsteps can be seen. The calm night comes to an end as the cool moon fades, but the sun brings with it excitement for a new day. Within moments, darkness turns to light. This picture captures the brief moment when day and night coexist.”
Did your photo win?
Contact Savana Miller (savmiller@tamu.edu)