Alvin Harvey and Nicole McGaa honored as 2024 RISE Award recipients

Nicole McGaa ‘24 (HSL) and PhD student Alvin Harvey (HSL) were both recognized for their contributions to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice on and off campus with MIT RISE Awards in April.

McGaa, who was featured earlier this year in an MIT News story about her work in bioastronautics and its connection to Indigenous science, received one of four Distinguished Peer Awards. These awards are given to current MIT undergraduates who have been selected by their peers for their achievements in entrepreneurship, public service, MIT spirit, performing arts/athletic achievement, and/or global initiative.

Harvey received the Mens et Manus Award, given to a senior and/or graduating masters or doctoral student who has shown a passion and affinity for diversity and inclusion work. Winners of this award have made a lasting impact on the MIT community, going above and beyond to bring awareness to and address issues of diversity and inclusion throughout the Institute. Harvey also received the 2024 MLK Graduate Student Leadership award for his work earlier this semester.

The RISE Awards are a collaboration sponsored by Intercultural Engagement (i.e.), Institute Community and Equity Office (ICEO), LBGTQ+ Services, Women and Gender Services (WXGS), Office of Graduate Education (OGE), and Office of Minority Education (OME).