Rhiannon Mayne, assistant professor in the School of Geology, Energy and the Environment, was recently notified that she is the recipient of the Antarctica Service Medal of the United States of America for her service in Antarctica. The medal is one of four medals that the U.S. government has authorized in recognition of Antarctic expeditionary service, and it is the only one currently awarded.

The ribbon attached to the medal is elaborate in its symbolism. The outer bands of black and dark blue comprise five-twelfths of the ribbon’s width, representing five months of Antarctic darkness. The center portion, by its size and colors (grading from medium blue through light blue and pale blue to white) symbolizes seven months of solar illumination as well as the aurora australis (the southern lights). The words inscribed on the medal – Courage, Sacrifice and Devotion – indicate qualities needed for an Antarctic expedition.