SC&I alumna Diane H. Sonnenwald Ph.D. ‘93, won the prestigious Watson Davis Award at the 2016 Association for Information Science & Technology (ASIS&T) annual conference in Copenhagen, Denmark on Oct. 18. Commemorating the founder of the Association, the award was established in 1975 to recognize the individual member who has illustrated continuous dedicated service to the association through active participation in and support of ASIS&T programs, chapters, Special Interest Groups, committees and publications.

Sonnenwald is an Emerita Professor of Information and Library Studies at the University College Dublin in Ireland. She also edited the book, "Theory Development in the Information Sciences," a collection of essays by notable scholars reflecting on their own theory development, and how their work has contributed to the discipline.

“The Watson Davis award jury is absolutely thrilled to see Dr. Diane H. Sonnenwald as the recipient of this award,” said Naresh Agarwal, Chair of the ASIS&T Membership Committee. “Diane has provided years of effective and influential leadership to ASIS&T. She has played a significant role in engaging and recruiting ASIS&T members outside North America. Since joining ASIS&T in the early 1990s, she has served the association in a number of capacities, including as President. Under her leadership, ASIS&T’s name was changed to reflect its international membership. Diane has nurtured the Asia-Pacific and European chapters, and led efforts towards holding the 2016 Annual Meeting outside North America for the first time. Her relentless work for ASIS&T continues as she co-chaired the 2016 ASIS&T Annual Meeting in Copenhagen introducing several valuable innovations.”