Dr. David A. Hovda’s trainees and colleagues have collectively endowed a Research Excellence Award in his name, because their lives and careers have been influenced directly by his training, mentorship and friendship.

This annual award is awarded to the highest rated undergraduate/post-baccalaureate trainee poster presentation each year.

Dr. Hovda started his scientific career under the mentoring of Dr. Dennis Fenney at the University of New Mexico. Humility, hard work and gradualism led him to become the Director of the UCLA Brain Injury Research Center – a recognized "Center of Excellence" by the National Institutes of Health. He has devoted his research investigations to understanding the mechanisms of recovery of function. He has given tirelessly to serving the National Neurotrauma Society, NIH, and Department of Defense. His efforts have been recognized by the National Head Injury Foundation Award, the Giannini Foundation Award, the Benjamin Franklin Haught Memorial Award and named the Lind Lawrence Eminent Scholar for his work on the topic of Traumatic Brain Injury.

In 2011, Dr. Hovda received the "Strength of the Nation Award" from the United States Army, the highest award given to a civilian from the United States Army.

Dr. Hovda is a passionate and consummate educator, with students and colleagues in every corner of the nation and around the world. In 2006, he received the Women in Neurotrauma award for his teaching and support for women in neuroscience and the James F. Zimmerman Award in 2012.

Osamudiam Ogbeide, 2023
Gabriela Hernandez-Busot, 2022
Tyler Shick, 2021
Chelsea Bray, 2019
Sabrina Salberg, 2018
Patrick Riley, 2017
Miranda Munoz, 2016