graduate degree – n. an official document and title given to someone who has successfully completed a series of classes at a college or university, such as a master's or doctor's degree, that they have earned only after completing a four year bachelor's degree program

author(s) – n. a person who has written something

contribution(s) – n. something that is done to cause something to happen

recipient(s) – n. a person who receives something

favor(ing) – v. to show that you like or approve of someone more than others

tenured – adj. having the right to keep a job, especially the job of being a professor at a college or university, for as long as you want to have it

appeal – n. a quality that causes people to like someone or something

academic – adj. of or relating to schools and education

recognition – n. special attention or notice especially by the public for someone's work or actions

reward(ing) – v. to give money or another kind of payment to someone or something for something good that has been done

role(s) – n. a part that someone or something has in a particular activity or situation

critical – adj. extremely important