University of South Alabama graduate student Richard Allen recently received the 2012 Nicholas Kraus Coastal Scholar Award from the American Shore & Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA). Allen is working toward a master’s of science degree in civil engineering.

The Nicholas Kraus Coastal Scholar Award is given each year to a graduate student who aims to further his or her knowledge and hands-on experience of coastal science through an internship with the ASBPA. The winner of the award will become a staff member for the ASBPA’s Science and Technology Committee.

Allen recently traveled to San Diego and attended the 2012 ASBPA National Conference to retrieve the award.