NDSU doctoral student Mark Suffolk was awarded the inaugural “Outstanding Contributions in Developmental Science” award. NDSU’s developmental science faculty unanimously chose Suffolk to receive the honor.

Suffolk, from Syston, England, returned to school at the age of 45 to pursue his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. He was accepted into NDSU’s doctoral development science program in 2013 at age 50 and moved to Fargo.

He researched eating disorders and body image with NDSU associate professor Elizabeth Blodgett Salafia. He designed a study examining positive deviance in sports and possible connections to body and eating concerns. He presented body image research at conferences in Australia and Lithuania, and published work in prestigious journals.

“His research skills and classroom performance are unmatched,” said Blodgett Salafia.

Suffolk experienced health concerns in late 2015 and moved back to England. He then was diagnosed with terminal cancer.

“Although Mark may not be able to earn his doctorate, his contributions to the developmental science program, NDSU and the larger field deserve to be recognized,” said Blodgett Salafia.

Suffolk traveled to NDSU to receive the award. The name of the award will be changed to the “Mark T. Suffolk Outstanding Contributions in Developmental Science Award” in subsequent years.

“The developmental science faculty will choose an annual winner for this award who demonstrates similar strengths, virtues, compassion and intelligence as Mark,” said Blodgett Salafia.

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