CSU-Monterey Bay professor Rikk Kvitek has won the California State University Wang Excellence Award. He is one of four professors and one administrator in the state to receive the honor.

The $20,000 award recognizes CSU faculty who distinguish themselves by making outstanding contributions in their fields.

Kvitek received the award because of his work in the school's Seafloor Mapping Lab, which is funded by more than $4 million raised through 36 grants. The money pays for student assistantships, research boats and computer labs. It allows students and researchers to write scientific articles and produce knowledge about marine habitats for the state Department of Fish and Game.

These activities reflect Kvitek's belief that natural science students learn best by conducting hands-on research.

The professor received his bachelor's degree in zoology from the University of Michigan, his master's degree from Moss Landing Marine Laboratories and his doctorate from the University of Washington. He has additional expertise in sonar and global positioning systems.

Kvitek spent most of the winter in Antarctica with students mapping the ocean floor.