College of Science Celebrates a Year of Impact and Achievement at Annual Awards Ceremony

Reno, Nevada – The College of Science at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) recently hosted its annual College of Science Awards Ceremony, a night dedicated to recognizing the impressive accomplishments of its students, faculty, and staff. This year’s event was particularly special, as it marked a year brimming with remarkable achievements that have left a positive mark on the campus, the local Reno community, and the world at large.

Dean Louisa Hope-Weeks, a pillar of unwavering support for the College of Science, shared her immense pride, stating, “These faculty, staff, students, and members of our community work incredibly hard, and these awards are well-deserved.” Her words resonated throughout the ceremony, highlighting the dedication and passion that permeate every corner of the college. The formal ceremony, a testament to excellence and dedication, seamlessly transitioned into a joyous reception. Awardees, beaming with pride, celebrated alongside their colleagues, mentors, friends, and family. Laughter, heartfelt congratulations, and shared stories of triumph filled the air, making it an evening to remember.

Honoring Excellence: A Detailed Look at the Awardees

The College of Science Awards Ceremony isn’t just about handing out plaques; it’s about showcasing the diverse ways these brilliant minds contribute to the world. From groundbreaking research to inspiring mentorship and dedicated service, the awardees represent the very best of the College of Science.

College of Science Awards

This year’s College of Science Awards recognized individuals who have gone above and beyond in their respective fields. Their commitment to excellence is truly an inspiration to the entire UNR community.

• Outstanding Classified Employee Award: Anna Schwarz, a cornerstone of the Mathematics and Statistics department, was recognized for her exceptional contributions. Her dedication to supporting faculty and students has been instrumental in creating a positive and productive learning environment.
• Berninsone Outstanding Service Award: Diana Moss, also from the Mathematics and Statistics department, was honored with the Berninsone Outstanding Service Award. Her unwavering commitment to serving the college and the wider community exemplifies the spirit of this prestigious award.
• Zaliapin Mentorship Award: Stanislav Jabuka, a faculty member in the Mathematics and Statistics department, received the Zaliapin Mentorship Award, a testament to his dedication to guiding and nurturing the next generation of mathematicians and statisticians. His mentorship has had a profound impact on students, fostering their intellectual growth and shaping their academic journeys.
• LeMay Award for Excellence in Teaching: Chris Barile, a Chemistry professor known for his engaging teaching style and innovative approaches to pedagogy, was honored with the LeMay Award for Excellence in Teaching. His passion for teaching has ignited a love for chemistry in countless students, inspiring them to pursue their scientific curiosities.
• Hyung K. Shin Award for Excellence in Research: Sudeep Chandra, a Biology professor whose research focuses on aquatic ecosystems, received the Hyung K. Shin Award for Excellence in Research. His groundbreaking work has not only advanced our understanding of these vital ecosystems but has also informed conservation efforts, demonstrating the real-world impact of scientific inquiry.
• Mousel-Feltner Award for Excellence in Research and/or Creative Activity: Pengbo Chu, a professor in the Mining and Metallurgical Engineering department, was recognized with the Mousel-Feltner Award for Excellence in Research and/or Creative Activity. This award celebrates his innovative research in mining and metallurgical engineering, a field crucial for technological advancement and sustainable resource management.
• Academic Advisor Awards: Catherine Fernandez and Caitlin Strickland, both academic advisors, were celebrated for their exceptional guidance and support of students. Their dedication to helping students navigate their academic journeys, overcome challenges, and achieve their full potential makes them true assets to the College of Science.
• Reynold Clayton Fuson Endowed Chemistry Professorship: David Leitner, a distinguished chemist, was appointed to the Reynold Clayton Fuson Endowed Chemistry Professorship. This prestigious appointment recognizes his outstanding contributions to the field of chemistry and his commitment to advancing chemical education and research at UNR.
• Newmont Endowed Professorship in Mining and Metallurgical Engineering: Javad Sattarvand, a leader in mining and metallurgical engineering, was appointed to the Newmont Endowed Professorship. This esteemed professorship acknowledges his exceptional contributions to the field and his dedication to fostering innovation and excellence in mining and metallurgical education at UNR.

Celebrating Student Success

The College of Science takes immense pride in its students, recognizing their hard work, dedication, and the bright futures that lie ahead.

• Outstanding Graduate Student Researcher: Claire Williams, a standout graduate student, received the Outstanding Graduate Student Researcher award, a testament to her exceptional research skills and contributions to her field. Her work exemplifies the high caliber of research being conducted by graduate students at the College of Science.
• Outstanding Graduate Assistant Awards: The Outstanding Graduate Assistant Awards recognized three exceptional individuals:
  • Zachary Bess, from the Biology, Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology Program, was recognized for his outstanding contributions as a graduate assistant. His dedication to both teaching and research exemplifies the qualities of an exceptional graduate student.
  • Stephanie Coronado, also from the Biology, Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology Program, was honored for her exceptional work as a graduate assistant. Her commitment to supporting faculty and students has made a significant impact on the program.
  • Emmanuel Mends, from the Mining and Metallurgical Engineering Program, received recognition for his outstanding contributions as a graduate assistant. His dedication to research and his willingness to go the extra mile have made him an invaluable asset to the program.
• Three-Minute Thesis Awardees: The Three-Minute Thesis competition challenges graduate students to present their research in a clear, concise, and engaging way, in just three minutes. This year’s awardees captivated the audience with their compelling presentations:
  • The Patricia Berninsone People’s Choice Award, determined by the audience’s votes, went to Abdulwarith Kassim, whose presentation resonated deeply with those in attendance. His ability to effectively communicate complex research to a general audience earned him this well-deserved recognition.
  • Abdulwarith Kassim also clinched the 1st Place Master’s Category award, a testament to the clarity, conciseness, and impact of his three-minute thesis presentation. His ability to distill complex research into an engaging and accessible format impressed the judges, showcasing his communication skills and research prowess.
  • Elizabeth Everest and Cathy Silliman shared the 2nd Place Master’s Category award, demonstrating their exceptional communication and presentation skills. Their ability to effectively convey their research in a limited timeframe highlighted their ability to engage an audience and share their scientific findings compellingly.