News & Events

2026 Biological Sciences Student Awards

Since 2021, the Biological Sciences Department has honored graduating seniors and Master’s students for exceptional achievements in the life sciences. Students are nominated by faculty in the Biological Sciences Department and winners are selected by anonymous vote of the Biology faculty. The names of award winners are engraved on plaques which are prominently displayed in Science Hall 1 and Science Hall 2.

• Outstanding Ecology Student: Kaylin Sparks

  Faculty Nominator: Dr. Bill Kirstan

   

• Outstanding Molecular Cell Biology Student: Oscar Loyola

  Faculty Nominators: Dr. Carlos Luna Lopez

   

• Outstanding Physiology Student: Nicholas Kissinger

  Faculty Nominators: Dr. John Eme

   

• Outstanding General Biology Student: Zachary Davis

  Faculty Nominator: Dr. Diego Sustaita

• Outstanding Biotechnology Student: Kayla Wrathall

  Faculty Nominator: Dr. Moorthy Palanki

   

• Outstanding Biology Graduate Students: Cassandra Nguyen & Camil Valderrama-Martinez

  Faculty Nominators: Drs. Carlos Luna Lopez and Elinne Becket

   

• Teaching Impact Award: Jason San Nicolas

  Faculty Nominators: Dr. Jimmy Kezos

• Leadership and Advocacy Award: ALexis Rios

  Faculty Nominator: Dr. Erika Diaz-Almeyda

• Outstanding Contributions to Biology: Hannah Smith

  Faculty Nominator: Dr. George Brusch