Department

2025 Undergraduate Awards

These awards took place on April 9th, 2025.

The Chemistry and Biochemistry Department annually celebrates undergraduates and graduating seniors with academic awards for their excellence in research and student work.

• Outstanding Freshman Chem non-major: Andie Aagard
• Outstanding Freshman Chem major: Chase Kesner
• Outstanding Organic Chem non-major: Matthew Steed
• Outstanding Organic Chem major: Alyssa Merrill
• Outstanding Analytical Sophomore: Russell Mercer
• Chemistry Literature Award: Michael Haggard
• Outstanding Biochemistry Student non-major: Acelan Obray
• Outstanding Biochemistry Student (junior/senior): Kyle Nielson
• Outstanding Physical Chemistry Student: James Corey
• Outstanding Inorganic Chemistry Student: Caleb Potter
• Outstanding Senior Analytical Chemistry Student: Aaron Tibbitts
• Outstanding Biochemistry Lab Student #1: Stephen Crawford
• Outstanding Biochemistry Lab Student #2: Ethan Hardy
• Eliot Butler Service Award: Eliza Crowley
• Outstanding Graduating Senior – CHEM: Kirt Noble
• Outstanding Graduating Senior – Biochem: Luke Westhoff
• Ida Tanner Hamblin -- outstanding female junior: Abigail Banks
• Ida Tanner Hamblin -- outstanding female junior: Emily Richards

2024 Faculty & Staff Roland K. Robins Awards

These awards took place on December 11th, 2024.

Dr. Roland K. Robins was a faculty member in the Department of Chemistry from 1977 to 1985. He was world-renowned for his creativity and productivity in the syntheses of new medicinal compounds, and his laboratory was the source of numerous antiviral and anticancer agents, some of which are employed today in the field of medicine. His commitment to the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and the students it serves is reflected in these awards bearing his name.

Each faculty and staff member was voted for their award by students. An envelope summarizing these letters was given to the winners alongside a plaque dictating their achievements.

Faculty Service Teaching Award: David Michaelis

This award is presented to our faculty members in recognition of their exceptional work in teaching our entry-level classes. These courses are crucial as they not only serve the students within our departments but also act as prerequisites for major courses in other departments. Given the large size of these classes and the numerous sections offered, teaching them effectively demands a high level of organization, dedication, and a commitment to educational excellence. Faculty members who receive this award have demonstrated remarkable skill in managing these challenges, ensuring that all students receive a high-quality education and are well-prepared for their future academic endeavors.

Faculty Citizenship Award: James Patterson

This award is presented to faculty members who have shown exceptional support for our department and its students. These individuals foster a sense of belonging, encourage responsibility, and promote active participation among both colleagues and students. They contribute significantly to the common good, consistently showing respect for others and working to build a cooperative and harmonious environment within the department. Their efforts help create a positive and inclusive atmosphere, making them invaluable members of our academic community.

Staff Citizenship Award: Alena Allred

This award is presented to staff members who support our department and students. They foster belonging, encourage responsibility, and promote active participation. They contribute to the common good, respect others, and build cooperation within the department. Their efforts create a positive and inclusive atmosphere, making them invaluable to us.

Faculty Majors Teaching Award: Daniel Austin

This award is presented to faculty members who teach the essential courses designed for our majors. These classes are critical for our students' academic journey, providing the foundational skills and knowledge required for graduation. By excelling in teaching these required courses, faculty members ensure that our majors are well-prepared for their future endeavors, whether they choose to continue in academia or transition into industry. Their dedication to high-quality education equips students with the competencies needed to succeed in their professional and academic pursuits.

Faculty Spiritually Strengthening Award: Eric Sevy

This award recognizes faculty or staff who have made significant contributions to the spiritual well-being of our department. It celebrates those who inspire, uplift, and support others through acts of kindness, guidance, and encouragement. Recipients often engage in activities such as mentoring or providing emotional and spiritual support during challenging times. By honoring these efforts, the award highlights the importance of fostering spiritual growth and resilience, promoting a sense of unity and compassion within our department.

Graduate Teaching and Mentoring Award: Dan Ess

This award is presented to faculty members who excel in teaching and mentoring our graduate students. These dedicated individuals are deeply involved in both instruction and research, guiding students through advanced coursework that builds high-level skills and knowledge beyond graduation. They mentor students by training them to solve problems, think critically, and innovate. Additionally, they encourage students to publish papers and explore research topics that are both interesting and fulfilling. Their commitment to fostering academic and professional growth ensures that our graduate students are well-prepared for successful careers in academia or industry.