2026 CNMS Awards and Recognition Day Program

Presented by William LaCourse, Ph.D., Dean of the College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences

2026 Carl S. Weber Award for Faculty Excellence in Teaching

The Carl S. Weber Excellence in Teaching Award honors a CNMS faculty member at UMBC with exceptional dedication to teaching as demonstrated by his or her enthusiasm, up-to-date teaching materials, effective mentoring, community service in the teaching area, approachability, rigorous learning requirements, coherent teaching philosophy and inspirational teaching style.

Fernando J. Vonhoff, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Biological Sciences

Dr. Fernando J. Vonhoff is an Assistant Professor of Biology and began his career at UMBC in 2017.  Fernando’s work exemplifies excellence in research, teaching, and, most notably, mentorship. A neuroscientist by training, his research explores the molecular mechanisms underlying brain development, neurodegeneration, and behavior. His scholarly contributions include numerous peer-reviewed publications and national and international presentations, reflecting both scientific rigor and innovation.

What truly distinguishes Dr. Vonhoff, however, is his commitment to mentoring the next generation of scientists. Over the course of his career, he has mentored more than 80 undergraduate students, several master’s and Ph.D. students, and numerous high school students, guiding them through research experiences, presentations, and degree completion. Dr. Vonhoff’s dedication to student success has been widely recognized.

He serves as the elected president of the Latinx and Hispanic Faculty Association, the Faculty Advisor for the UMBC SACNAS Chapter, and the Neuroscience undergraduate Club.  These accolades reflect not only his effectiveness as a mentor but also his commitment to creating inclusive and supportive environments for all students

 

Excellence in Teaching Award

Recognizes excellence in teaching, service, and leadership by a full-time instructional faculty member

Allison Tracy, Ph.D., Teaching Professor, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Daniel Gonzales, Ph.D., Assistant Teaching Professor, Department of Physics

 

 Early Career Faculty Excellence Award

Recognizes excellence and promise in scholarship and teaching by a tenure-track assistant professor

Matthew Kvalheim, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Mathematics and Statistics

 

Mid-Career Faculty Excellence Award

Recognizes excellence in scholarship, teaching, service, and leadership by an Associate Professor

Erin M. Green, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Biological Sciences

 

Staff Award for Superior Service

Recognizes excellence, dedication, and superior service by staff members

Jennifer Salmi, Business Services Specialist, Department of Physics

Sarah Jackson, Contracts Specialist, College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences

 

Special Recognition Award

For outstanding leadership and dedication in bringing the Science Olympiad to UMBC.

The Science Olympiad is a nationally recognized STEM competition that engages high school students in hands-on, team-based challenges across disciplines such as biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, and environmental science.

Thanks to the vision and commitment of Drs. Cullum and Abraham, UMBC has become a hub for this impactful event. In 2026, we celebrated our 3rd Annual UMBC Science Olympiad Invitational Tournament, welcoming high school teams from across Maryland and neighboring states.

Building on this success, UMBC further elevated its role by hosting the Maryland State Science Olympiad Competition this past April—an incredible milestone that highlights the university’s leadership in STEM outreach and education.

Brian Cullum, Ph.D., Chair and Professor, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Bindu Abraham, Ph.D., Assistant Teaching Professor, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

 

Presented by Captain Jenna Weiner, Marine Officer Instructor, Naval Science ROTC

Academic Excellence Award

Patrick Grundy

Olivia Pouncey

Madeleine Reno

Leadership Excellence Award

Gabriela Ulloa

Physical Fitness Excellence Award

Diego Almeida

Ashtyn Barton

Patrick Grundy

Savannah Hall

Cole Paradine

Angel Pressard

Madeleine Reno

Matthew Rotunda

Gabriela Ulloa

Kayden Young

Bluejacket Midshipman of the Year Award

Awarded to one 4th Class Midshipman who stands out from the rest of the peers for their professional excellence, dedication, and stellar military bearing

Jacob Denning

 

Presented by Sergeant First Class Brian Reiley, Instructor, Military Science

Physical Fitness Excellence Award

Kamari Roebuck

Caleb Sheng

Tyler Snow

Leadership Excellence Award

Mohamed Fall

Davalyn Micknal

Academic Excellence Award

Tyler Snow

Teamwork Excellence Award

Yazmin Duval

Stafford Conley

Fateha Sayed

 

Presented by Yonathan Zohar, Ph.D., Department Chair, Institute of Marine & Environmental Technology

Outstanding Graduate Student in Marine Biotechnology Award

Yalong Sun

Presented byJames Sniezek, Ph.D, Associate Dean for UMBC Affairs

Outstanding Graduating Senior in Translational Life Science Technology

Elaysha Hall

Princess Nyamali

Presented by Matthew Pelton, Ph.D., Department Chair

 

Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant in Physics for Fall 2025 Award

Emily Ferketic

 

Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant in Physics for Spring 2026 Award

Tomas Sujeta

 

Outstanding Undergraduate Learning Assistant in Physics for Fall 2025 Award

Ben Trivas

 

Outstanding Undergraduate Learning Assistant in Physics for Spring 2026 Award

Arya Ashtian

 

Outstanding Graduating Senior with Honors in Physics Award

Gregory Behrendt

Katherine Carver

Jacob Chapman

Andrew Dvorak

Aria Tauraso

 

The Donald N. Langenberg Undergraduate Research Award in Physics

Gregory Behrendt

 

Sigma Pi Sigma Physics Honor Society 2026 Inductees

Sigma Pi Sigma is a prestigious national honor society for physics and astronomy that recognizes high academic achievement. Membership is limited to students in the top third of their class with high GPAs

Gregory Behrendt

Jacob Chapman

Jaden Chilimigras

Andrew Dvorak

Noah Reichardt

Frank Tagaytay

Isabella Worley

Presented by Andrei Draganescu, Ph.D., Department Chair

Dr. Bimal and Mrs. Suchandra Sinha Endowment for Excellence in Statistics Graduate Award

Soumadeep Bhowmick

 

Dr. Bimal and Mrs. Suchandra Sinha Endowment for Excellence in Statistics Undergraduate Award

Kaleb Zegeye

 

Freeman A. Hrabowski President’s Advisory Council Scholarship

Awarded to a Mathematics major who has completed at least one semester at UMBC and has a 4.0 cumulative GPA

Michael Duffy

Thomas Schwartzbauer

 

The Michele P. Hayes Scholarship

Established in 1998 by Michele P. Hayes, class of ’85, is awarded to an outstanding student majoring in mathematics

Christine Le

 

Outstanding Graduate Research in Mathematics

Zainab Almutawa

Ehsan Shakeri

 

Outstanding Graduate Research in Statistics Award

Mesfin Haileyesus

 

Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant in the Field of Mathematics

Muhammad Jalil Ahmad

Ahmet Kaan Aydin

 

Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant in the Field of Statistics

Jhilam Sur

Outstanding Graduating Senior in Mathematics Award

Jeremy Bruce

Katherine Carver

Kevin Chau

Nathan Dayie

Rachel Grapes

Annabel Levy

Jackson Moore

Manav Narendra

Kayla Nemirovsky

Haley Patel

Trevor Stepp

Ellie Taragano

 

Outstanding Graduating Senior in Statistics Award

Helen Frankovich

Kara Nguyen

Annamaria Palmiero

 

Pi Mu Epsilon Honor Society

Founded in 1914, Pi Mu Epsilon recognizes students who demonstrate excellence in mathematics at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Membership is extended to students with high GPAs

Justin Collier

Marley Cosgrove

Malcolm Dickens

Michael Duffy

Jack Leonard

Manav Narendra

Avi Newman

Gerald Oxford

Haley Patel

Om Patel

 Mu Sigma Rho Honor Society

Mu Sigma Rho recognizes academic excellence in statistics among undergraduate and graduate students. It was founded in 1968 and is affiliated with the American Statistical Association.  Membership is extended to students with high GPAs

Abhisek Chatterjee

Helen Frankovich

Rachel Grapes

Kevin George

Akanksha Madhu Kiran

Manav Narendra

Avi Newman

Kara Nguyen

Annamaria Palmiero

Haley Patel

Sarah Simpson

Chad Smith

Nicholas Todd

Presented by Brian Cullum, Ph.D., Department Chair

Graduate Teaching Assistant Award (Foundational Labs)

Prashanta Sharma Roy

 

Graduate Teaching Assistant Award (Organic Labs)

Lahari Saha

 

Graduate Teaching Assistant Award (Advanced Labs)

Ashesh Sharma

 

Graduate Research Assistant Award (Pre-Candidacy)

Bethel Beyene

 

Graduate Research Assistant Award (Post-Candidacy)

Daniel Pierce

 

Graduate Research Assistant Award (Post-Candidacy)

Lekan Ajiboye

Nav Phulara

 

Robert F. Steiner Award

Awarded to an outstanding Biochemistry Graduate Student

Brian Grossman

 

Outstanding Graduating Senior Award

Awarded to graduating seniors who have displayed excellence in the classroom

Suzi Agyako-Wiredu
Severin Elbich
Gabriel Kengni

 

Faculty Award for Excellence Biochemistry

Given to a graduating senior who has displayed excellence in the classroom and the laboratory.

Thomas Foulkes

Megan Nguyen

Tyler Sadtler

 

Faculty Award for Excellence Chemistry

Given to a graduating senior who has displayed excellence in the classroom and the laboratory.

Kevin Schwanebeck

Stephen Shaner

 

The Creighton Award for Research

Established by Arlene G. Creighton and family, the Creighton Award recognizes outstanding achievement in research by a senior Biochemistry student.

Gabriel Kengni

John Mittino Award for Service

Recognizes a chemistry or Biochemistry student for both exceptional academics and service to the department.

Eunice Sung

 

Satterfield-Bell Award for Research

Recognizes an outstanding  junior student in chemistry or Biochemistry with research experience.

Caleb Zeleke

Vitullo Award for Research

The Victor Vitullo Award recognizes outstanding achievement in research by a senior student in chemistry.

Stephen Shaner

 

American Chemical Society Chesapeake Chemist Award

Awarded to an outstanding chemistry student. Sponsored by the Maryland section of the American Chemical Society.

Kevin Schwanebeck

 

American Chemical Society Analytical Chemistry Award

Recognizes a chemistry or biochemistry student for excellence in analytical chemistry.

  Severin Elbich

 

American Chemical Society Organic Chemistry Award

Recognizes a chemistry and biochemistry student for excellence in organic chemistry.

Aliyyah Roberson

 

American Chemical Society Physical Chemistry Award

Recognizes a chemistry and biochemistry student for excellence in physical chemistry

Aeon Kaplowitz

 

American Chemical Society Biochemistry Award

Recognizes a biochemistry student for excellence in biochemistry

Tyler Sadtler

.

Presented by Michelle Starz-Gaiano, Ph.D., Department Chair

 

2025 Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant Award

Payton Barry

 

Biological Sciences Departmental Honors in Research Award

Phoenix Bryant

Aniket Camarushi

Natasha Dao

Darrell Davis

Sara Gavagan

Jessica Hoffman

Shanmukha Josyam

Daniel Mirahmadian

Deeya Mistry

Ella Reinders

Eunice Sung

Zoya Syed

 

Biological Sciences Departmental Service Award

Ahmad Hussin

 

Faculty Award for Excellence in Biological Sciences

Xander Barton

Jessica Hoffman

Jariatu  Kargbo

Megan Nguyen

Hardik Paudyal

Ella  Reinders

Tyler Sadtler

John H., Sr. and Althea Griner Scholarship Fund

Established in 1987 by Dr. Winston Griner, Class of ‘74, recognizes outstanding  first-year undergraduates who are planning to pursue biological sciences as a major 

Noah Johansson

Maame Manu

Saria Rimmer

Bereket Tewodros

 

Kloetzel & Musall Scholarship

Recognizes a Department of Biological Sciences student who plans to teach science in K–12 after graduation

Nicolas Llobet

 

The William C. and Gregory O. Faith

Established in June 1992 by friends and family of William C. and Gregory O. Faith, twin brothers who graduated from UMBC in 1973. This fund supports scholarships for students majoring in Biological Sciences, Chemistry, or Biochemistry who plan to attend graduate or professional school.

Branwen She

Silvi Shah

 

Outstanding Graduating Senior in Biological Sciences

Romina Daraei Baf

Emma Chaney

Jane-Frances Chia

Stephanie Collins

Severin Elbich

Thomas Foulkes

Alleanna Hines

Gabriel Kengni

Antuan Palmer

Jordan Wandja Petnji

Zoya Syed

Suzi Agyako-Wiredu

 

The Roger Michael Davis Endowed Scholarship

Established in 1998, Dr. Davis received his Ph.D. from UMBC in 1986 and taught Introductory Biology and Introductory Biology Lab at UMBC for many years. This award recognizes full-time undergraduates who demonstrate promise and intend to major in the Biological Sciences.

Favour Nwogu

 

The Sandoz Undergraduate Teaching Award

Steph Potisk

 

Thomas V. Marsho & Martin Schwartz Memorial Fund Award

Recognizes outstanding students in Biological Sciences. It honors the contributions of Professor Martin Schwartz and Professor Thomas V. Marsho, who significantly impacted the department and established UMBC as a strong research institution in plant biology. 

Ehsan Alam

Faridah Folorunsho

Aaron Johnson

Dennis  Lee

Daniel Martinez

Iskandar Nassar

 

2026-2027 Thomas F. Roth Undergraduate Research Award

Recognizes outstanding undergraduate research at UMBC

Cherub Willmott

 

2026-2027 The Hong Family Award

Recognizes students who demonstrate a commitment to advancing research in the natural sciences.

Magdalen Ruth

 

2026-2027 Havelock and Jennifer Brewster Art of Science Award

Recognizes original, visually stunning photographs, illustrations, or data visualizations that effectively communicate research.

Elleora Velador Svoboda

 

2026-2027 College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences Endowed Travel Award

Payton Barry

Justine Anne Guevarra

 

Presented by Wiliam R. LaCourse, Ph.D., Dean of the College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences

Phi Beta Kappa

Founded at the College of William and Mary in 1776, Phi Beta Kappa is the country’s oldest and most prestigious academic honor society. Membership is highly selective and offered to only those students from across the nation with a record of scholarly distinction.

Fathima Hasna Abdul Gaffoor

Muhammed Adigun

Suzi Agyako-Wiredu

Kiah Alabi

James Anderson

Nicolas Bartolomeo

Xander Barton

Thomas Bower

Pablo Cairns-Almeria

Aniket Camarushi

Katherine Carver

Emma Chaney

Ayan Chaudhry

Jane-Frances Chia

Xavier Cohen

Stephanie Collins

Alseny Daffe

Ellie Davidson

Sandra Deutl

Ijeoma Ekwunazu

Isabella Evers

Sethu Gokulakrishnan

Rachel Grapes

Theo Hanna

Christian Henry

Jessica Hoffman

Russell Hong

Ahmad Hussin

Jan Iringan

Jasmine Jenkins

Ethan Johnson

Emma Jordan

Shanmukha Josyam

Jariatu  Kargbo

Katie King

Quinlynn Le

Emerson Lehnert

Annabel Levy

Bromley Lowe

Krishna Madhiwala

Owen McMann

Advaitha Midde

Deeya Mistry

Abigayle Morgan

Megan Nguyen

Kara Nguyen

Lea-Pearl Njei

Antuan Palmer

Krisha Patel

Jenny Pham

Tithi Prajapati

Zada Prout

Madeleine Reichman

Ella Reinders

Anderson Rivas

Kyla Rogers

Aya Saeid

Kareena Sai-Palm

Mesha Shajahan

Sanjana Srimath

Zoya Syed

Aria Tauraso

Chinyere Ukwuoma

Josh Vidmar

Jordan Wandja Petnji

 

CNMS Scholars Program

Supports individuals interested in advancing women in the sciences to increase student persistence in academic majors where women are still underrepresented. The program is designed to connect scholars to a community of faculty mentors and campus support services for academic success.

Aria Tauraso

Annabel Levy

Annamaria Palmiero