2023 CoSM Student Awards

On April 18, 2023, thirty-seven students of the College of Science & Mathematics were recognized as award and scholarship recipients. Congratulations to each of you! To our graduating seniors, we are excited for you as you embark on this new journey and wish you the best. And remember - once a Blazer, always a Blazer!

Meet our outstanding students and the Spring 2023 Student Award Winners in the College of Science and Mathematics below.

To watch the live streamed awards ceremony, click here:

	Madelyn Adair Award Received: Martha H. Barnes Scholarship Activities: Delight Ministries, Valdosta State Pre-Med Organization, Physician Shadowing at both SGMC and Orthopedic Surgeons of Georgia, Shell Day at The Canopy with Dr. Manning, and worked part time at Chick-Fil-A until I got a job at Barnes Pharmacy. Favorite class: Either physiology or anatomy with Dr. Fort Career Goals: I'm applying to medical school and if I'm not accepted, I may either reapply or consider applying for the new non-thesis Master of Science Degree in Biology at 番茄直播app. I'll continue working at Barnes Pharmacy until either I head off to medical school, or if I begin a master's at 番茄直播app, then I'll continue working at Barnes Pharmacy throughout the time it takes to complete the program.
	Tess (Teressa) Akuoko Awards Received: David and Cecelia Ratcliffe Scholarship & Martha H. Barnes Scholarship Activities: I did research in Dr. Lokdarshi's molecular plant biology lab for a year and a half, and garnered a publication with Dr. Lokdarshi from his enthusiasm and keen mentorship. I was also the founder of the Affinity Groups of the Honors College, the First-Year Representative, Class Representative, and Outreach Coordinator of the Honors Student Association (HSA), and I was the Outreach Coordinator of Student Members of the American Chemical Society (SMACS). Favorite class: My favorite class at 番茄直播app has been Organic Chemistry II (CHEM 3402). I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunities Organic Chemistry II has offered me to make connections, deeply understand and appreciate chemistry concepts, and to exercise every crevice of my brain. Career Goals: I plan to become a medical practitioner in the field of dermatology, nephrology, or gynecology, and I will apply to medical school in the summer of 2024. My ultimate life goal would be to establish or consistently participate in a non-profit organization purposed for disseminating medical aid and knowledge to underserved communities.
	Nathaniel Arrowood Award Received: Outstanding Computer Information Systems Major Award Favorite class: CS 4625 - Network and System Security Career Goals: I am still currently looking for jobs post-graduation as an Information Technology Specialist or Entry Level Software Engineer.
	Thomas Barton Award Received: Threadgill-Thompson Scholarship Activities: I participated in a directed study with Dr. Barry Hojjatie in Spring 2022, participated in the Undergraduate Research Symposium, and toured Premium Peanut with some of the engineering students. Favorite class: Engineering Graphics and Design with Dr. Hojjatie Career Goals: Upon graduation from 番茄直播app, I will attend the University of Georgia to complete a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.
	Alessa Castillo Award Received: Outstanding Computer Science Major Award Activities: I worked as a student assistant in 番茄直播app's IT Desktop Support in Pine Hall, was a member of the Society of International Students (SIS), participated in the 番茄直播app Undergraduate Research Symposium in Spring 2022 preparing poster presentations for Dr. Chakraborty and Dr. Dasgupta, participated in the Georgia Undergraduate Research Symposium in Fall 2022 preparing a poster presentation for Dr. Roy Choudhury concerning Machine Learning to train a model for image segmentation, and participated in the Azalea Health 2022 Hackathon. Favorite class: I can't really pick one. I enjoyed Senior Seminar, Software Engineering, Data Structures, Cyber Security, and others. Career Goals: As an international student and STEM major, I have the opportunity to work up to three years in the US to further expand my knowledge in my field after graduation. I plan to work for about a year in the software development industry. After that I'll decide if I want to work for an additional year or continue my studies in Computer Science.
	Katie Copenhaver Award Received: Freshman Chemistry Award Favorite class: Bio 1108 with Dr. Grove Career Goals: My plans after 番茄直播app include transferring to UGA's College of Pharmacy and earning my PharmD. I then plan to continue working at Publix Pharmacy as a pharmacist.
	Alexander Fouraker Award Received: Oustanding Student of Engineering Studies Activities: While here at 番茄直播app, I have been able to work with the City of Valdosta on the Smart City Project and present my findings at the Georgia Capitol. Favorite class: Engineering Graphics Design with Dr. Hojjatie. Career Goals: I plan to attend the University of Florida and get my masters degree in Civil Engineering.
	Carlton Francis Award Received: Southwest Georgia ACS Optima Chemistry Award Activities: I participate in an on-campus club called SMACS - the Student Member of the American Chemical Society - and am currently the Vice President. Favorite class: Chem 2310 with Dr. De La Garza because we worked on a lot of lab reports, so I got better at writing reports, and the group project we did in that class was fun. Career Goals: After graduation I plan to get my masters in Chemistry then find an entrance level position into the forensic field. I don't know if I want to go federal or state yet.
	Noel Rojas Galviz Award Received: : Outstanding Computer Science Major Award
	Lizbeth Mendez Gomez Award Received: Martha H. Barnes Scholarship Activities: Unfortunately, I was not able to participate in any directed studies, clubs, or organization due to me being a commuter student. On the days that I do not have classes I work as a medical assistant in a private practice in Tallahassee, FL. I enjoy learning from MDs and NPs. The medical field brings me such passion and excitement, and being a medical assistant has taught me so much, such as learning what medications are for, EKGs, and learning how to read routine labs. Favorite class: My favorite class at 番茄直播app would be biology. I say this because biology explores all living things such as humans, animals, and even plants. Biology class has taught me an in-depth understanding of all living organisms. Another reason why biology was my favorite class is that it hits the topic of the body system. I loved learning about the cardiovascular system and endocrine system. It is so amazing how an organ of the size of our fist can do a lot for our other organs and how the endocrine system gives us our characteristics and development. Career Goals: After I graduate from Valdosta State University, I would like to attend the Florida State University College of Medicine. After completing my four years of medical school I would have to go onto a residency program and one specific one that I would love to match to is Internal Medicine. After three years of the residency program, I will do a fellowship to become a Cardiologist and hopefully one day open my own practice.
	Walker Hayes Awards Received: Outstanding Student of Physics and a Finalist for the College of Science & Mathematics Outstanding Student Award Activities: I have been a member of the Honors Students Association (HSA) for almost four years and served on the executive board for my first three. I have been involved in many Theater Arts exploits such as acting in Skazki, one of the plays put on in Spring 22 and being a part of Studio 82, 番茄直播app’s improv troupe, which I have served as co-captain for the past year. In more academic pursuits, I have conducted research with professors multiple times and presented this research at multiple academic conferences including some on the national level. Lastly, I am a member of two national honors societies, SPS (Physics) and APO (Theatre). Favorite class: Computational Physics. It kickstarted my interest in combining Physics and Computer Science, and inspired me to become a double major. Career Goals: When I graduate in December, I hope to get an internship for the spring, then move on to graduate school in the fall. I hope to get my Masters and my PhD in Computational Physics.
	Leonardo Lopez Hernandez Award Received: Martha H. Barnes Scholarship Activities: I participated in the Blazin' Brigade and the Hot Shots Band. Favorite class: My favorite class was MUSC 3880 (Blazin' Brigade). Not only was it a place to relieve stress, but it was a class with a variety of individuals. Career Goals: After graduation I plan to continue my studies at a medical school.
	Adariah J'Nai Holloway Award Received: Mrs. Maya Goel Scholarship Activities: I am a math tutor for the ASC at 番茄直播app. I'm a part of MAA and Pi Mu Epsilon. Favorite class: My favorite math classes are Calculus Three and Number Theory. Career Goals: I will graduate in the spring of 2024. I plan to go to graduate school and receive a Masters in Mathematics or Secondary Math Education before I start teaching.
	Grant Holman Award Received: Scruggs Scholarship Activities: AFROTC, Arnold Air Society, 番茄直播app Area Council, and Patterson Hall Task Force Favorite class: My freshman year AS 1001 course with now retired Captain Wagenious. Career Goals: My post-graduation plans are to commission as a 2nd Lieutenant into the United States Air Force. I have applied to create a career as a pilot or join the engineering career field.
	Karli Icard Award Received: Chemistry Undergraduate Research Award Favorite class: Organic Chemistry Lab Career Goals: : I plan to attend medical school after graduation in hopes to become a radiologist.
	Alexander Jaramillo Award Received: Finalist for the College of Science & Mathematics Outstanding Student Award Activities: AFROTC and Arnold Air Society Favorite class: ROTC Career Goals: When I graduate, I'll commission into the Air Force where I hope to be a pilot. I also plan on pursuing an MBA.
	Yeong Hun Jeong Award Received: Undergraduate Award in Physical Chemistry
	Kiersten Ley Award Received: Martha H. Barnes Scholarship Activities: I am a PAL (Peer Alliance Learning) Tutor at 番茄直播app's Academic Support Center. Being a tutor has allowed me to help others achieve their academic goals while also challenged me to have a deeper understanding of the concepts I have learned. I am a member of the Valdosta State Pre-Med Organization where I get to meet with peers who have similar academic and career goals as me. Favorite class: My favorite class so far at 番茄直播app is BIOL 1108 because it has introduced me to interesting concepts that I will need to know for the rest of my college and professional career. Career Goals: After receiving my bachelor's degree at 番茄直播app, I aspire to attend medical school with the hopes of returning to the Valdosta area to serve the community as a medical doctor.
	Thomas Mancil Award Received: Outstanding Senior Chemistry Award Activities: I've done directed study courses with Dr. Winkelmann in the Chemistry Department and I am currently working with Dr. Kang in the Biology Department. Favorite class: My favorite classes are Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry I, and Molecular Biophysics. Career Goals: I plan to finish my masters in biology and then pursue a graduate program in chemistry.
	Kaylee O'Quinn Award Received: Dr. M. Elizabeth (Betty) Derrick Award Activities: At my time at 番茄直播app, I have participated in the Pre-Dental club, SMACS, intramural soccer, and Wesley. I am also a lab intern at CJB Industries. Favorite class: My favorite class at 番茄直播app has been Stimulating Creative Behavior. Even though it is a perspectives class, it was good to take a break from the hard science classes that I have to take. I feel like it helped me realize my creativity and bring it into my science classes. Career Goals: After I graduate from 番茄直播app, I would like to go to dental school, preferably the Dental College of Georgia or to the University of Florida.
	Sam Panzica Award Received: Outstanding Student of Astronomy
	Darshi Patel Awards Received: David and Cecelia Ratcliffe Scholarship and the College of Science & Mathematics Outstanding Student Award Activities: Working in Research lab for 3 years with Dr. Emily Rose (The Rose Lab) with project entitled “Effects of algal turbidity on the reproduction of the dwarf seahorse (Hippocampus zosterae)”, peer mentor at CoSM GUIDES program 2 years to help freshmen undergraduates, PAL Facilitator for Ecology and Evolution class and STEM Team lead for 1.5 years, member of Society of International Students (SIS), served Honors Success Program (HSP), recipient of research grant at Blazer Summer Research Institute (2021), currently enrolled in Accelerated Master’s Program, presented research at 12 conferences including The Georgia Academy of Sciences (2022, 2023), The Valdosta State University Undergraduate Research Symposium (3-minute video presentation, poster presentation, and oral presentation for 2022, 2023), The Georgia Undergraduate Research Conference (2022), The Georgia Collegiate Honors Council Conference (2023), won state level conferences such as the Georgia Collegiate Honors Council Conference, and two times in a row at the Georgia Academy of Sciences in addition to multiple winnings at the 番茄直播app symposium. (Won presentation for all formats: Poster, Oral, 3-minute video, and Paper Writing), recipient of the Georgia Legislative Academic Recognition Day Award (GLARDA), 2023, and Finalist for the Annie Powe Hopper Award, 2023 Favorite class: Biology 3250: Ecology and Evolution with Dr. Emily Rose. This course helped me discover my passion towards research. I loved this course so much that I am a PAL Facilitator for this class for the past 3 semesters. Career Goals: I am currently enrolled in the Accelerated Master’s Program here at 番茄直播app and have been accepted as a full-time graduate student starting in May. For my master’s, I have already been accepted as Instructor of record (Teaching assistantship), where I would be teaching entry level labs to non-biology major students.
	Capri Persaud Award Received: Martha H. Barnes Scholarship
	Jason Phillips Award Received: Undergraduate Award in Analytical Chemistry Activities: I have participated in the Honors Student Association throughout my time at 番茄直播app. I have also been involved with the Student Members of the American Chemical Society (SMACS), which has led to wonderful opportunities such as chemistry outreach at the Valdosta Middle School. Favorite class: My favorite class at 番茄直播app is hard to pin down, but I have to say that inorganic chemistry was fun.
	Callie Reid Awards Received: Elizabeth Joy Lohmar Scholarship and a Finalist for the College of Science & Mathematics Outstanding Student Award Activities: I have been a PAL math tutor with the academic support center since January of 2022. I became a team lead in August of 2022. I have been a member of the Math Club at 番茄直播app since August of 2021. I have been involved in two different undergraduate research projects with Dr. Velez and Dr. Lazari. I presented my research findings at the 2022 GURC, 2023 JMM in Boston, and the 2023 Research Symposium at 番茄直播app. I have also conducted hands on workshops with students at 2022 番茄直播app Middle school math competition, 2023 番茄直播app High School Math Competition, 番茄直播app 25th SK Day and will present at the 26th SK Day. I volunteered at the CBMS 番茄直播app Conference. I took part in the Pi Mu Epsilon contest and placed either first or second for three consecutive years. I was recently inducted into the honor society for Pi Mu Epsilon. I am also a part of the audio-visual team at Northside Baptist Church. Favorite class: My favorite class at 番茄直播app so far has been linear algebra courses such as 2150/4150 and the calculus sequences 2261-2263. Career Goals: I am scheduled to graduate in spring 2024. I want to go to graduate school, but am unsure where to go as of right now.
	Michael Rice Award Received: Polymer Chemistry in Organic Chemistry Award Activities: My time at 番茄直播app has been a great experience; since I’m a non-traditional graduate student most of my time has been consumed by prerequisites. Favorite class: My favorite classes at 番茄直播app were Organic Chemistry I & II, but I've really enjoyed all of the "hands-on" science laboratories. The chemistry department here has been amazing and always willing to help! Career Goals: I was recently accepted into the Doctor of Pharmacy program at Campbell University in North Carolina and will be starting this fall.
	Brylie Ritchie Awards Received: Marjorie Carter Award and Marsha Paulk Scholarship Activities: I am a part of the Honors Student Association and the Blazed Hams Amateur radio club. I started a self-sufficient student advising and peer mentoring program for the Honors College called the Honors Success Program. I have participated in a directed study with Dr. Gupta focusing on synthesizing a palladium nanocage. I am currently the lab manager of the Uyeno Biomechanics lab. I have done histological studies and am currently working on electronics and circuitry. I have a collaborative project with Dr. Ted Uyeno and Dr. Ansul Lokdarshi that is in the process of being reviewed for publication. The title is A novel non-invasive method for imaging seeds in Arabidopsis thaliana siliques. I have worked as a Student Assistant for the Honors College as well as a Surgical Attendant at SGMC for the past two years. Favorite class: My favorite classes at 番茄直播app were organic chemistry, virology, and emerging infectious diseases. Career Goals: After graduation, I will be attending the University of Arkansas Medical Sciences. I will be working towards a Masters in Physician Assistant studies. I aim to work with underserved populations and minority groups as well as organize safe space trainings for different healthcare fields.
	Tristin Sahagun Award Received: Outstanding Student in Mathematics Activities: Air Force ROTC, Arnold Air Society, Blazer Corps, Collegiate Men of 番茄直播app, Student Government Association, Mathematics Association of America, and Academic Support Center Favorite class: Mathematical Analysis Career Goals: United States Air Force, set to commission May 2024. Job to be announced, hopeful future Combat Systems Officer.
	Danielle Sauls Award Received: Undergraduate Award in Inorganic Chemistry
	Riley Griffin Thomason Award Received: Outstanding Student of Geosciences Activities: I completed a directed study with Dr. Weimin Feng and I presented our research at the Undergraduate Research Symposium as well as the Georgia Water Resources Conference in Athens. My research is titled "A stable isotopic landscape of southern Georgia surficial waters and its implications on the regional groundwater recharge process." I am the Social Media Manager for the Geoscience Student Society and love to help plan trips and events for our group! Favorite class: My favorite class would either be Geochemistry or Hydrology. I am very interested in water and both of these classes gave me a better understanding of it. Career Goals: After graduation, I plan on working for an environmental company for a year or two and then attending graduate school to get my Masters in Geology.
	Jayden Thomas Award Received: Most Outstanding Student in Aerospace Studies, GMC Category Activities: I am a Business Management Major with a Minor in Aerospace Studies. I am in the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC), and currently am the Blazer Corps President (Student Org for AFROTC). Favorite class: My favorite class at 番茄直播app is probably my Intro to Astronomy class, because it really interests me. Career Goals: After graduation, I plan on commissioning into the Air Force as a Second Lieutenant and hopefully becoming a pilot.
	Winston Turner Award Received: Martha H. Barnes Scholarship and the Biology Senior Award Activities: I am a part of the Honors Student Association (HSA), Valdosta Smash Ultimate club, and the Honors College. Favorite class: My favorite class at 番茄直播app is Human Physiology (BIOL 3460) with Dr. Timothy Fort. Career Goals: After graduation, I plan to attend medical school with the goal of becoming a pediatrician once I have finished receiving my education.
	Katie Lynn Ward Award Received: Gerald Petrella Award for Outstanding Student Achievement in Mathematics Education Activities: Throughout my time at 番茄直播app, I have enjoyed being a part of the Elementary Education program where I have had opportunities to go to different local elementary schools for my practicum experience. I am also very involved in the Wesley Foundation here on campus. I am a passionate student intern on the Connect and Media team where I get to serve my community every Wednesday night. This college ministry has been a huge part of my journey at 番茄直播app. Favorite class: One of my favorite classes I've taken recently in my Education Program is a Literacy Assessment and Applications course with Dr. Graves. As a part of this course, we also were able to further our experience as educators by being a part of a tutoring program for local students in the area through the Sullivan Literacy Center. Career Goals: After graduating with my first degree in December of 2023, I plan to get started on my Master’s in Early Education. I plan to continue the line of educators in my family. I will begin my career in education at a local elementary school and give back to my community. My goal would be to teach 2nd grade. Later, with some more experience under my belt, I would like to become an administrator or academic coach.
	Larra Williams Award Received: Undergraduate Award in Biochemistry Chemistry Activities: Student Symposium in spring 2019 and Student Symposium at the State Capitol in Spring 2019 Favorite class: Biochemistry I Lab Career Goals: I plan to procure work in a medical diagnostic/hematology lab post-graduation.
	Jaida Wilson Award Received: Martha H. Barnes Scholarship Activities: I have volunteered with CPP (College Prevention Partnership) at 番茄直播app and have done some events on campus. Favorite class: My favorite class at 番茄直播app is the Human Anatomy class that I am taking this semester. Career Goals: After I graduate, I plan to go to medical school and become a doctor.
	Morgan Wynn Award Received: Mack Varnedoe Greer Sr. M.D. Scholarship Activities: I have been a member of the Honors College since my start at 番茄直播app. I have been a part of the volunteer auxiliary at SGMC since Jan 2022, volunteering in both the ER department and the Pearlman Cancer Center. Favorite class: Vertebrate Histology with Dr. Lockhart Career Goals: I plan to attend medical school and pursue a career in radiation oncology.
	Princess Wynn Award Received: Chemistry Undergraduate Research Award