2024 Chemistry Student Award Winners

Zach Stichter
AIC Outstanding Graduate Student Award

Zach’s research focused on developing novel computational methods for understanding protein-protein docking interactions, such as those seen in many enzymes and drug interactions. During his time at WKU, he served as the OCSE student representative to the Graduate Council, maintained exemplary grades, and was recognized for his excellence in working with undergraduate and graduate students alike. Zach will begin his Ph.D. work in Chemistry at Notre Dame in the fall.

Steven Hazelip
WKU Freshman Chemistry

Steven is a Chemistry major and an Honors student at WKU. This is his first year with us here on campus, and he is off to a great start with an excellent performance in all his coursework, but especially in CHEM 222 College Chemistry II this past Fall 2023. He has set a very high bar with outstanding marks on all his exams, and he is continuing his studies by taking analytical chemistry and multivariable calculus this Spring 2024.

Kareena Pansuria
WKU Analytical Chemistry Award

Kareena is a junior Chemistry major with a Biology minor who has excelled in analytical chemistry. Throughout her time at WKU and as a Gatton student and undergraduate, she has done research with three different Chemistry faculty members. She is currently doing research with Dr. Kim, developing a simple, rapid diagnostic tool utilizing DNA-binding proteins and nanomaterials. Kareena is in the UK College of Medicine Bowling Green Campus Early Assurance Program and plans to attend medical school in Kentucky after graduation.

Zachary Talmon
WKU Organic Chemistry Award

Zach, a Biology major, is setting his sights on attending medical school. His remarkable dedication to the study of two-semester organic chemistry is evident through his outstanding achievements. Additionally, Zach actively participates in organic chemistry research in Dr. Rui Zhang’s lab to develop enzyme-like oxidation catalysts, further enriching his hands-on experience in the field.

Natalie Hutchinson
ACS Organic Chemistry Award

Natalie Hutchinson is a graduating biochemistry senior with extraordinary academic performance. Her ability to learn, coupled with her industrious nature, has helped her finish her four-year college study in only three years with a perfect GPA. Her outstanding achievements have allowed her to win several prestigious scholarships at WKU. She is also a candidate for the WKU Scholar of the College and Ogden Foundation Scholar Award, which represents the highest level of academic recognition for WKU undergraduates. Natalie plans to pursue graduate study in biostatistics and become a biostatistician in her future career.

Harrison Hunt
ACS Physical Chemistry Award

Harrison is a Biochemistry major, and this is his second year with us at WKU. His academic record over the last two years has been excellent. In particular, this year, he has taken the Physical Chemistry sequence, and his performance in both the lecture and lab courses has been truly remarkable. Harrison has recently enrolled in the department’s JUMP program and will be pursuing his MS-level research studies in the group of Professor Kevin Williams. The Department of Chemistry commends Harrison on his outstanding performance, and we look forward to his future achievements.

Sam Paugh
ACS Inorganic Chemistry Award

Sam is a dedicated, hard-working, and talented young man with an internal drive always to do his very best. He was the top-performing student in both the CHEM 320 Inorganic Chemistry I and CHEM 420 Inorganic Chemistry II lecture courses. In the laboratory, his work ethic, attention to detail, timeliness, and proactive nature are truly exceptional. Sam does nothing halfway. He gives one hundred percent of his talent and abilities to every endeavor.

Nathan Gillispie
ACS Analytical Award

Nathan will graduate with a Chemistry major and a Math minor with honors. For the Fall 2023 Analytical Chemistry Instrumental Analysis course, Nathan scored in the top 3% nationwide of students who the related American Chemical Society exam. He also does computational research with Dr. Nee on the interaction of water nanoparticles and sulfur dioxide. After graduation, Nathan will continue his studies in a doctoral chemistry program.

Abigail Lewis
AIC Outstanding Senior Award

Abbey graduated magna cum laude from WKU this past Fall 2023, with a major in Chemistry and a minor in Biology. She has been a model student and earned several departmental merit scholarships, including the Troutman Scholarship in 2022- 2023. Abbey has served the department as a teaching assistant and received the Neil Skean Lab Assistant Award in 2022. She also pursued research studies with Dr. Blairanne Williams. Most recently she has been employed by the department as a stockroom assistant, helping to keep our laboratories running smoothly and safely. Whether in the classroom, the labs, or the stockroom, or just hanging out around the Chem Club room, Abbey has given a truly outstanding performance.

Brian Kellogg
Nell Skean Lab Assistant Award

Brian Kellogg is a second-year MS student and has worked as the lead (and support) TA in multiple labs and lectures, including the Organic Chemistry lab (CHEM341), Quantitative Analysis lab (CHEM330), and Chemistry for the Health Sciences lecture (CHEM109). Brian is always ready to help his students, and his enthusiasm and dedication have made his TA sections one of the favorites of his students. Excellent feedback has always been heard from his professors and students. Brian plans to continue his studies in a Ph.D. program and become an R&D chemist in his career.

Emmanuel Chukwu
Nell Skean Lab Assistant Award

Emmanuel serves as the lead assistant in organic chemistry labs, showcasing exemplary responsibility in his role. He collaborates seamlessly with the professor, ensuring the smooth operation of the classes. Emmanuel consistently demonstrates thorough preparation for each session, enhancing the learning experience for all involved. His dedication extends to fostering the development of student’s practical skills in the organic laboratory, embodying a commitment to excellence in education.

Rory O'Connor
Outstanding Chemistry Major Award

Rory has excelled in many areas while in our department. She has high academic merit, is a chemistry student ambassador, is president of the Chem Club, and is a teaching assistant in multiple labs. Her hard work and likable personality have been a true asset. In addition to her work in our department, she is also president of Mahurin Honors College Alumni Ambassadors, vice president of ODK, treasurer for pre-dental society, and a member of the Student Rural Health Association, Rural Health Scholars, and cross country/track. She plans to attend the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry in the fall.