Congratulations to this year's amazing group of undergraduate student awardees. See the list of outstanding students below!
Congratulations to Maddie Tibayan, who was selected as the Undergraduate Awardee in Analytical Chemistry.
"My name is Maddie Tibayan, and I am a junior studying Chemistry and a W.A. Franke Honors College student. This summer, I had the privilege of participating in the Undergraduate Biology Research Program (UBRP), where I joined Dr. Pemberton's Analytical Chemistry group. Our research currently explores the characteristics of a new functional material we have termed Glyonic Liquids.
This semester, I've enjoyed taking Dr. Marty's mass spectrometry class and Dr. Aspinwall's instrumentation lecture. With my minor in government and public policy, I have also developed an interest in science policy and diplomacy. In my free time, I enjoy playing the piano, spending time with my dog Virgil, and serving as the president of the Filipino American Student Association (FASA)."
Congratulations to Jackie Choi, who was selected as the 2024 ACS Undergraduate Awardee in Physical Chemistry.
The Physical Chemistry Division of the American Chemical Society award recognizes outstanding achievement by undergraduate students in physical chemistry and encourages further pursuits in the field.
“I am a senior at the UA majoring in biochemistry, class of 2025. I chose to incorporate an MCB minor into my major as the classes overlapped and I enjoyed learning about the particulars of that subject. I was also a preceptor for MCB during my junior year. Since then, I have continued to preceptor in other science-based classes, where I learned more about the different research groups at UA. I was first introduced to research through UBRP and am now in the Oliver Monti Lab, where I work on ab initio calculations to develop insights into key parameters that enable tailoring molecular wires for single-molecule electronics. I am also a CBC Ambassador and Peer Mentor.”
Ben Augustine
Congratulations to Benjamin Augustine, who is a recipient of the ACS Hach Land Grant Scholar for Spring 2024!
"Hi, I'm Benjamin, a chemistry major and a W.A. Franke honors student, minoring in adolescent and community education, a CBC Peer Mentor, and an Ambassador. After graduation, I plan on getting a teaching certificate and teaching high school chemistry. I am currently working on a research project in chemistry education with Dr. Vicente Talanquer from CBC. Other interesting facts about me are that I am from Connecticut and enjoy learning languages, studying geography, and traveling. Bear Down Go Cats!"
Congratulations to the 2024 Charles Y. F. Hoyt Scholars JosiAnna Hewitt and Madeleine Tibayan!
JosiAnna Hewitt
"My name is JosiAnna Hewitt and I am currently a junior majoring in Chemistry and minoring in Public Health. For the past year and a half, I have worked for THINK TANK on campus as a Chemistry Content Tutor where I get to help other students better understand and appreciate chemistry. This experience has greatly deepened my understanding and passion for chemistry, as well as pushed me to want to pursue higher education in the sciences after graduation.
This semester I had the opportunity to take Medicinal Chemistry with Dr. Wang, Dr. Li, and Dr. Xiong, a course that combines my interests in both medicine and chemistry into one, which I found very exciting. I have been a member of the Ardor Dance Company on campus since my freshman year, and I am also a current CBC student ambassador and peer mentor. In my free time, I enjoy baking, hiking, and getting coffee with friends!"
Madeleine Tibayan
"My name is Maddie Tibayan, and I am a junior studying Chemistry and a W.A. Franke Honors College student. This summer, I had the privilege of participating in the Undergraduate Biology Research Program (UBRP), where I joined Dr. Pemberton's Analytical Chemistry group. Our research currently explores the characteristics of a new functional material we have termed Glyonic Liquids.
This semester, I've enjoyed taking Dr. Marty's mass spectrometry class and Dr. Aspinwall's instrumentation lecture. With my minor in government and public policy, I have also developed an interest in science policy and diplomacy. In my free time, I enjoy playing the piano, spending time with my dog Virgil, and serving as the president of the Filipino American Student Association (FASA)."
Left photo (Adrian De la Peña and Sam Ellis), Center (Madison Grams and nominator Anna Campbell), Right (Angela Mankin)
Congratulations to the 2024 CBC Outstanding Peer Mentors!
Sam Ellis, nominated by Adrian De la Peña
"The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry creates a community on campus unlike any other. On the one hand, most students majoring in science must at least take general chemistry and will pass through the department, learning about core principles that will support their future studies. On the other hand, you have chemistry and biochemistry students who call the Henry Koffler building home, whether they like it or not. I joined the department Spring of my freshman year, only knowing that I was somewhat interested in research. I got a chance to talk to Olivia Mendoza, our senior program organizer, who immediately matched me with a CBC mentor who was very involved in research. As a mentee, my mentor gave me so much support and direction in terms of undergraduate research when I felt lost or confused about what I wanted to do. I had such a great experience that I knew I wanted to get more involved in the department, so I applied to become a CBC mentor and ambassador. Since becoming more involved, I've met professors who care about their students' success, staff who provide endless support, and fellow students who are passionate about helping others, discovery, and mentorship. At such a large and diverse university, I've truly found a community that I love to be a part of."
Madison Grams – nominated by Anna Campbell
"I am a senior majoring in Biochemistry and minoring in Spanish and Marketing. This is my first year as a peer mentor and I love it, my mentee, Anna, and I have a lot of similar interests, like hiking, trail running, desert animals, and of course science. This was a perfect match for us, we would go on hikes or runs while talking about our research, class experiences I have had, and just college life in general. I have loved seeing Anna learn more about college life, grow in her classes, and present at the CBC poster fair. Thank you, Anna and the CBC department, for this wonderful opportunity!"
Angela Mankin – nominated by Sara Kretschmer
"I am grateful to CBC for fostering an inclusive and supportive environment. Thank you to the ambassador and peer mentor program for giving me opportunities to build connections with faculty and peers that I would not have experienced without such encouraging surroundings."
Congratulations to 2024 Outstanding Seniors, Chloe Park and Kristen Roehling!
Chloe Park
Shinhye Chloe Park is graduating summa cum laude with a B.S. in Biochemistry as a recipient of the 2024 Biochemistry Outstanding Senior award and DOS Robie Gold Medal Recipient this spring. Originally from South Korea, Chloe's transformative journey began when she moved to Tucson as a teenager. Starting her academic journey at Pima Community College, she was able to continue her studies at the University of Arizona, thanks to various opportunities and supportive communities.
Guided by mentors who recognized her resilience and dedication, Chloe developed a strong aspiration for mentorship and community service. Her involvement as a CBC ambassador, peer mentor, and preceptor for several courses deepened her passion for supporting others in their educational journeys. Chloe's dedication to community service extended to volunteering at the Diaper Bank of Southern Arizona and handcrafting chemocaps for cancer patients in our community through BagItCancer.
Since summer 2021, Chloe has been conducting research in Dr. Anita Koshy's lab through UBRP, focusing on the parasite, Toxoplasma gondii and its effects on the central nervous system of humans and rodents. Selected as a BRAVO! participant in 2023, she continued her research internationally at the University of Glasgow. Her senior thesis explores the role of a hypothetical protein in the parasite’s mechanism to persist in the brain, evading the immune response. Following graduation, she plans to publish her findings while working as a research technician in
the Koshy lab.
Her decision to pursue medicine was influenced by her internship at SPARCC, a rehabilitation center for concussion patients, where she witnessed patients’ transformative journeys, particularly individuals recovering from motor vehicle collisions and student-athletes. Chloe also participated in the Patient Experience Internship at Banner University Medical Center, proactively meeting with hospitalized patients to communicate their needs to the providers in the emergency department and post-transplant unit.
Chloe envisions a career dedicated to equitable access to healthcare and bridging the gap between scientific research and clinical practice, integrating patient care, mentoring for academic medicine, and research.
“Thank you, U of A! Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat.”
Kristen Roehling
Kristen Roehling will graduate this spring with honors, majoring in chemistry and applied mathematics and minoring in astronomy. Her time at the University of Arizona has been transformational for her as a person and a scientist. She entered her undergraduate career intending to focus purely on mathematics. Within a few months, she found her love for chemistry, and her plans quickly changed. She was inspired by the innovative research conducted across the CBC department and wanted to start participating in research as soon as possible. In the middle of her first year, she joined the Kukolich Group and began studying dimers in the gas phase using microwave spectroscopy. She has continued her research with the Kukolich group through the end of her senior year, where she has co-authored three publications.
One of Kristen’s long-term goals is to work in astrochemistry. Spectroscopy is a fundamental tool in astrochemistry, and she was excited to learn the basics of spectroscopy in her research. During her sophomore year, she interned under the Arizona NASA Space Grant program, which further solidified her love for astronomy. She also participated in the Air Force Research Laboratory Scholar’s program after her junior year, which opened her eyes to a different area of chemical research.
One of the most impactful aspects of her time at the University of Arizona has been the support of CBC faculty in her journey. She feels that every chemistry course she has taken was designed to set her up for success in the future, and the faculty shows immense care for the success of their students. She wants to give a special thanks to Dr. Adam Daly and Dr. Stephen Kukolich for taking a chance on her as a freshman and devoting so much time to helping her grow and learn as a chemist.
Kristen plans on pursuing a Ph.D. in physical chemistry at the California Institute of Technology next year where she hopes to pursue her interests in astrochemistry, atmospheric chemistry, and spectroscopy. In the long term, she hopes to work for a national laboratory, NASA, or Jet Propulsion Laboratory. No matter where her journey takes her, she will always be a proud wildcat.
Top row left to right: Adrian De la Peña, Gavin Arnold, Momoko T. Cronin Bottom row: Sean J. Chen, Janelle Amegatse
Congratulations to the 2024 CBC Outstanding Junior, Sophomore, and Freshman!
- Adrian De la Peña, Outstanding Biochemistry Freshman
- Gavin Arnold, Outstanding Biochemistry Sophmore
- Sean J. Chen, Outstanding Biochemistry Junior
- Momoko T. Cronin, Outstanding Chemistry Sophomore
- Janelle Amegatse, Outstanding Chemistry Junior
Congratulations to Audrey Winkle who was selected as a Thomas M. and Candace C. Grogan Scholar!
"Hi, I'm Audrey, and I'm a sophomore double majoring in Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology with a minor in Psychology. I am a Tucson native interested in researching the genetic connective tissue disease Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. After obtaining my degree, I hope to go to graduate school and continue any research started during undergrad."
(left to right) Michaela Ryan, Erin Schuette, and Jaden Todd-Nelson
Congratulations to the 2024 Excellence Award in Biochemistry Recipients Michael Ryan, Erin Schuette, and Jaden Todd-Nelson.
Michaela Ryan
Michaela Ryan is a sophomore, undergraduate student at the University of Arizona, majoring in Biochemistry, and plans on pursuing a career as a physician. She is a co-instructor for SCI 299, a pre-health colloquium for underclassmen College of Science students interested in pursuing a pre-health profession. In addition, she is involved in research through the Center for Innovation in Brain Science in Dr. Roberta Brinton’s lab, studying Alzheimer’s disease. Her on-campus involvements include being an Ambassador and Peer Mentor for the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and extracurricular clubs such as the Women in Medicine and Science Club and Honors Service Club. Outside of academics, she enjoys cooking, hiking, music festivals, weightlifting, and spending time with her cat, Mushu. She also volunteers with Banner University Medical Center and holds certifications as an Emergency Medical Technician and Certified Nurse Aide.
Erin Schuette
"Hello, my name is Erin Schuette and I am from Omaha, Nebraska majoring in Biochemistry with minors in Biology and Health and Human Values. I am currently conducting research in the Churko Lab at the Sarver Heart Center related to the functions of sarcomeric proteins in human embryonic stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes. On campus, I am involved in Women in Medicine and STEM, Dosed with Happiness, LINKS Junior Honorary, Phi Delta Epsilon, Unified Pickleball, and CBC Ambassadors. When I have free time, I love exploring Tucson, hiking Sabino Canyon, playing intramural volleyball with my friends, or reading a fantasy novel."
Jaden Todd-Nelson
"I’m pursuing majors in Biochemistry and Molecular and Cellular Biology. I currently work as an undergraduate research assistant in the Koshy Lab through the Department of Immunobiology. After graduation, I plan to attend medical school either through an MD or MD/PhD program. A fun fact about me is I just ran my first half marathon."
Congratulations to Clare Hotze who was selected as a 2024 Biochemistry Excellence in Research recipient and Kristen Roehling who was selected as a 2024 Excellence in Research recipient!
Clare Hotze
"I have been in the Tomasiak Lab since my freshman year. Throughout my time in the lab, my research has focused on membrane protein-small molecule interactions. I have worked on both mammalian and fungal systems in hopes of identifying amino acids involved in substrate transport. My time at the University of Arizona has taught me how to work as a part of a team, whether that be in a research capacity or on the sand volleyball court with my intramural team!
After graduation, I will attend the University of Kansas Medical School, where I hope to both learn about patient care as well as continue my career in research. I am so grateful for my time at the U of A and for all the professors and mentors I have encountered throughout these past four years. Bear Down!"
Kristen Roehling
Kristen Roehling will graduate this spring with honors, majoring in chemistry and applied mathematics and minoring in astronomy. Her time at the University of Arizona has been transformational for her as a person and a scientist. She entered her undergraduate career intending to focus purely on mathematics. Within a few months, she found her love for chemistry, and her plans quickly changed. She was inspired by the innovative research conducted across the CBC department and wanted to start participating in research as soon as possible. In the middle of her first year, she joined the Kukolich Group and began studying dimers in the gas phase using microwave spectroscopy. She has continued her research with the Kukolich group through the end of her senior year, where she has co-authored three publications.
One of Kristen’s long-term goals is to work in astrochemistry. Spectroscopy is a fundamental tool in astrochemistry, and she was excited to learn the basics of spectroscopy in her research. During her sophomore year, she interned under the Arizona NASA Space Grant program, which further solidified her love for astronomy. She also participated in the Air Force Research Laboratory Scholar’s program after her junior year, which opened her eyes to a different area of chemical research.
One of the most impactful aspects of her time at the University of Arizona has been the support of CBC faculty in her journey. She feels that every chemistry course she has taken was designed to set her up for success in the future, and the faculty shows immense care for the success of their students. She wants to give a special thanks to Dr. Adam Daly and Dr. Stephen Kukolich for taking a chance on her as a freshman and devoting so much time to helping her grow and learn as a chemist.
Kristen plans on pursuing a Ph.D. in physical chemistry at the California Institute of Technology next year where she hopes to pursue her interests in astrochemistry, atmospheric chemistry, and spectroscopy. In the long term, she hopes to work for a national laboratory, NASA, or Jet Propulsion Laboratory. No matter where her journey takes her, she will always be a proud wildcat.
Congratulations to the 2024 Undergraduate Galileo Circle Scholars!
- Janelle Amegatse
- Gavin Arnold, selected by UBRP
- Sean Chen
- Momoko Cronin
- Luke Fasse
- Jacob Fredman
- Caleb Konecek, selected by MCB
- Isaac Kailat, selected by UBRP
- Ika Lin
- Jacquelyn Lo Bianco, selected by MCB
- Ethan McNew, selected by MCB
- Sarah Nielsen
- Natalie Rawlings, selected by UBRP
- Jake Shaw, selected by MCB
- Ashley Wellik
- Forrest Zepezauer, selected by MCB
Congratulations to Sean Chen and Clare Hotze for being selected as the 2024 Michael A. Wells Undergraduate Research in Biological Sciences Scholars.
Sean Chen
"I am a third-year undergraduate student, studying biochemistry. My research involvement has been focused on studying the protein rhodopsin and its role in vision. Through my work in Dr. Michael Brown's research group, I have gained valuable experience in experimental techniques and data analysis. When I'm not in the lab, you can find me at the gym lifting weights or indulging in my love for food."
Clare Hotze
"My name is Clare Hotze and I am a senior majoring in biochemistry from Kansas City. I have been an undergraduate research assistant in the lab of Dr. Thomas Tomasiak for the past four years and plan to attend the University of Kansas Medical School after I graduate this May."
CBC is thrilled to announce Shinhye Chloe Park, Rei Ellsworth, and Clare Hotze as the 2024 CBC Undergraduate Outstanding Thesis Award Recipients!
Shinhye Chloe Park – First Place
Read more about Chloe at this page.
Rei Ellsworth – Second Place
"I've been very fortunate to grow up in the Tucson community and have an incredible experience with the University of Arizona. I've gotten to meet some really amazing people during my time in college and am grateful for all of the support of my friends and family. I came into undergrad thinking I would be going into healthcare, but during my time on and off campus have realized that I was much more interested in a research setting.
I'm excited to continue working with my lab after graduation and I'm open to any opportunities that will come my way in the future!"
Clare Hotze -Third Place
"I have worked in the Tomasiak Lab for the past four years. My research mainly concerns membrane transport protein structure and function. For my senior thesis, I worked alongside a graduate student to investigate the molecular basis of substrate transport by a membrane protein in yeast that helps to confer resistance to toxic heavy metals to the yeast cell.
Throughout this project and my time in the CBC Department, I learned a lot about biochemistry applications and techniques. I am so grateful for my time in the Tomasiak Lab and the people that mentored me along the way. After graduation, I am attending the University of Kansas Medical School, where I hope to combine my love of research with patient care."
Congratulations to the Sophye Carrizales and October Owen who were selected as the 2023 Patrick M. Hefferan Memorial Scholars!
(top left) Yanely Bolaños, (top right) Michael Foster, (bottom left) Megan Hahn, (bottom right) Allison Mason
Congratulations to the 2024 Ronald Gonzalez Wildcat Spirit Awardees!
CBC recognizes students who go above and beyond in supporting the CBC and become an important part of the CBC community. These students are the type of people who make a genuine impact by the support they provide. This award was initiated by the CBC Advising Office in Spring 2015 in recognition of Ronald Gonzalez, who made this award possible.
Yanely Bolaños
"Being part of the UofA and the CBC Community has been an incredible journey. The support, camaraderie, and growth I've experienced during my time here have been truly transformative. From the moment I stepped onto campus, I felt welcomed and supported by the CBC advising team. Their guidance and encouragement have been invaluable as I navigated through my academic and personal endeavors. Whether it was choosing the right courses or seeking advice on career paths, they were always there to lend a helping hand.
One of the highlights of my time at U of A was being involved in student orientations and giving tours to prospective students. Sharing my passion for biochemistry and the pre-health journey with others was incredibly fulfilling. It's been a joy to be part of a community where everyone is passionate about learning and growing together. As I prepare to leave this chapter of my life behind and embark on a new adventure in Washington DC, I can't help but feel a mix of sadness and excitement. I'll miss the familiar faces and the sense of belonging that the UofA community provided, but I'm also eager to embrace new opportunities and challenges.
Thank you, U of A and CBC Community, for the memories, experiences, and friendships that I will cherish for a lifetime. You have truly shaped me into the person I am today, and I am grateful for every moment spent within your walls."
Michael Foster
"Being a member of the Chemistry and Biochemistry community at the University of Arizona has been one of the most formative experiences in my scientific career. My relationships with professors and senior researchers have provided me with mentors who have taught me what it means to be a scientist and how advanced, ethical research is conducted. The friendships I have made with my peers will remain long after we leave the University of Arizona and go on to careers or further education around the world.
Being in leadership positions both as a teaching assistant for lab courses and working with other undergraduates in research has developed my ability to teach scientific techniques and my skills in scientific communication. As I prepare to attend medical school to begin my career in medicine, I am thankful for the education I have received, the skills I have been taught, and the relationships I have made in the Chemistry and Biochemistry community at the University of Arizona."
Megan Hahn
"My name is Megan Hahn and I am a third-year student majoring in chemistry and biochemistry. I have been involved with the department in many ways during my time at UArizona. including being an ambassador, peer mentor, preceptor, and participating in departmental research. This department has provided me with amazing opportunities and resources over the years, and I love being able to give back and support my peers and department through my involvement."
Allison Mason
"As I reflect on my time at the University of Arizona, I am filled with gratitude for the relationships and experiences that have shaped my journey as a scientist. Being a part of the UA and CBC community has been a truly rewarding experience, and one for which I am extremely grateful for, ranging from my time spent as an ambassador to a preceptor for the biochemical lab techniques course. I have been inspired by the faculty and staff who strive to support their students and go above and beyond.
I am excited to use the knowledge I have gained from CBC and apply it to a career in forensics. Being a part of this community has not only equipped me with the skills and knowledge to succeed but has also instilled in me a lifelong passion for learning. Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat!"
Congratulations to Janelle Amegatse and Ashley Wellik for being awarded the 2024 Royal Society of Chemistry Certificate Undergraduate Excellence Award!
Janelle Amegatse
"Hello, my name is Janelle Amegatse! I’m a junior majoring in chemistry and minoring in Spanish, as well as a member of the W.A. Franke Honors College. I work in the Gianetti lab, whose research interests encompass grid-scale renewable energy storage, photocatalysis, and frustrated Lewis pair chemistry.
Specifically, I’ve enjoyed working on the characterization and synthesis of organic, carbocation-based electrolytes for our redox flow battery project. Outside of the lab, I love baking, interior design, and traveling. I’m so grateful to the CBC department for being selected for this honor!"
Ashley Wellik
"I have engaged in organic synthetic research alongside Dr. Jon Njardarson since the Fall of 2022, where our current focus has been directed toward harnessing artificial intelligence within the world of organic chemistry. Post-graduation, I intend to pursue my passion for chemistry by attending graduate school to specialize in organic synthetic research. In my spare time, I can be found at the tennis courts, enjoying a movie or browsing a record store."