2025 Chemistry & Biochemistry Student Award Winners

Sobenna Onyeso
AIC Outstanding Graduate Student Award

Sam is an outstanding M.S. student at WKU, distinguished by his academic excellence and rapid research progress in biomimetic oxidation. From the start, he showed strong enthusiasm and potential for innovative research. His work has already resulted in a peer-reviewed publication and presentations at the 2023 Kentucky Academy of Science and the 2024 Spring ACS Meeting. In addition to his scholarly achievements, Sam is respected for his integrity and collaborative spirit, making him a valuable teaching assistant in our academic labs.

Cole Meador
WKU Freshman Chemistry Award

Cole is currently finishing his second year at WKU and completed the general chemistry sequence in Spring 2024. Cole is an honor student double-majoring in Biochemistry and Mathematics and has a concentration in Pre-Medicine. He serves as WKU Chem Club Co-Secretary and is involved in research with Dr. Katz’s group in the WKU Department of Biological Sciences. This summer, Cole will pursue a research internship in Jülich, Germany, through the DAAD RISE scholarship program. Cole intends to become a medical scientist in the field of neurology with a focus on drug and biomarker discovery for movement disorders.

Vidhi Parekh
WKU Analytical Chemistry Award

Vidhi Parekh is a senior Biochemistry major who excels in almost anything she pursues. We honor her work in Analytical Chemistry with this award. In addition to being a star in Chemistry and Biochemistry, Vidhi has been a writer for the Wellness column in the College Heights Herald since her second semester at WKU. She has also published a book, Mindful Poetry, which is available on Amazon. She will be attending the University of Kentucky College of Medicine in the fall.

Lauren Hale
WKU Organic Chemistry Award

Lauren is majoring in Molecular Biotechnology with a minor in Chemistry. Lauren was selected for the WKU Organic Chemistry Award based on her outstanding performance in both semesters of Organic Chemistry coursework and her enthusiasm for the subject matter. Lauren started an honors thesis research project with Dr. Srivastava this semester, where she is studying fly stocks to determine how V-ATPase effects development, and she plans to pursue an M.D./Ph.D. in cancer research after graduation in Spring 2027.

Charles Uland
ACS Analytical Chemistry Award

Charlie excelled in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry’s Instrumental Analysis course, writing excellent reports and achieving a score in the top 3% nationwide on the American Chemical Society standardized test in this subject area. Additionally, Charlie conducts materials research with Dr. Yan and has been a committed student ambassador for our department, actively participating in many departmental outreach activities.

Simon Sy
ACS Organic Chemistry Award
Outstanding Chemistry Major Award

Simon is a graduating Chemistry major with extraordinary academic and research performance. His outstanding achievements have allowed him to win several prestigious scholarships at WKU. Simon demonstrated his passion, commitment, and love for organic chemistry when he started his scientific research in Dr. Li’s lab in 2022 fall. He has devoted over 2,000 hours to his research, has one manuscript submitted to a peer-reviewed journal, and secured external funding to support his summer research. Simon plans to pursue his Ph.D. study in the biomedical area after graduating from WKU and become a biomedical scientist.

Kellen Patterson
ACS Physical Chemistry Award

Even as a Gatton Academy student (where he started his WKU journey), Kellen was an active and hard-working student. He began his work with Dr. Matthew Nee while a Gatton student and is now the senior student on his project. The project requires perspectives from polymer chemistry, materials chemistry, analytical chemistry, and mathematical modeling, all of which he has mastered in his years in our department. Kellen is a strong student overall but has shown particular aptitude in physical chemistry. He has one year remaining before graduation and has begun the process of applying to dental schools.

Rylan Shumway
AIC Outstanding Senior Award

Rylan is a graduating Biochemistry major from Morgantown. He has an exemplary class record and is an active participant in all of his courses. His dedication to and aptitude for research have caught the attention of faculty members. Even after the departure of his research advisor two years ago, Rylan was able to complete his projects in the lab and help organize the lab for decommissioning. He has worked closely with numerous Gatton Academy students, training them in biomolecular techniques as part of that research experience, and does all of it with a humble, warm demeanor. Rylan will be taking a gap year to decide between medical schools and doctoral studies in biochemistry.

Towhid Islam Tareqe
Nell Skean Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant

Towhid is recognized for his exceptional contributions as a graduate teaching assistant in the department. Towhid’s ability to break down complex chemistry concepts and deliver clear, engaging lectures has made a significant impact. He went above and beyond by working through additional problems on the board, providing valuable feedback, and maintaining a professional lab environment. His dedication, teaching clarity, and commitment to student success have left a lasting impression on the department.

Kelly Mruk
Nell Skean Lab Assistant Award

Kelly Mruk has demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication, and service as a teaching assistant in the CHEM 121 courses. Her efforts in supporting students, mentoring peers, and taking initiative—such as volunteering for additional sections and leading prelab lectures—have had a lasting impact. Kelly’s professionalism and commitment to excellence embody the values of the Nell Skean Lab Assistant Award, and we are proud to recognize her outstanding contributions to the department.