2025 Earth, Environmental, & Atmospheric Sciences Student Award Winners

Samuel Davidson
Outstanding Geoscience Graduate Student

Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, Samuel began his academic journey at WKU, earning his undergraduate degree in Meteorology before continuing his education in the Geosciences M.S. program. His graduate research focused on the analysis of rain-on-snow events within the Connecticut River Watershed. In addition to his research, Samuel presented his findings and served as a student research reviewer at the 2024 American Geophysical Union Annual Meeting. He also mentored undergraduate students in the WKU Climate Research Lab. Having completed a successful thesis defense, Samuel is just weeks away from graduating with his master’s and pursuing a career that emphasizes GIS and climate research.

Riley Summers
Ronald R. Dilamarter Outstanding Senior in Environmental, Sustainability, and Geographic Studies Award

Riley is a double major in Environmental, Sustainability, and Geographic Studies and Geological Sciences, also earning a certificate in Geographic Information Systems. She has served as an EEAS Student Ambassador, worked as a Research Assistant in the WKU Center for Human GeoEnvironmental Studies (CHNGES), and been a student worker in the EEAS main office. Riley completed FUSE-funded research, served as a teaching assistant, participated in multiple student organizations, studied abroad, and interned with the Kentucky Geological Survey where she co-authored a StoryMap that is part of a web series on Kentucky groundwater. She plans to pursue a master’s degree in Geoscience to continue groundwater research.

Harmony Guercio
L. Michael Trapasso Outstanding Senior in Meteorology

Harmony, a senior from Knoxville, Tennessee, is graduating with a B.S. in Meteorology. She is an MHC Scholar and member of the American Meteorological Society/National Weather Association Student Chapter, where she serves as Secretary, and White Squirrel Weather. She is a member of the Disaster Science Operations Center, where she serves as Deputy/Lead Liaison. Harmony has volunteered at the National Weather Service in Morristown, Tennessee, and worked as a Research Assistant in the WKU Climate Research Lab, where she became a published researcher. She plans to pursue an M.S. in Homeland Security Science at WKU.

Alexis Fugatt
L. Michael Trapasso Research Award in Atmospheric Sciences

Alexis is a junior from Knoxville, Tennessee, pursuing a B.S. in Meteorology with a certificate in Emergency Management Disaster Science. She serves as a forecaster for White Squirrel Weather and has provided on-site weather support for events like the Chicago Marathon through the Disaster Science Operations Center (DSOC). Alexis is an Undergraduate Research Assistant on the National Science Foundation-funded CLIMBS project and is a teaching assistant for Introduction to Meteorology. She holds a leadership position in the WKU American Meteorological Society/National Weather Association Student Chapter.

Caden Childers
Syed Reza Ahsan Outstanding Senior in GIS Award

Caden graduated in Fall 2024 with a B.S. in Environmental, Sustainability, and Geographic Studies and a certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). During his time at WKU, he contributed to various projects while working with the Kentucky Climate Center, Baker Arboretum, and WKU Geospatial Technologies Laboratory. Last summer, he had the opportunity to apply his GIS and remote sensing skills as an intern for the City of Scottsville. Caden plans to pursue his passion for public service by applying his skills from WKU in the healthcare field.

Millie Vranek
Syed Reza Ahsan Outstanding Senior in GIS Award

Millie is a senior in Environmental, Sustainability, and Geographic Studies, earning certificates in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Emergency Management Disaster Science. As a GIS Technician Intern at WKU, she conducted tree measurements to analyze CO2 intake and applied geospatial tools for environmental research. She also served as a GIS Teaching Assistant and gained leadership experience as Director of Continuous Recruitment for Alpha Omicron Pi. Passionate about data-driven environmental solutions, Millie will continue her academic journey at the University of North Carolina-Wilmington, pursuing a master’s in Environmental Science with a concentration in Environmental Conservation and Management.

Ava Lich
Judson Roy Griffin Outstanding Senior in Geological Sciences

For Ava, science is a way of life. Growing up in Windyville, Kentucky, near Mammoth Cave National Park, she spent her childhood exploring the woods, fields, and creeks on her farm. Her love for geology and biology deepened through her exploration and volunteer work at Mammoth Cave. Now a WKU student triple majoring in Geology, Mathematics, and Biology, she researches limestone dissolution’s role in carbon capture. As the first Mahurin-Crawford Research Fellow, she has presented her work at prestigious events like Posters at the Capitol. Set to graduate in May 2025, Ava has secured a full-time position at Extrakt Process Solutions.

Celise Lowman
Jason Shaw Award

Celise, from Vine Grove, Kentucky, is a second-year Geological Sciences major with a passion for all things natural science. Celise serves as the Treasurer and Secretary of the WKU Geology Club student organization, building and cultivating a community of fellow Earth enthusiasts. Celise is currently involved in two research projects within the department, one focusing on drone imaging and mapping of karst features on campus and the other creating an interactive educational geoheritage trail throughout campus. Celise hopes to inspire a sense of excitement for geology—whether through research, leadership, or just getting friends excited about cool fossils.