Recognition and Awards

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Recognition and Awards

The College of Graduate Studies continues its proud tradition of recognizing distinction within our graduate and faculty communities through a series of annual awards. These honors celebrate the remarkable achievements of graduate students and the dedicated faculty who support them, reflecting the College’s ongoing commitment to academic innovation, mentorship, and creative excellence.

Introduced in 2023, the Award for Excellence by a Graduate Student Researcher recognized outstanding research and creative scholarship conducted at the graduate level. Offered during both the fall and spring semesters, this self-nominated award gave students a platform to share their work and receive recognition for their scholarly contributions. The 2024–25 academic year marks the conclusion of this award’s two-year run.

The College also highlights faculty whose mentorship has made a lasting impact on the graduate experience. Through nominations from current faculty and recent alumni, this recognition honors those who demonstrate exceptional dedication to supporting students’ academic growth and professional development.

Now in its second year, the Award for Outstanding Graduate Creative Work celebrates the originality and artistry of graduate students who expand the boundaries of traditional scholarship through creative expression.

Together, these awards reflect the College of Graduate Studies’ ongoing commitment to cultivating excellence in research, creativity, and mentorship. These values continue to define and strengthen the graduate community.

2024-2025 Graduate Awards of Excellence

Award for Outstanding Graduate Creative Work

Sylvia McMillon, Sociology MS, College of Sciences
Intersectional Echoes: Unveiling Black Maternal Health Disparities.

Award for Excellence in Graduate Student Teaching

Terrie Bradshaw, Curriculum and Instruction EdD, College of Community Innovation and Education

Award for Excellence by a Graduate Teaching Assistant

Serene Hasan, Education PhD, Counselor Education Track, College of Community Innovation and Education

Award for Outstanding Dissertation

Engineering, Physical Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, and Life Sciences

Dr. Furkan Luleci, Civil Engineering PhD, College of Engineering and Computer Science
Dissertation: Investigating Emerging Technologies in Civil Structural Health Monitoring: Generative Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Reality
Mentored by Dr. F. Necati Çatbaş

Social Sciences, Humanities, Education, Business, Fine Arts, and Health Sciences Division

Dr. Michael Johnstone, Biomedical Sciences PhD, College of Medicine
Dissertation: Exploring the Physiology of Clostridioddes difficile Senium Dependent Catabolism of Host Derived Nutrients
Mentored by Dr.  William T. Self

Award for Outstanding Thesis

Engineering, Physical Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, and Life Sciences

Aaditya Bhatia, Computer Science MS, College of Engineering and Computer Science
Thesis: Advancing Policy Insights: Opinion Data Analysis and Discourse Structuring Using LLMs
Mentored by Dr. Gita Sukthankar

Social Sciences, Humanities, Education, Business, Fine Arts, and Health Sciences Division

Brandi Antonio, Kinesiology MS, College of Health Professions and Sciences
Thesis: Examining Changes in Pain Perception Following 8 Minutes of Cycling at Varying Exercise Intensities
Mentored by Dr. Jeffrey R. Stout

Award for Faculty Excellence in Mentoring Doctoral Students

Engineering, Physical Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, and Life Sciences

Dr. David Mohaisen, Professor, Department of Computer Science, College of Engineering and Computer Science

Social Sciences, Humanities, Education, Business, Fine Arts, and Health Sciences

Dr. Juli Dixon, Professor, School of Teacher Education, College of Community Innovation and Education

Award for Faculty Excellence in Mentoring Postdoctoral Scholars

Tenured or non-tenure earning faculty who are at the associate or full level

Dr. Ghaith Rabadi, Professor, School of Modeling, Simulation and Training, College of Engineering and Computer Science

Award for Excellence in Graduate Teaching

Dr. Erica Hoyt, Senior Lecturer, Department of Nursing, College of Nursing

Award for Excellence by a Graduate Student Researcher