2012 - 2013 Award recipients

gsa excellence in research award: Ryan Tappel

Ryan recently completed his PhD under Dr. Christopher Nomura in the Department of Chemistry. His research has been focused on expanding the field of alternatives to non-biodegradable and petroleum-based plastics through improving the abilities of bacteria to synthesize biodegradable alternatives. In 2012-2013, Ryan first-authored papers in both Biomacromolecules and The Journal of Bioscience and Bioengineering, wrote a book chapter for the American Chemical Society, and co-authored two additional papers. He also was the recipient of the John A. Meyer Award, which is given to the top graduate student in the Chemistry Department at SUNY-ESF and honored for his outstanding research by the Eastman Chemical Company. Additionally, Ryan has the distinction of being a co-inventor of a patent arising from his research. We congratulate Ryan for his accomplishments this year and his excellence in research at SUNY-ESF.

gsa excellence in teaching award: Lewis grove

Lewis is a PhD student under Dr. Brian Underwood in the Department of Environmental and Forest Biology. His teaching experience at SUNY-ESF has extended over four years and five different courses ranging from Cell Biology and Systems Ecology to Animal Physiology and Ornithology. In 2012-2013, Lewis has had sole responsibility for the Ornithology Lab section, which has allowed him to teach his passion and research interest to his students by leading numerous field trips, developing new material, and engaging his students through hands-on learning, one-on-one engagement, and independent learning. We congratulate Lewis for his efforts this year and his excellence in teaching at SUNY-ESF.

gsa excellence in public service award: Whitney lash-marshall

Whitney is a PhD student under Drs. Valerie Luzadis and Charlie Hall in the Department of Forest and Natural Resources / Environmental and Natural Resource Policy. Her public service efforts have been central to graduate student involvement at SUNY-ESF during her five-year tenure in the Graduate Student Association Senate. During 2012-2013, Whitney has served as the President of the GSA Senate and has been the organizing force behind the continuing development of the GSA and its ability to represent and promote the graduate student body at SUNY-ESF. During her term as President, the GSA completed a campus-wide assessment of the graduate student body, completed a revision and update of the Constitution and By-Laws, negotiated a fee-change with the Syracuse University GSO, organized the Spotlight on Student Research, and made available numerous other professional and social opportunities for graduate students at SUNY-ESF. She has served on the Committee on Research and met regularly with administrative offices to facilitate GSA efforts. Additionally, Whitney has provided service outside of the SUNY-ESF community by participating in the ESF in the High School Program and volunteering at the Duffield Camp each summer. We congratulate Whitney for all she has done for SUNY-ESF and the community and her excellence in public service.