An Amazing Class of 2022!

The Class of 2022 in the Department of Biological Sciences could well go down in department history as the most honored graduating class ever. Three of the six All-University Awards for Graduates went to seniors in the department.

• REGENTS AWARD: Jackson Coates had a 4.0 GPA, captained the track and field team, completed an Honors thesis, and volunteered at the UC Medical Center. The Regents Award recognizes a senior who has demonstrated professionalism and leadership.

• NKU FOUNDATION LEADERSHIP AWARD: Neuroscience major Katie Clough held leadership positions in multiple organizations including service as President of the Honors Student Association and the Nu Rho Psi Neuroscience honor society. She also served as a Presidential Ambassador and Honors Ambassador.

• FACULTY SENATE AWARD: Sam Bauer was a co-receipient of the Faculty Senate Award for excellence in undergraduate research. He was the lab manager for Dr. Dick Durtsche and did extensive research on the effect of climate change on Kentucky stream fish.

The Department of Biological Sciences also honored several other outstanding graduates at the annual Senior Celebration.

Noah Weidig: Outstanding Graduate in Biological Sciences

Noah Weidig earned his bachelor's degree in the Ecology, Evolution and Organismal track while conducting undergraduate research, serving as a TA for three different courses, and earning a perfect 4.0 GPA. He was nominated by his research mentor Dr. Allison Parker. "He would go out of his way to help students who were struggling. He helped organize group work, and his direction always kept his groups focused on the task at hand."

Noah was awarded the Dr. Carol Swarts Milburn Undergraduate Research Summer Fellowship Award to work on an independent project examining how the concentration of nutrients and water volume impacted where Culex females, the main vectors of West Nile virus, prefer to lay their eggs.

"The level of organization and dedication to the project was apparent all summer. In everything but title, Noah acted as a graduate student conducting an independent project with the help of multiple undergraduate students. I cannot stress how impressed I was with Noah’s behavior and research prowess over the summer," said Dr. Parker.  

Noah's research efforts earned him first author status on a recently published paper from Dr. Parker's lab. He is currently working as a research assistant at the University of Cincinnati

Savannah Pate: Outstanding Graduate in Environmental Science

Savannah Pate was nominated by Environmental Science Program Director Dr. Kristy Hopfensperger for her excellence in academics, research and professional development. "Savannah has been a quiet leader among her peers at NKU," said Dr. Hopfensperger. "Savannah has had a passion for learning and drive and initiative for gaining experience."

Savannah's undergraduate research focused on restoration and development of pollinator habitat in the region. She also worked at a local veterinary clinic where she assisted with surgeries and other procedures.

"Savannah has had a passion for learning and drive and initiative for gaining experience. While maintaining a high GPA in her courses, she has clearly stood out as a leader in the classroom setting among her peers."

Katie Clough: Outstanding Graduate in Neuroscience

When Katie Clough walked across the stage at Commencement, she was draped with multiple honor cords, sashes and medals. In addition to exemplary leadership in multiple organizations and honor societies, Katie spent nearly three years conducting undergraduate research on genetic susceptibility to widespread neurotoxicants.

"Katie is one of the most accomplished and innovative young scientists I’ve had the pleasure of mentoring since joining the NKU faculty in 2008," said her research mentor Dr. Chris Curran.

In addition to receiving the Society of Toxicology's Undergraduate Research Award, she received the James Bradford Award for Best Oral Presentation at the Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention annual meeting and was an invited speaker to another toxicology conference, a rare honor for an undergraduate.

Katie was accepted to three prestigious graduate programs in neurotoxicology and is currently studying for her PhD at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill.