Chemistry 2018 Graduate Student Awards

The 2018 Chemistry Graduate student awards were presented on April 5th, 2018 in 102 Chemistry Building by Dr. Scott Showalter, Chair of the Chemistry Graduate Program:

The Student Leadership Award was presented to Fatma Pir Cakmak. This award is designed to recognize graduate students who have proven to be outstanding leaders, within either the research lab or the science community at large. Fatma serves as President for the Graduate Women in Science and is in charge of the departmental confocal microscope which includes training new users, scheduling and troubleshooting when problems arise. As well, she acts as mentor to both undergrad and graduate students. Fatma leads by example in her labwork, both in terms of intellectual depth and work ethic.

"Fatma is smart, hardworking, and a deep thinker...She is generous with her time and expertise and can be counted on in collaborations and in her position maintaining departmental instrumentation." 
(Chris Keating, nominator)

The Student Services Award was presented to Santina Cruz. This award was designed to recognize graduate students who have proven to be outstanding examples of dedicated service to either their research lab, student organization, or departmental committee. Santina is the Organizer for Lion Lectures, Treasurer for the Graduate Women in Science, Co-President for the Chemistry Graduate Student Association and a member of the departmental Climate and Diversity Committee. She has also served as a reviewer for the College of Engineering Research Symposium, a mentor for Expanding Your Horizons, a judge for the Junior Academy of Science State Meeting, as well as serving on the Grad School 101 Panel and Grad Student Panel for Chem 316. Santina also volunteers at Centre County PAWS.

"In total, Santina exhibits a selfless and sustained commitment to improving the life of others. She is involved in a large number of activities where the focus of the effort is outside herself. I truly believe she is an exceptional example of a good community citizen."

(Ben Lear, nominator)