Student Awards

It's no surprise that our students are outstanding - they are smart, hardworking, and get lots of support from dedicated Chemistry faculty. We recognize student excellence with many awards, from first-year students to seniors. 

 

Congratulations to all of our 2025-2026 student awardees!

Academic Excellence in Physical Chemistry	Darius Jackson
Academic Excellence in Analytical Chemistry	Allayna Henriquez and Carissa Reonas
Academic Excellence in Biochemistry	Pearce Persaud
Academic Excellence in Inorganic Chemistry	Thomas Spooner
Academic Excellence in Organic Chemistry	Jesicka McNichols
Freshman Chemistry Award	Alexa Lopez and Alisson Rivas
American institute of Chemists Award	Carissa Reonas
Southwest Georgia ACS Optima Chemical Award	Sarah Rourke
Dr. M. Elizabeth (Betty) Derrick Award	Allayna Henriquez and Braden Hendrix
Chemistry Undergraduate Research Award	Joseph Markovcic and Allayna Henriquez
Outstanding Chemistry Senior Award	Allayna Henriquez
Julia Wisenbaker Sumerford Scholarship	Thomas Spooner
Chemistry Freshman Scholarship	Alexandr Bohnstedt, Miranda Diaz, Kelvin Harris, Donovan Horne, Jeffrey Jones, Devi Patel, Haidi Vu

 

We are thankful for the generous support from our award sponsors: the American Chemical Society (ACS), the American Institute of Chemists, the Southwest Georgia Section of the ACS (SOWEGA-ACS), and Optima Chemical. Our faculty, friends, and alumni of VSU Chemistry contribute to our student awards through their individual donations.

Thank you to everybody for your support!

                    

 

Read about each award below and contact your faculty mentor to find out how to apply. Good luck!

Freshman Chemistry Scholarships  Given to the top first-year Chemistry majors based on their academic performance during their first semester at VSU. These scholarships are funded by a generous endowment from the family of VSU Chemistry alumna Martha F. Robertson.

Outstanding Chemistry Senior Award  Given to a senior for overall outstanding performance. You must have an overall GPA of 3.0 or greater, a GPA of 3.2 or higher in upper division (3000 level or above) chemistry courses, and have senior standing during the semester that the award is given.

American Institute of Chemists Award  You must show exceptional promise as a chemist.

Southwest Georgia Section of ACS (SOWEGA-ACS) Optima Chemical Award  Given for outstanding service to the Chemistry Department or to the Student Members of the American Chemical Society (SMACS) affiliate chapter.

Julia Wisenbaker Sumerford Scholarship Available every odd academic year. Given for outstanding students who are juniors or seniors. 

Dr. M. Elizabeth (Betty) Derrick Award  According to the provisions of the Dr. Betty Derrick's estate, this scholarship will support outstanding female students who are majoring in chemistry. 

Freshman Chemistry Award  Given for achievement in General Chemistry. You must have completed CHEM 1211 and CHEM 1212 with labs. 

Analytical Chemistry Award  Given for outstanding work in Analytical Chemistry (CHEM 2310 and/or CHEM 4310). 

Polymer Chemistry Award in Organic Chemistry  Given for outstanding work in Organic Chemistry (CHEM 3401 and 3402).

ACS Division of Inorganic Chemistry Undergraduate Award  Given for outstanding work in Inorganic Chemistry based on any combination of research, coursework, or motivation/interest/dedication.

Physical Chemistry Award  Given for outstanding work in Physical Chemistry based on any combination of research, coursework, or motivation/interest/dedication.

Biochemistry Award  Given for outstanding work in Biochemistry based on any combination of research, coursework, or motivation/interest/dedication.

Contact your faculty mentor to learn more about these awards and how to apply. Good luck!