2026 CoSM Student Awards

Keith L. Alvarez

Award Received: Walter R. & Dorothy S. Salter Scholarship

Ralph Avery

Award Received: Outstanding Student Award in Physics Award

Activities: Air Force Reserve Officers Training Core (AFROTC)

Ian X. Bittinger

Award Received: Outstanding Student in Engineering Technology Award

Connor C. Bland

Awards Received: David & Cecelia Ratcliffe Scholarship & Walter R. & Dorothy S. Salter Scholarship

Activities: Directed Study with Dr. Ansul Lokdarshi, Dr. Tom Manning, and Dr. Kristen Kirchner.

Favorite class: My favorite class at VSU was Biology 1108, specifically the lecture portion, with Dr. Theresa Grove.

Career Goals: After graduation, I plan to persue a career in anesthesiology by applying to a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant (CAA) graduate program.

Alexandr F. Bohnstedt

Award Received: Chemistry Freshman Scholarship

Activities: Research with Dr. Alexandrina Focsan, Honors College, and VSU Library Archives

Favorite class: Chemistry 1211

Career Goals: My future career goals are to either enter the workforce or persure graduate school for dentistry.

Kennedi Bryant

Award Received: Walter R. & Dorothy S. Salter Scholarship

Activities: During my time at VSU, I have been actively involved in several organizations that promote leadership, service, and academic excellence. I currently serve as the Parliamentarian for Collegiate Women, where I help ensure meetings follow proper procedures and support the organization’s leadership structure. I am also a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success, which has allowed me to further develop my leadership and professional skills. Additionally, I am a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, where I serve as the Uplift Our Local Community Chair, helping coordinate service initiatives that support and give back to the local community. I was also honored to be selected for Homecoming Court, which allowed me to represent the student body and promote school spirit. Through these experiences, I have developed strong leadership, service, and time-management skills while pursuing my degree in Biology.

Favorite class: Human Physiology

Career Goals: I plan to graduate from Valdosta State University in Fall 2026 with a degree in Biology on the pre-med track. After graduation, I plan to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and apply to medical schools within the state of Georgia. My long-term goal is to pursue a career in medicine, where I hope to serve patients, contribute to improving health outcomes in my community, and continue advancing my knowledge in the medical field. 

Althea M. Jenkins-Bullard

Award Received: Walter R. & Dorothy S. Salter Scholarship

Beraca G. Cornely

Award Received: Graduate Student Award - Oral Presentation

Ava Belle Cox

Award Received: Martha H. Barnes Scholarship

Activities: Pre-Veterinary Club

Favorite class: History of Rock and Roll

Career Goals: I plan on becoming a veterinarian and going to the University of Georgia. 

Hannah B. DeLoach

Awards Received: Mack Varedoe Gree Sr. M.D. Scholarship, Martha H. Barnes Scholarship, & Walter R. & Dorothy S. Salter Scholarship

Activities: Kappa Delta Sorority

Favorite class: Medical Entomology

Career Goals: After graduating, I plan to attend Anesthesiologist Assistant (AA) school. As a Biology major, I want to continue my education in the medical field and gain the training needed for this profession. My goal is to work alongside anesthesiologists to help provide anesthesia care and monitor patients during surgical procedures. 

Layla N. Gay

Award Received: Walter R. & Dorothy S. Salter Scholarship

Morgan L. Gay

Award Received: Walter R. & Dorothy S. Salter Scholarship

Anthony "Tanner" Giles

Award Received: Walter R. & Dorothy S. Salter Scholarship

Sarah E. Glass

Award Received: Gerald Petrella Award for Outstanding Student Achievement in Mathematics Education

Activities: During my time at Valdosta State University, I have been actively involved in the mathematics community. I currently serve as President of Pi Mu Epsilon, the national mathematics honor society, and am also a member of the Mathematical Association of America (MAA). I've also had the opportunity to present at VSU's Undergraduate Research Symposium and at Sofya Kovalevskaya Math Day, allowing me to engage with both students and faculty.

Favorite class: My favorite classes at VSU have been Ordinary Differential Equations (MATH 3340) with Dr. Denise Reid and Senior Seminar (MATH 4980) with Dr. Charles Kicey. Dr. Reid's class was challenging, but it pushed me to think creatively and approach concepts in new ways, ultimately giving me a stronger foundation in mathematics. In Senior Seminar, I enjoyed exploring concepts like the Four Number Game and Pascal's Triangle, analyzing the patterns and connections within them. This class gave me the opportunity to study areas of mathematics that aren’t typically covered in traditional courses.

Career Goals: After graduation, my plans are to enter the field of education as a certified secondary mathematics teacher. I am excited to gain hands-on experience in the classroom, inspire students’ learning, and continue growing as an educator. While my immediate goal is to begin my teaching career, I also hope to pursue a doctoral degree in the future, which will allow me to make an even greater impact in the field of mathematics. 

Casandra A. Godwin

Award Received: Walter R. & Dorothy S. Salter Scholarship

Activities: The Honors College, Leadership in the Honors Success Program, Scholarship Day Honors representative for panel, Secretary of the pre-dental club, TEAGLE Knowledge for Freedom summer Residence Assistant leadership position, Reade Hall Student Council, and almost 150 hours of shadowing general dentists and oral maxillofacial surgery combined. 

Favorite class: Biology 1108, Neuroscience, Organic Chemistry I, and Russian Foreign Language and Culture

Career Goals: I plan to attend dental school, followed by a residency program. 

Adam M. Goss

Award Received: Walter R. & Dorothy S. Salter Scholarship

Kelvin D. Harris

Award Received: Chemistry Freshman Scholarship

Activities: Honors College, Honors Student Association

Favorite class: Trigonometry

Career Goals: I plan on owning a pharmaceutical company to help the people around me.

Braden M. Hendrix

Award Received: Dr. M. Elizabeth (Betty) Derrick Award

Activities: During my time at Valdosta State University, I have pursued opportunities that have enhanced both my academic and professional growth. I am a member of the American Chemical Society (ACS) and actively involved in the Student Members of the American Chemical Society (SMACS), where I have connected with peers who share my passion for science. I have also presented my research at the 2025 Research Symposium and will be presenting again at the upcoming symposium on April 7th. These experiences have allowed me to build confidence in communicating scientific ideas and have further developed my interest in research.

Favorite class: My favorite class at VSU has been Quantitative Analysis Chemistry. This course challenged me to think more critically and strengthened my analytical skills. It has also played an important role in preparing me for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and will directly apply to my future career, especially in anesthesiology, where precision and attention to detail are essential.

Career Goals: After graduation, I plan to apply to medical school in pursuit of becoming an anesthesiologist. I am committed to continuing my education and developing the skills needed to provide high-quality, patient-centered care. 

John Perez-Hernandez

Award Received: Elizabeth Joy Lohmar Scholarship

Activities: Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and Chess Club, High School Mathematics Competition at Valdosta State University, Mathematics Contest by Dr. Denise Ried at VSU, Volunteered in Math Day at VSU, Chess Event Coordinator

Favorite class: Principle of Physics 2212K. It was a very difficult class, studying every moment of my day to understand many new topics I was just taught. The reward though is amazing because I get to understand the basics of electronics.

Career Goals: My post-graduate plan is to attend a graduate program to study mathematics to improve my skills to tackle more difficult number theory problems.

Allayna P. Henriquez

Awards Received: Undergraduate Award in Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry Undergraduate Research Award, Outstanding Senior Chemistry Award, Dr. M. Elizabeth (Betty) Derrick Award, & College of Science and Mathematics Outstanding Student Finalist

Anh Q. Ho

Award Received: Outstanding Student in Engineering Studies Award

Hannah T. Holland

Award Received: Graduate Student Award - Poster Presentation

Activities: Biology 1040 lab graduate assistant, master's thesis student

Favorite class: Vertebrate Zoology

Career Goals: Pursue a career in education as a university lecturer or a high school biology teacher.

Layla Hunt

Awards Received: Martha H. Barnes Scholarship & David & Cecelia Ratcliffe Scholarship

Darius G. Jackson

Awards Received: Undergraduate Award in Physical Chemistry & Chemistry Undergraduate Research Award

Kamiyah J. Jackson

Award Received: Walter R. & Dorothy S. Salter Scholarship

Activities: Pre-dental club, Student Government Association, Black Student League

Favorite class: Chemistry II

Career Goals: Enroll in Dental School

Andrew F. Jones

Award Received: Martha H. Barnes Scholarship

Activities: I have participated in the Student Members of the American Chemical Society (SMACS) club and volunteered at their Science Saturday event. I also have participated in the Baptist Collegiate Ministry (BCM) here at VSU.

Favorite class: My favorite class was Biology 1107 with Dr. Emily Cantonwine. I enjoyed learning about cells and their functions throughout the body.

Career Goals: My plans after graduation are to attend a medical school where I will receive my MD (Doctor of Medicine) and become an oncologist one day. 

Katlyn E. Joyner

Award Received: Walter R. & Dorothy S. Salter Scholarship

Activities: VSU Blazing Brigade Marching Band

Favorite class: Organic Chemistry

Career Goals: After graduation, I plan to attend medical school and afterwards pursue a career in forensic pathology.

Lydia R. Lewis

Award Received: Walter R. & Dorothy S. Salter Scholarship

Activities: Directed Study with Dr. Jonghoon Kang for 3 semesters focusing on application of thermodynamics and statistical analysis to various biological processes, soccer player and Captain of the Women's soccer team, and Student Lab Assistant for Spring 2026

Favorite class: Molecular Biophysics or Organic Chemistry

Career Goals: Planning to continue a soccer career and education abroad for a Master's degree in biomedical sciences

Asa Ley

Award Received: Walter R. & Dorothy S. Salter Scholarship

Activities: VSU Baptist Collegiate Ministry (BCM)

Favorite class: Quantum biology with Dr. Jonghoon Kang

Career Goals: I will apply to Mercer University School of Medicine. 

Ananda Y. Lockett

Awards Received: Mack Varnedoe Greer Sr. M.D. Scholarship & Walter R. & Dorothy S. Salter Scholarship

Alexa R. Lopez

Award Received: Outstanding Freshman Chemistry Award

Joseph A. Markovcic

Award Received: Chenistry Undergraduate Research Award

Activities: Member of the American Chemical Society, Member of the Undergraduate Research program, and conducted research on Iron (III) Oxide Nanocrystalline Films Modified with Pluronic Polymers with Dr. Linda de la Garza 

Favorite class: Quantitative Analysis

Career Goals: I have graduated and currently positioned as the Research & Development Chemist at American Water Chemicals in Plant City, Florida.

Brooke H. McKay

Award Received: Martha H. Barnes Scholarship

Activities: I've been the president of the Pre-Veterinarian club for the past three semesters, participated in undergraduate research on pipefish and seahorses, assisted in mosquitofish parasitology, and worked to take care of our fish at VSU.

Favorite class: Organic Chemistry I with Dr. Shipra Gupta.

Career Goals: Attend a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program and work as a small animals/exotics veterinarian.

Jesicka A. McNichols

Award Received: Polymer Chemistry in Organic Chemistry Award

Brittany J. McNulty

Awards Received: Marjorie Carter Award & Walter R. & Dorothy S. Salter Scholarship

Activities: Tri-Beta, Student Members of the American Chemical Society (SMACS), math club

Favorite class: Marine biology

Charley L. Mitchell

Award Received: Walter R. & Dorothy S. Salter Scholarship

Madison E. Morgan

Award Received: Walter R. & Dorothy S. Salter Scholarship

Aidan C. O'Brien

Awards Received: Outstanding Computer Science Major Award and College of Science and Mathematics Outstanding Student Finalist

Activities: Azalea Health Hackathons and Studying Abroad in Sweden

Favorite class: MATH 4651: Numerical Analysis I

Career Goals: I intend to find a software engineering position in defense or aviation. 

Aena N. Patel

Award Received: Walter R. & Dorothy S. Salter Scholarship

Devi H. Patel

Award Received: Chemistry Freshman Scholarship

Activities: I have participated in 3 clubs (the chemistry club, anime club, pre-dental). I also participated in directed study on the topic of antibacterial resistance to medicinal plants.

Favorite class: Chemistry I and II

Career Goals: My post-graduation plan is to apply for dental schools. In the meantime, to get into a dental school, I plan on working at a dentist's office to gain more experience. I also plan to volunteer at school to gain experience with kids. 

Manmeet S. Patel

Award Received: Walter R. & Dorothy S. Salter Scholarship

Shiv Patel

Award Received: Outstanding Student in Geosciences Award

Pearce A. Persaud

Award Received: Undergraduate Award in Biochemistry

Jordan A. Phillips

Awards Received: Biology Senior Award and College of Science and Mathematics Outstanding Student Award

Activities: Rotaract Club (Secretary for 2025-2026 school year), Honor's College, VSU College of Science and Mathematics ambassador, Directed Study under Dr. Jonghoon Kang, performed research under direction of Dr. Cristina Calestani, performed research under the direction of Dr. Felix Jimenez, and volunteered at the VSU Herbarium under Dr. J Richard Carter.

Favorite class: Introductory Genetics with Dr. Cristina Calestani, Emerging Infectious Diseases with Dr. Eric Chambers, and Forensic Chemistry with Dr. Linda de la Garza.

Career Goals: My plan is to work for the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) as a forensic DNA analyst.

Mia K. Price

Award Received: President's Award for Academic Excellence 

Ashtyn D. Puckett

Award Received: Martha H. Barnes Scholarship

Activities: I have recently conducted research with Dr. Eric Chambers and Dr. Gopeekrishnan Sreenilayam. Currently, I serve as the Public Relations Officer of the VSU Pre-Medical Club. In previous years, I served as a Senator and Co-Chair of the Safety and Parking Committee of Valdosta State University Student Government Association.

Favorite class: Organic Chemistry II with Dr. Gopeekrishnan Sreenilayam and Human Physiology with Dr. Tim Fort

Career Goals: Following graduation, I plan to apply to medical school in hope of becoming a pediatric neurologist. My desire is to practice in rural Georgia to give back to my community. 

Carissa G. Reonas

Awards Received: Undergraduate Award in Analytical Chemsitry & American Institute of Chemists Award

Alisson Rivas

Award Received: Outstanding Freshman Chemistry Award

Gracie A. Roberson

Award Received: Graduate Student Award - Oral Presentation

Janeisha N. Rodriguez

Awards Received: Martha H. Barnes Scholarship & Walter R. & Dorothy S. Salter Scholarship

Activities: Undergraduate Research Symposium

Favorite class: Organic Chemistry I with Dr. Shipra Gupta

Career Goals: I plan on going to Physician’s Assistant school. I want to specialize in orthopedics. 

Neisha S. Ross

Award Received: Walter R. & Dorothy S. Salter Scholarship

Sarah A. Rourke

Award Received: Southwest Georgia ACS Optima Chemistry Award

Daviona T. Ruff

Award Received: Air Force Reserve Officers Training Corps Detachment 172 Outstanding CoSM Award

Activities: Air Force Reserve Officers Training Corps (AFROTC), maintained thousands of freshwater snails collected in North GA in Dr. John Phillips undergraduate research lab, participated in a lab study of the Pax6 gene examining its development in the eye and brain.

Favorite class: Emerging Infectious Diseases

Career Goals: Commission as an Air Force officer doing forensic DNA analysis as an investigator

Mackenzie L. Sanders

Award Received: Walter R. & Dorothy S. Salter Scholarship

Riley M. Smith

Award Received: Marsha Paulk Scholarship

Thomas Spooner

Awards Received: Undergraduate Award in Inorganic Chemistry & Julia Wisenbaker Sumerford Scholarship

Activities: I am a current member and secretary of the Student Members of the American Chemical Society (SMACS), a College of Science and Mathematics Ambassador, Student Voice Council, and hosted study sessions for Organic Chemsitry II.

Favorite class: Inorganic Chemistry with Dr. Dean Duncan

Career Goals: I plan on attending graduate school once I graduate with my bachelor's degree from Valdosta State University. 

Walteria T. Stephens

Award Received: Walter R. & Dorothy S. Salter Scholarship

Lauren B. Taunton

Award Received: Outstanding Student in Mathematics Award

Activities: VSU Math Club, President of the Georgia Epsilon Chapter of Pi Mu Epsilon Mathematics Honor Society, VSU Math Tutor, VSU Math Facilitator for MATH 3340: Differential Equations

Favorite class: Math 3340: Differential Equations

Career Goals: I plan on attending VSU to pursue my master's degree in teaching and my Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership.

Monica S. Thomas

Award Received: Walter R. & Dorothy S. Salter Scholarship

Richard M. Varn III

Award Received: Walter R. & Dorothy S. Salter Scholarship

Activities: I am a member of Alpha Epsilon Delta (AED), Student Members of the American Chemistry Society (SMACS), and Valdosta State University Undergraduate Research. I am currently working with Dr. Gopeekrishnan Sreenilayam, Dr. Tolulope Salami, and Dr. Xiaomei Zheng on reaching the antibacterial activity of medicinal plant extracts.

Favorite class: Organic Chemistry

Career Goals: After graduating, I plan to attend medical school to become a physician and pursue a career in emergency medicine. I plan on coming back to South Georgia to better my community through health care. 

Riley Luis C. Vicente

Award Received: Outstanding Computer Information Systems Major Award

Activities: I did research with Dr. Anurag Dasgupta in Fall 2024 and research with Dr. Sudip Chakraborty in Fall 2025, member of the Association of Computer Machinery, and Pokémon Club.

Favorite class: Computer Science 3750: Intro to Cybersecurity with Dr. Sudip Chakraborty

Career Goals: I'm going to be returning full-time as a Cybersecurity Analyst to a fintech company in Jacksonville, Florida, which I interned there in Summer 2025. 

Halena K. Walker

Awards Received: Martha H. Barnes Scholarship & Walter R. & Dorothy S. Salter Scholarship

Nyasia M. Watkins

Award Received: Walter R. & Dorothy S. Salter Scholarship

Activities: Collegiate Women, Honors Student Association, English Language Institute (ELI), and Pre Dental Club

Favorite class: Biology 1108

Career Goals: I plan to attend dental school after graduation. This summer, I will be shadowing both a dentist and an oral surgeon to gain clinical exposure and further develop my understanding of the field. 

Alexandria M. Williams

Award Received: Walter R. & Dorothy S. Salter Scholarship

Activities: Assisted in promoting campus events and student activities to increase student engagement, actively participated in coursework and collaborative study sessions with classmates, attended campus events and academic workshops to stay engaged with the university community.

Favorite class: Math 1111

Career Goals: I plan to attend medical school, earn my doctorate degree, and ultimately become a radiologist.

D'Angelo P. Williams

Award Received: Walter R. & Dorothy S. Salter Scholarship

Activities: I have enjoyed participating in Student Members of the American Chemical Society (SMACS). I participated with the Gardening Guild as well. I divulged into research in the fall of 2025.

Favorite class: Organic Chemistry

Career Goals: After graduation, I will start the Graduate program at VSU in Biology.