Graduating students from UNR’s College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources recently received recognition for their academic accomplishments.

“This is our opportunity to highlight the amazing successes they’ve achieved during their education,” said Ron Pardini, acting CABNR dean, about the annual Awards Ceremony. The event, held at the Eldorado Hotel Casino, allowed students and their parents the chance to mix and mingle and celebrate their upcoming graduation.

The college recognizes the top graduating students — both graduate and undergraduate — at the ceremony. These include:

Animal Biotechnology: Christina Brown and Samuel Lossing, outstanding seniors; Joshua Wood, outstanding graduate student

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology: Ashish Francis, Nipa Patel, Julie Thai and Joseph Villaluz, outstanding seniors; Nobuhiro Suzuki, outstanding graduate student

Natural Resources and Environmental Science: Trevor Griffiths and Tiffanny Sharp, outstanding seniors; Seth Lyman, outstanding graduate student

Nutrition: Alyse Drakulich and Michelle Guzman, outstanding seniors

Resource Economics: Leanndra Copeland, outstanding senior; Aubrey Oliphint, outstanding graduate student

Interdepartmental Program, Biotechnology: Samuel McMahon, outstanding BS/MS student

Additionally, the college recognized Senior Scholars from December (Rachel Baek) and May (Ashish Francis).

“These are all exceptional students who deserve so much praise for what they’ve been able to accomplish,” Pardini said.

Recognition of faculty and staff also occurs at the annual ceremony. Retiring faculty Jean Carbon and Al Cirelli received plaques acknowledging their service.

Patricia Ellison received the Outstanding Teacher award; Jeff Harper the Outstanding Researcher award; and Joe Dawes the Outstanding Staff Employee award.

“We’re proud of students and staff alike,” Pardini said. “We celebrate them and their future successes.”