William Le, Outstanding Senior, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Early in his undergraduate career, William took the initiative to get involved in research. This is reflected in the quality of his thesis on leukocyte recruitment to damaged tissues and inflammation with Assistant Professor Lai Wen. As a discussion leader for freshmen, William demonstrated skill, knowledge and compassion to mentor fellow students for success. He has continuously motivated himself to reach his long-term goal of attending medical school, and he plans to stay involved in research.

Christina Winkler, Outstanding Senior, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Christina is an outstanding pre-med student whose intelligence, work ethic and maturity exemplify the best of our Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Program. She rapidly became invaluable to Assistant Professor Scott Barnett's lab during her undergraduate research. Christina consistently gives her time and expertise to support the lab and fellow students, as well as volunteer in patient care and clinical lab analysis. Her scholarship and generosity make her a great candidate for medical school and this award.

McKenna Mancuso, Outstanding Senior, Biotechnology

McKenna leads independent research on dysregulated protein kinase A signaling and A-kinase anchoring proteins interactions in disease. A three-time Nevada Undergraduate Research Award recipient, she has secured competitive funding and presented her findings at multiple symposia. She has contributed to campus as a student ambassador, is a part of the Honors College and serves as a peer tutor for organic chemistry. She will pursue a Ph.D. this fall, continuing her research at the University. 

Delilah Moreno, Outstanding Senior, Biotechnology

Delilah is a dedicated and accomplished undergraduate with a passion for human-disease research. Her freshman year, she got involved in research, leading a project in plant genetics, during which she was awarded three Nevada Undergraduate Research Awards. Delilah currently researches the cellular mechanism behind schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. She also completed a toxicology internship at Charles River Laboratories, preparing her for a future in the biotechnology industry. Delilah will pursue a master's in biotechnology after graduation.

Nathaniel Moore, Outstanding Master's Student, Biotechnology

Nathaniel is a passionate and committed graduate student both in the classroom and in the laboratory. As a teaching assistant, he has worked to support the next generation of students at the foundational level. Nathaniel's research with Associate Professor Monika Gulia-Nuss seeks to understand the mechanism of tick proteins in an effort to develop a molecular control method and is poised for publication. Nathaniel aims to use his skills to develop a career in industry.

Brandon Veron, Outstanding Master's Student, Biotechnology

Brandon completed his master’s degree in biotechnology in Professor Robert Ryan's lab, where he investigated new applications of lipid nanodisks. His previous work on developing an improved platform for the study of ligand-lipid interactions resulted in a first-author publication in the journal Biochimica et Biophysica Acta - Biomembranes. As an extension of this work, he is currently finishing two projects focused on drug dynamics and targeted drug delivery in nanodisks.

Matthew Bolino, Outstanding Ph.D. Student, Biochemistry

Matthew has earned three degrees with our College: a bachelor's in biochemistry & molecular biology, a master's in biotechnology, and now a doctorate in biochemistry. His knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm for nutrition research in Assistant Professor Steven Frese's lab have tremendously contributed to the teaching and research mission of our College and University. Matt is headed to a postdoctoral position at the University of Florida, and we know he will accomplish great things in his academic future.