CMB Honors and Awards

The Gerald S. Gussack Award

(1 winner) The Gerald S. Gussack Award to the most outstanding Graduating Senior in Cell and Molecular Biology.  ($200 procured from Tulane/Newcomb College)

The Gerald S. Gussack Award goes to the most outstanding male graduating senior in Tulane/Newcomb College in Cell and Molecular Biology.  The recipient is chosen based on excellence in Grade Point Average, creativity in honors thesis research, and a demonstration of well-balanced academic achievement.  The award is named in honor of the late Gerald Gussack, a Professor of Otolaryngology at Emory University School of Medicine, who was a 1975 graduate of Tulane College.

Marc W. Theberge (661 00 3992):  Throughout the course of his studies, Marc has displayed a genuine interest in learning basic cell and molecular biology concepts and their application to disease related topics. Whether in class, during office hours or in after class discussions, Marc’s inquisitive nature was hard to miss. Armed with this sense of curiosity and penchant for raising perceptive questions, Marc is poised to make biological contributions at his next stop: the NIH Vaccine Research Center.

Honors Thesis Award

(2 winners) Honors Thesis Award for the outstanding thesis in Cell and Molecular Biology.   ($200 procured from Department of Cell and Molecular Biology)

Jared G. Imber (107 00 9053): Jared has conducted research in the lab of Dr. Shusheng Wang since he was a freshman.  Dr. Wang believes he was very lucky to have had Jared in his lab for four years.  Jared has exhibited the academic excellence and leadership skills to be a successful researcher.  His cumulative GPA is an outstanding 3.91.  

Gabrielle O. Windsor (676 00 2666): Gabrielle has proven to be a dedicated and talented undergraduate student researcher. These attributes are highlighted in her Senior Honors Thesis where she demonstrated a keen ability to perform experiments, process data and detail key findings. The body of work incorporated into her thesis is truly impressive for a student at the undergraduate level and signifies that there is much more to come.  Best of luck next year in medical school at Brown University!

Professor Erik G. Ellgaard Award for Excellence in Cell and Molecular Biology

For the best Graduating Senior in Tulane/Newcomb College in Cell and Molecular Biology.  ($200 procured from Department of Cell and Molecular Biology).

Professor Ellgaard was very popular with students because of his excellent teaching and his devotion to advising and helping students achieve their career goals.  The Erik G. Ellgaard Fund awards money and a trophy each year for a graduating senior in Tulane/Newcomb College for demonstrating excellence in cell and molecular biology.  A trophy is presented to the student for it signifies the many trophies presented to students in Professor Ellgaard’s classes for achievement, e.g., highest grade point, most improved scores, etc.

Alaa N. Malik (455 00 7953): Alaa is highly active during class and has a very inquisitive mind.  Dr. Shusheng Wang rates her as being one of the best students he ever had in his Advanced Molecular Biology class.  Alaa Malik has demonstrated an overall aptitude for academic success having achieved a perfect GPA at Tulane University. Alaa performed flawlessly in her CMB coursework and proved to be an exceptionally bright student. Her strong work ethic and enthusiasm for cell and molecular biology has been noted by several faculty members. It is no surprise that she will be continuing her studies in medical school next year – congratulations Alaa!

Liz Earley Prize in Cell and Molecular Biology

Based on excellence and proficiency in laboratory science. ($100 procured from Department of Cell and Molecular Biology)

Alexa P. Sheehan (126 00 6984): Alexa was motivated to do research during her year abroad, and she sought out and completed an independent study during her year at University College Dublin.  Her research included studying bacterial strains and freezing back stocks and completing motility assays. She learned a lot about lab techniques and research, and she completed a very nice write up and poster about her work.  Alexa is also an outstanding student with an impressive 3.9 GPA.   

Nikita L. Jhangiani (269 00 0867):  At Tulane University, Nikita Jhangiani dedicated nearly three years conducting basic scientific research on a genetic disorder called Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT).  Nikita displayed superb bench skills and made strong contributions to the HHT research project. She showed independence and reliability, and her research efforts did not go unnoticed. Nikita, you will be greatly missed!

The Cell and Molecular Biology Prize

Special recognition for interest, enthusiasm and proficiency in Biology. ($200 procured from Department of Cell and Molecular Biology)

Yuzhi Wang (977 00 6811):  Yuzhi’s academic achievements (perfect GPA), high-level participation in the Biology Enthusiast’s Association of Students at Tulane (BEAST) and commitment to scientific research exemplify the true spirit of this award. Yuzhi demonstrated an uncanny ability to understand the many biological concepts covered in a CMB major. She was a superb student and has a bright future ahead!

Senior Scholar Award

This person should be the very best you have (but does not have to be judged on G.P.A. – other contributions and difficult curriculum can also be considered).  The student should be a member of the Tulane Honors Program and have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.6.  The student should be doing an honors thesis.

Katherine G. Byrnes (146 00 8107):  Katherine has been doing research in the lab of Dr. Shusheng Wang since 2019, as well as working in labs at the Medical School and at NIH.  She exhibits boundless passion, persistence and discipline required for research.  Katherine’s honors thesis project is titled “Role of miRNA in retinal fibrosis”.  Katherine is also a Tulane athlete on the Sailing Team.

The Gerald S. Gussack Award

Christopher W. Carter:  Chris has perhaps taken the most rigorous course work any undergraduate could undertake at Tulane University and cut through it like room-temperature butter.  His journal club presentation in Professor Earls Genome course was the best she’d ever seen.   Chris is an extremely bright and hard-working student, and has held tutoring and SI positions in addition to his heavy course load.  Chris will be attending medical school in the fall and has a strong interest in developing a medical career in genetics.  Chris truly represents the very best of our science students. 

Professor Erik G. Ellgaard Award for Excellence in Cell and Molecular Biology

Amin Izadpanah: Aside from his perfect GPA, Amin has exhibited an excellence and enthusiasm for cell and molecular biology, and a willingness to go above and beyond what has been required during his academic studies.  Amin took Professor Robert Dotson’s Cell Biology course like a fish takes to water.  He was constantly looking to find more challenges, more articles to read, more subject material to learn.  “I don't think I've ever had a better student”, asserted Professor Dotson.   He amazingly missed only 2 or 3 questions out of all exams, quizzes and homework in Professor Meadows course. Amin is an extremely intelligent scientist and soaks up the most difficult material like a sponge to water.  Amin continues to participate in research on tumor microenvironments and is a member of the highly selective Tulane Accelerated Physician Training Program.  Amin will continue his education in the MD/PhD program at Tulane University’s School of Medicine.

Troy N. Coaston:   Troy is an extremely smart, thoughtful and motivated student, asking the most mature questions.  While at Tulane, he also worked as research assistant in the Dept. of Surgery at University of California, and is a coauthor on 2 submitted papers and gave 2 presentations from this work.  Troy has also served as a supplemental instructor for Professor Robert Dotson in his Cell Biology course and was “amazing” at conveying the subject material to his fellow students.  He also has worked in the labs of Professor Anne Robinson while at Tulane.  In addition, he has served in SSE student government, holding various outreach leadership positions.  Overall, Troy has a great work ethic, understands scientific concepts well, and is very generous with his time.  Ultimately, he plans to attend medical school, and hopes to do clinical research somewhere in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Liz Earley Prize in Cell and Molecular Biology

Jenna Claire Pucel:  Jenna is one of our top students with a 3.87 GPA.  She wishes to pursue a career in research. She has been doing research for most of her undergraduate career and talks about her experience with maturity and advanced perspective.  Jenna is extremely humble, despite the fact that she is an excellent student.

Ryan G. Murphy: Perhaps one of the brightest students Professor Shusheng Wang has seen in his years at Tulane.  Ryan is active in class and outside of class. He enjoys discussing science with the faculty and his research insight is impressive.

The Cell and Molecular Biology Prize

Dylan L. Pinion: Dylan is a double major is CMB and Psychology.  He has worked very hard during his time at Tulane, amassing a 3.785 GPA. Dylan plans to go to medical school and hopes to be a physician to whom everyone can turn to for knowledgeable and nonjudgmental medical care.  He is smart, conscientious and organized, and perhaps most important, Dylan is truly caring and compassionate toward mankind. 

The Gerald S. Gussack Award goes to the most outstanding male graduating senior in Tulane/Newcomb College in Cell and Molecular Biology.  The recipient is chosen based on excellence in Grade Point Average, creativity in honors thesis research, and a demonstration of well balanced academic achievement.  The award is named in honor of the late Gerald Gussack, a Professor of Otolaryngology at Emory University School of Medicine, who was a 1975 graduate of Tulane College.

Adam G Burstain: Adam is a dedicated student, both in his academic pursuits and his service to the community.  Adam is consistently engaged in lectures, notably speaking up to contribute to the dialogue and offer a refreshing perspective to the material.  He is also an active participant in the lab, demonstrating his ability to translate his knowledge to his peers.

Professor Erik G. Ellgaard Award for Excellence in Cell and Molecular Biology for the best Graduating Senior in Tulane/Newcomb College in Cell and Molecular Biology. Professor Ellgaard was very popular with students because of his excellent teaching and his devotion to advising and helping students achieve their career goals.  The Erik G. Ellgaard Fund awards money and a trophy each year for a graduating senior in Tulane/Newcomb College for demonstrating excellence in cell and molecular biology.  A trophy is presented to the student for it signifies the many trophies presented to students in Professor Ellgaard’s classes for achievement, e.g., highest grade point, most improved scores, etc.

Amanda R. Lee:  Amanda academic achievements (3.9 GPA), participatory spirit (Tulane Marching and Concert Bands), and unparalleled commitment to scientific research exemplify the true spirit of this award. Amanda clearly stands out amongst her peers; her impressive research efforts are reflected in the two high profile research articles that she co-authored as a Tulane University student. It is no wonder the University of Pennsylvania was thrilled to accept her into their Ph.D program!

Lauren Uyen Nguyen:  Lauren has the highest GPA of any graduating CMB major this year.  Working in an endocrine physiology lab downtown, she co-authored a research article on the regulation of glucagon secretion.  Passionate about social justice, especially the rights of the incarcerated, she wrote her honors thesis in Sociology and volunteers at the Formerly Incarcerated Transitions Clinic here in New Orleans.  Next year she will be starting medical school and is considering also pursuing an MPH.

Leigh M. Miller:  Leigh showed an impressive ability to connect what she learned in the lecture classroom to her work in the laboratory.  She has actively pursued research throughout her academic career and will be spending the summer as a research fellow at the Primate Center in Microbiology/Immunology.

Victoria Carle:  Victoria repeatedly showed advanced understanding and critical thinking skills in class discussions.  She has shown true curiosity and dedication to her science education, while working as an EMT.  Victoria has maintained a 3.74GPA overall in her studies and plans to attend medical school in the future.   

 The Cell and Molecular Biology Prize is special recognition for interest, enthusiasm and proficiency in Biology.   

Ashley Pollicelli: Ashley is a very intelligent, engaging and dedicated student. She brings an unparalleled level of enthusiasm and passion to class.  She has maintained a 3.959 cumulative GPA in Cell and Molecular Biology while also working as a trauma technician, tutor, research assistant and a Green Wave Ambassador, among other activities.  She will be starting medical school after graduation at Baylor, with a full scholarship, to fulfill her dream of becoming a pediatric oncologist.

 Honors Program – Senior Scholar Award

Maxwell Sandler: Max gets visibly animated when discussing either his art or his lab work. Between his efforts in the pottery studio and his long hours in the stem cell lab downtown, he shows his ability to work hands-on to creatively solve problems. Next year he will be continuing his research training at the NIH.

The Gerald S. Gussack Award to the most outstanding Graduating Senior in Cell and Molecular Biology.   

The Gerald S. Gussack Award goes to the most outstanding male graduating senior in Tulane/Newcomb College in Cell and Molecular Biology.  The recipient is chosen based on excellence in Grade Point Average, creativity in honors thesis research, and a demonstration of well balanced academic achievement.  The award is named in honor of the late Gerald Gussack, a Professor of Otolaryngology at Emory University School of Medicine, who was a 1975 graduate of Tulane College.

Josh A. Kirkorsky: Josh’s demonstrated achievements and enthusiasm in cell and molecular biology are a shining example of the qualities exemplified in this award. Josh has maintained a nearly perfect GPA (3.99) throughout his studies at Tulane University, and has dedicated the past 2.5 years conducting molecular biology research in the fields of vascular development and disease, neuroscience and cancer at multiple prestigious institutes.  Congratulations to Josh who will be heading to Medical School after graduation!

Honors Thesis Award for the outstanding thesis in Cell and Molecular Biology

Maria V. Gomez: Maria has double majored in Cell and Molecular Biology and French, maintaining a 4.0 GPA.  She worked in Professor Laurie Earls’ laboratory for 2 years, studying the biochemical properties of a novel peptide involved in age-related memory decline. She is involved in campus government and volunteers as a Spanish translator at medical establishments around New Orleans.  Maria was truly a pleasure to have in the lab as she demonstrated intelligent discovery, an exceptional work ethic, sound moral values and outstanding leadership.

Professor Erik G. Ellgaard Award for Excellence in Cell and Molecular Biology for the best Graduating Senior in Tulane/Newcomb College in Cell and Molecular Biology. Professor Ellgaard was very popular with students because of his excellent teaching and his devotion to advising and helping students achieve their career goals.  The Erik G. Ellgaard Fund awards money and a trophy each year for a graduating senior in Tulane/Newcomb College for demonstrating excellence in cell and molecular biology.  A trophy is presented to the student for it signifies the many trophies presented to students in Professor Ellgaard’s classes for achievement, e.g., highest grade point, most improved scores, etc.

Shea C. McGrinder: Shea is a bright, engaging and dedicated student who has proven to exhibit an excellence and enthusiasm for cell and molecular biology. Shea maintained a strong GPA and has received multiple awards and recognitions for his academic achievements while at Tulane University. His honors thesis work investigated the use of an enhanced method of Laser Capture Microdissection with potential applications for numerous scientific fields. Shea plans to pursue a career in medicine after graduation.

Liz Earley Prize in Cell and Molecular Biology 

Judy Chen: Judy is double majoring in Cell and Molecular Biology and Chemistry, and minoring in Mathematics. In the lab of Dr. David Mullin, Judy has been studying a new antibacterial agent and its molecular target.  She is a pleasure to work with, has great hands for bench work, gets her experiments done, and has a deep understanding of what she is working on.  In the fall she plans to study microbiology at the University of Michigan.

The Cell and Molecular Biology Prize   

Izzat M. Shbeeb: Izzat has maintained an almost perfect GPA while majoring in Cell and Molecular Biology. He is exceptionally curious and hard-working and always eager to help his fellow classmates, an exemplary student. In his spare time, he enjoys coin collecting. He will begin medical school at LSU-New Orleans in the fall.

Honors Program – Senior Scholar Award

Maria V. Gomez: Maria has maintained an impressive perfect 4.0 GPA while double majoring in Cell and Molecular Biology and French. She is working in the lab of Dr. Laurie Earls and is studying post-translational modifications of a small intracellular peptide believed to be involved with age-related memory decline in the hippocampus and the functional effects of these modifications.

The Gerald S. Gussack ’75 M.D. Award

This Award goes to the most outstanding graduating senior in Cell and Molecular Biology. The recipient is chosen based on excellence in Grade Point Average, creativity in honors thesis research, and a demonstration of well balanced academic achievement. The award is named in honor of the late Gerald Gussack, a Professor of Otolaryngology at Emory University School of Medicine, who was a 1975 graduate of Tulane College.

Adam N. Faletsky: Adam is a bright, friendly, and accomplished young man. He has excelled in Cell and Molecular Biology, with a GPA of 3.9. He is a courteous and inquisitive student, always willing to help his peers. Adam is highly involved in the Tulane community, currently serving as Academic Council Chair in the USG and a board member of Tulane Chabad. During his academic career at Tulane, he was a 2013 Tulane Community Service Fellow and participated in the 2014 Medical/Dental Brigade to Honduras. After several years of serving with TEMS, Adam is heading on to attend Tufts University School of Medicine in the fall, where he will pursue his dream of becoming a physician.

Professor Erik G. Ellgaard Award for Excellence in Cell and Molecular Biology for the best Graduating Senior in Tulane/Newcomb College in Cell and Molecular Biology.  Professor Ellgaard was very popular with students because of his excellent teaching and his devotion to advising and helping students achieve their career goals.  The Erik G. Ellgaard Fund awards money and a trophy each year for a graduating senior in Tulane/Newcomb College for demonstrating excellence in cell and molecular biology.  A trophy is presented to the student for it signifies the many trophies presented to students in Professor Ellgaard’s classes for achievement, e.g., highest grade point, most improved scores, etc. ​​​​​​​

Raven A. Bailey: Raven is a highly motivated, conscientious and persistent student, as evidenced by her formidable academic accomplishments. She has obtained the highest GPA of graduating seniors in the CMB department. Her dedication to the community through her service work in academic tutoring with the Roots of Music marching band has given her the privilege of working with the New Orleans music culture. She plans to pursue her endeavors as a musician and producer while also continuing her education in medical research and the practice of medicine.

Magdalena S. Hecht: Magdalena has shown unique academic curiosity and outstanding dedication to her learning in science. Her understanding of cell and molecular biology, for example, extends far beyond the accepted standard for Tulane students as evidenced by the numerous supplemental CELL classes she has taken after completing the major. By taking on a vigorous course load each semester, Magdalena was able to complete the prerequisites and core courses for each of her degrees early on, enabling her to take advantage of the graduate level courses available to undergraduates. Her GPA is approximately 3.91. Finally, Magdalena has extended her academic repertoire beyond biology as evidenced by her dedication to service, her semester in Costa Rica, and her secondary major in environmental studies.

The Liz Earley Prize for Proficiency in Laboratory Science

Based on excellence and proficiency in laboratory science. This award is named after the late Dr. Elisabeth Earley, a long-standing, dedicated member of the Cell and Molecular Biology Department.

Adhera Divagaran: Adhira worked in Professor Jeffrey Tasker’s laboratory as a work-study student for 4 years. She worked as if she was performing an independent study project, becoming responsible for animal husbandry, genotyping, and basic molecular biology techniques for the lab. Adhira was highly dependable, reliable, punctual, and friendly, and a real asset to the Tasker lab during her undergraduate pursuits.

Garrett M Bartoletti: Garrett has worked and studied in the CMB labs for the last three years under the instruction and supervision of both Professors Nancy Hopkins and Elizabeth Abboud. His extensive knowledge of laboratory procedures and willingness to help with anything asked of him has been an invaluable asset to the department. He has also been an engaging contributor and an inspiration to the students and their learning experience.

The Cell and Molecular Biology Prize

Special recognition for interest, enthusiasm and proficiency in Biology.

Dillion Hutson: Dillion distinguishes himself as a student interested in learning more than what is required for the exam. He has his own project working in a pharmacology lab at the medical school campus on the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor and its activity in vascular smooth muscle.

Honors Program – Senior Scholar Award

Magdalena S. Hecht: Magdalena has shown unique academic curiosity and outstanding dedication to her learning in science. Her understanding of cell and molecular biology, for example, extends far beyond the accepted standard for Tulane students as evidenced by the numerous supplemental CELL classes she has taken after completing the major. By taking on a vigorous course load each semester, Magdalena was able to complete the prerequisites and core courses for each of her degrees early on, enabling her to take advantage of the graduate level courses available to undergraduates. Her GPA is approximately 3.91. Finally, Magdalena has extended her academic repertoire beyond biology as evidenced by her dedication to service, her semester in Costa Rica, and her secondary major in environmental studies.

Ching Fellowship

Maria Gomez: Maria's focus is to further unravel the human genome and the mysterious identity of what was previously considered “junk DNA” continues to be uncovered. Functional micro peptides found in these regions of presumed noncoding DNA may hold key roles in various biological processes, yet this field still remains largely underdeveloped. Maria has focused on studying one such micro peptide, Pants or Plasticity Associated Neural Transcript Short comprised of merely 105 amino acids. Studying micro peptides like Pants provides a greater understanding of regions in our genome that had previously been disregarded. The potential finding of a key role of Pants in schizophrenia and modulation of plasticity could result in a new approach for treating age-related memory loss. If successful, it would also focus research attention to the cognitive deficits that result from schizophrenia, a side of the disorder that is often disregarded when compared to other associated symptoms.

Judy Chen: Judy is currently working on research relating to the biological targets of a new class of antimicrobial drugs (AP9) which has been shown to be effective against gram positive bacteria including the methicillin resistance staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strain. Judy is utilizing PCR amplification of AP9 resistant bacteria in order to identify target genes that result in AP9 resistance. She plans to identify the repressor protein responsible for AP9 resistance and determine how it confers antibiotic resistance. The hope of this research is to decrease the mortality rates conferred by drug-resistant bacteria by understanding this new class of antimicrobial drug.

Congratulations to CMB graduate student, Annie Bowles, who was recently awarded the James de la Houssaye Mentor Award! This award is sponsored by Mr. H. Britton Sanderford and recognizes a high school teacher or mentor for their educational and inspirational work with students pursuing STEM inquiry.

The Cell and Molecular Biology Prize

Special recognition for interest, enthusiasm and proficiency in Biology.

Jesse D. Coren: Jesse has a cheerful enthusiasm for science and earned a GPA over 3.9. He enjoys skiing and mountain biking and completed wilderness first responder training. He plans to work with Médecins sans Frontières after completing medical school and establishing his practice.

Christian N. Nguyen: Christian is one of our most impressive students, both in terms of academics and extracurricular achievement. He maintained a GPA of 3.984. His memory is astounding and he is able to apply knowledge to unfamiliar problems with a remarkable alacrity. He brought his energy to multiple projects, working with a clinical research project on stroke and public health, shadowing an orthopedic surgical team, and mentoring local youth at a non-profit urban farm. Christian plans to pursue a career in medicine.

The Gerald S. Gussack ’75 M.D. Award

This Award goes to the most outstanding graduating senior in Cell and Molecular Biology. The recipient is chosen based on excellence in Grade Point Average, creativity in honors thesis research, and a demonstration of well balanced academic achievement. The award is named in honor of the late Gerald Gussack, a Professor of Otolaryngology at Emory University School of Medicine, who was a 1975 graduate of Tulane College.

Brett J. Barrilleaux: Brett began working in Professor Laura Schrader’s lab during the summer of his sophomore year, and he quickly involved himself in an ongoing project involving molecular mechanisms of stress and how chronic stress progresses to pathological conditions. Brett became a mainstay in the lab as he ran behavioral paradigms and performed surgeries. In addition, he investigated the biochemical regulation of plasticity pathways in the prefrontal cortex after stress. Brett is an extremely bright and innovative young man, and he made various technical suggestions that improved the overall output of the Schrader lab. Brett maintained an overall GPA of 3.9.

The Liz Earley Prize for Proficiency in Laboratory Science

Based on excellence and proficiency in laboratory science. This award is named after the late Dr. Elisabeth Earley, a long-standing, dedicated member of the Cell and Molecular Biology Department.

Joshua A. Mansfield: Josh did three semesters of independent research with Professor Zhouru Wu. He stood out in his understanding and his ability to carry out experiments involving multiple difficult procedures. Josh is also exceptional at addressing novel biological questions by designing his own experiments, and was awarded a Lurcy grant from Tulane to test one of his ideas.

Prasad K. Akula: Prasad is a friendly, outgoing student, excited about biology and learning. He participated in laboratory research, working on the organic synthesis of carrier-shaped molecules called cavitands. He was careful at the laboratory bench and made connections between the chemical details and the larger picture. A natural scholar who made community service and outreach priorities. He also offered informal tutoring to local high school students.

Jillian N. Rosenberg: Jill completed her Honors Thesis research at the Medical School in the biochemistry lab of Dr. Heather Machado, where she developed multiple assays to investigate the signal transduction pathways downstream of GAS6 binding its receptor AXL -- important in the microenvironment of certain cancerous tumors. A well-rounded student, Jill enjoys painting and riding horses. She plans to continue studying cancer biology and will be pursuing a PhD at the University of Chicago.

The Professor Erik G. Ellgaard Award for Excellence in Cell and Molecular Biology

Awarded to the the best Graduating Senior in Tulane/Newcomb College in Cell and Molecular Biology.

Jonathan M. Katz: Ever an enthusiastic student and driven by a bottomless curiosity, Jonathan graduated with a GPA of 3.987. He is a tireless worker and has a wide range of interests, ranging from organizational policy to computer science. He plans to pursue a career in medicine where he can continue to solve problems from his unique perspective, seamlessly integrating both direct and creative strategies.

Kelsey E. Lacourrege: Kelsey was an exemplary student, regularly earning the top grade in even her most challenging cell biology courses and graduating with an unblemished 4.0 GPA. She is interested in many subjects, ranging from public health policy to vaccine development. She is well travelled and is fluent in German. A very well- rounded young person, she also enjoys ballet.

The Senior Honors Thesis Award in Cell and Molecular Biology

Rachel R. Hill: Rachel completed an Honors Thesis project in Professor Frank Jones’ lab on an extremely complex bioinformatics project. In an amazing example of self-directed learning, Rachel taught herself bioinformatics and completed an impressive amount of analysis on breast tumor expression data from the Cancer Genome Atlas. Her ability to formulate and test hypotheses and interpret results shows sophistication unusual in an undergraduate. In addition to time-consuming research, Rachel managed to maintain a GPA in excess of 3.9 and played saxophone with the marching band and a jazz ensemble.

Honors Program – Senior Scholar Award

Natasha Topolski: Natasha completed an Honors Thesis project in Dr. Stacy Drury’s lab on a mediation of the relationship between the experience of corporal punishment and DNA methylation by behavioral symptoms in New Orleans youth. Starting the summer after her freshman year, Natasha worked arduously in Dr Drury’s lab throughout her undergraduate career. Her work and ideas there earned her national recognition from the Goldwater Foundation as an honorable mention in the 2015 competition. Outside of the lab, Natasha was actively engaged in the New Orleans community, serving as president of the Neuroscience Association where she organized the first Louisiana Brain Bee and was a co-founder of both the elderly outreach organization Bridging Generations and the Celebrate Mental Health Festival.

Rachel R. Hill: Rachel completed an Honors Thesis project in Professor Frank Jones’ lab on an extremely complex bioinformatics project. In an amazing example of self-directed learning, Rachel taught herself bioinformatics and completed an impressive amount of analysis on breast tumor expression data from the Cancer Genome Atlas. Her ability to formulate and test hypotheses and interpret results shows sophistication unusual in an undergraduate. In addition to time-consuming research, Rachel managed to maintain a GPA in excess of 3.9 and played saxophone with the marching band and a jazz ensemble.

Chase Anderson was selected to receive an Outstanding Poster Award at Vascular Biology 2015 presented by North American Vascular Biology Organization (NAVBO).

PhD student Michael Cypress recently was awarded the American Heart Association Predoctoral Fellowship. Title: Na-Glucose Cotransporter 2 and AT1 Receptor Synergistically Increase Angiotensinogen Expression in Proximal Tubule Cells

PhD student Michael Cypress recently was awarded the National Institutes of Health Ruth Kirschstein Predoctoral Fellowship. Title: SGLT2 Mediates Glucose-Induced Angiotensinogen Synthesis in Proximal Tubule Cells

The Cell and Molecular Biology Prize

Special recognition for interest, enthusiasm and proficiency in Biology.

Sherry Cui: Sherry is an outstanding young woman and an excellent researcher. A solid student, she has overcome hardship to complete her degree. Sherry was diagnosed with cancer in the summer after her sophomore year and was forced to withdraw from school to battle her disease. She returned to school in the fall of 2013 and began to do research at Children’s Hospital, which she conducted during the past two years. In the spring of 2014, she competed for a Louisiana Board of Regents SURE grant and received the largest grant awarded. Her work will be included in at least two manuscripts coming out of the laboratory of Dr. Seth Pincus.

The Gerald S. Gussack ’75 M.D. Award

This Award goes to the most outstanding graduating senior in Cell and Molecular Biology. The recipient is chosen based on excellence in Grade Point Average, creativity in honors thesis research, and a demonstration of well balanced academic achievement. The award is named in honor of the late Gerald Gussack, a Professor of Otolaryngology at Emory University School of Medicine, who was a 1975 graduate of Tulane College.

Joshua R. Ortego: Josh is the first person in his family to attend college. He worked his way through school as a pharmacy technician -- experience that he brought into the classroom and shared with his fellow students. His remarkable toughness to succeed academically with a GPA just under 3.8, while commuting and working night shifts, is a testament to his maturity and academic ability. Josh is a well-rounded young man who plays piano and guitar and is very active in his community. He will be attending medical school this fall.

The Liz Earley Prize for Proficiency in Laboratory Science

Based on excellence and proficiency in laboratory science. This award is named after the late Dr. Elisabeth Earley, a long-standing, dedicated member of the Cell and Molecular Biology Department.

Gina Tram Nguyen: Gina blossomed into a first-rate undergraduate research student while at Tulane. During the summer of 2012, she became an intern for the Tulane/Xavier University Enhancing Diversity in Environmental Biology (EDEB) Project. During the past three years, she has made significant contributions to several ongoing research endeavors related to breast cancer. She has become proficient in many laboratory techniques and demonstrated perseverance at the bench. She has presented her work at national meetings, co-authored multiple abstracts, and has submitted a manuscript for publication. Gina is a well-rounded leader and selflessly gives of her time to numerous community outreach efforts. Gina was accepted into LSUHSC School of Dentistry for the fall 2015 semester.

The Professor Erik G. Ellgaard Award for Excellence in Cell and Molecular Biology

Awarded to the best Graduating Senior in Tulane/Newcomb College in Cell and Molecular Biology.

Suchi Agrawal: Suchi is an outstand student, earning a perfect 4.0 GPA at Tulane. She seeks to learn and understand information both in the classroom and the lab. Suchi pursued independent research downtown at the Tulane Cancer Center with Dr. Srikanta Dash, studying combination therapies in cancer. She also tutors on campus, helping her peers with organic chemistry and genetics. She has been active in Women in Science, a student organization that sponsors speakers and volunteer opportunities in the community. She has also held several offices including serving as president this year.

Ashlyn E. McRae: Ashlyn is an outstanding student, maintaining a GPA in excess of 3.9. Her learning is driven by an insatiable curiosity and her study skills are exemplary. She is currently devoting fifteen hours a week to a laboratory studying hepatic reperfusion injury at the Tulane Medical School. She appreciates the educational opportunities afforded by both Tulane University and the city of New Orleans, and takes advantage of the local live music scene, especially funk. She will continue her education in medical school this fall.

The Senior Honors Thesis Award in Cell and Molecular Biology

Sara N. Karnes: Sara is a double major in Cell and Molecular Biology and Jewish Studies with an overall GPA of nearly 3.8. Sara joined Dr. Shusheng Wang’s lab in 2012 as a work-study student, and then, after a semester abroad in Copenhagen, returned to pursue her research interests. Her research in the Wang lab has culminated in her honors thesis work on the role of a microRNA molecule in vascular development. She was a finalist for a Fulbright Fellowship to teach English as a second language in South Korea. Sara will be entering medical school in the fall.

Honors Program – Senior Scholar Award

Janell D. Cyprich: Janelle is an outstanding student who has excelled in her course work and in the laboratory. Her cumulative GPA is in excess of 3.85. Her honors thesis dealt with empiric risk factors affecting stroke patients’ outcomes. She worked with a team downtown mining a large dataset, and this work promises to lead to multiple publications. She was a double major in Cell and Molecular Biology and Neuroscience, taking courses in both majors that enhanced her research. Janelle is a true scholar who understands the importance of inquiry.