SJSU University and College of Science Awards

2024 College of Science Awards

Dean's Scholar:

Liam Stanton, Associate Professor of Mathematics and Statistics

A photograph of Liam Stanton

Given annually to a faculty member who has established a regional, national or international reputation for excellence in research, scholarship or creative activity.

Research with and Mentoring of Students:

Cristina Tortora, Associate Professor of Mathematics and Statistics

A photograph of Cristina Tortora

Given annually to a faculty member who has made a significant and sustained contribution to mentoring or otherwise involving students in research.

Staff Excellence:

Larry Young, Operations Manager at the Animal Care Facility

A photograph of Larry Young

Juliana Camargo, Administrative Analyst Specialist

A photograph of Juliana Camargo

Given annually to a staff member whose demonstrates a sustained commitment to the success of the College of Science.

Innovation for Student Success:

Karen Singmaster, Chair and Professor of Physical Chemistry

A photograph of Karen Singmaster

Given annually to an employee whose work contributes significantly to the student success goals of the College.

Teaching Excellence:

Gina Quan, Associate Professor of Physics and Astronomy

A photograph of Gina Quan

Given annually to a faculty member in the SJSU College of Science who demonstrates sustained excellence in teaching.

Outstanding Recent Graduate: 

Santrupti Nerli

A photograph of Santrupti Nerli

Given annually to a graduate of the SJSU College of Science who shows outstanding early career success.

Award of Distinction:

Richard & Angela Craig

Richard and Angela Craig

Given annually to an affiliate of the College of Science who has made significant contributions to the success of the College.

2023 University Awards

President’s Scholar:
Aaron Romanowsky, Physics & Astronomy

Outstanding Professor:
Cassandra Paul, Physics & Astronomy & Science Education

Past College of Science Awards

Dean's Scholar:

Year Awardee Title Institution / Department
2023 Dr. Minghui Diao Associate Professor Meteorology and Climate Science
2022 Dr. Katherine Wilkinson Professor Biological Sciences
2021 Dr. Resa Kelly Professor, Chair Chemistry, Chair of Science Education
2020 Dr. Lionel Cheruzel Professor Chemistry

Research with and Mentoring of Students:

Year Awardee Title Institution / Department
2023 Dr. Jessica Castillo-Vardaro Assistant Professor Biological Sciences
2022 Dr. Amanda Kahn                       Professor Moss Landing Marine Labs
2021 Dr. Alberto Rascón Associate Professor Chemistry
2020 Dr. Mark Stamp Professor Computer Science

Teaching Excellence:

Year Awardee Title Institution / Department
2023 Dr. Wendy Lee Assistant Professor Computer Science
2022 Alicia Mullens  Lecturer Meteorology & Climate Science
2021 Dr. Jordan Schettler Associate Professor Mathematics & Statistics
2020 Dr. Alison Bridger Professor Meteorology & Climate Science

Staff Excellence:

Year Awardee Title Institution / Department
2023 Stephen Cappelloni Lab Manager Chemistry
2023 James Cochran Facilities Tech/Caretaker Moss Landing Marine Labs
2022 Bertha Aguayo Administrative Analyst/Specialist Physics & Astronomy
2022 Michael Stephens Lead Technician Chemistry
2021 Vannu Nguyen Admin Operations & Budget Analyst Biology
2021 Marcia Block Administrative Analyst Computer Science
2021 Amanda Nasar Department Analyst Mathematics & Statistics
2020 Cher Jones Academic & College Analyst Dean’s Office
2020 Randy Kirchner CoS Safety Officer College of Science

Innovation for Student Success:

Year Awardee Title Institution / Department
2023 Dr. Neil Switz Professor Physics & Astronomy
2022 Dr. Philip Heller Professor Computer Science
2021 Dr. Ranko Heindl Associate Professor Physics & Astronomy
2020 Dr. Don Reed Professor Geology
2020 Dr. Mary Poffenroth Lecturer Biological Sciences

Outstanding Recent Graduate:

Year Awardee Title Institution / Department
2023 Olive Burata Alumni  MS Biochemistry
2022 Dr. Rebecca Moore Alumni  MS '18 Chemistry
2021 Jonathan Oribello Alumni MS ’20 Bioinformatics
2020 Dr. Anne Sanquini Alumni MS '10 Geology

Award of Distinction: 

Year Awardee Title Institution / Department
2023 Richard & Angela Craig    
2022 Barbara Bekins Hydrologist, SJSU Alumni MS '88 Math
2021 Dr. Jim and Louise Dunaway    
2020 Dr. Pat Grillione Professor Emeritus Biological Sciences

Past University Awards

President's Scholar:

Year Awardee Title Department
2022 Dr. Scott Shaffer Professor Biological Sciences

Outstanding Professor:

Year Awardee Title Department
2021 Dr. Lionel Cheruzel Professor Chemistry

Distinguished Service:

Year Awardee Title Department
2021 Honorable Mention: Jocelyn Douglas Health and Safety Officer Moss Landing Marine Labs 
2020 Dr. Karen Singmaster Professor Chemistry

Outstanding Lecturer:

Year Awardee Title Department
2022 LeAnne Teruya Lecturer Geology

Staff of the Year:

Year Awardee Title Department
2021 Rhett Frantz Systems & Network Moss Landing Marine Labs