Stunning Secrets: How 2025-26's Top STEM Students Defied the Odds – You Won't Believe Their Stories!

The Arkansas Tech University (ATU) College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) recently honored its outstanding faculty and students during a celebratory awards dinner held at the Hull Building Event Center on April 27, 2026. This annual event is a testament to the college's commitment to excellence in education and research across its various departments.

Dr. John Jackson, the dean of the ATU College of STEM, served as the master of ceremonies for the evening. The keynote speaker was Dr. Jennifer Ballard, director of the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission, who holds a Bachelor of Science degree in fisheries and wildlife science from ATU, underscoring the university's strong connections with its alumni.

A range of awards were presented throughout the evening, celebrating both student achievements and faculty contributions across three departments: Biological Sciences, Engineering and Computing Sciences, and Mathematics and Physical Sciences. The awards highlighted a year of remarkable achievements within the college.

Celebrating Student Achievements

In the Department of Biological Sciences, several students stood out for their academic excellence. Mackenzie Epperson and Justin Contreras-Portillo were recognized as the Outstanding Biology Students, while Shannon Griffin earned the title of Outstanding Geosciences Student. Other notable winners included Macy Sparks as the Outstanding Fisheries Student and Heath Williams as the Outstanding Wildlife Student. Graduate student Nicole Bow also received accolades as the Outstanding Graduate Student.

Faculty members were not overlooked, with awards for excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service. Dr. Kyler Hecke, assistant professor of fisheries science, was awarded for his scholarship, while Cheryl Chaney, assistant professor of biological sciences, earned recognition for her service. Dr. Jacob Siebach, assistant professor of geology, was honored for his outstanding teaching abilities.

Moving to the Department of Engineering and Computing Sciences, Luke Beldin was recognized as the Outstanding Electrical Engineering Student, while Andrew Pinkerton was named the Outstanding Computer Science Graduate. The cybersecurity field was represented by Collin Parrie as the Outstanding Cybersecurity Graduate, and Brennan BonDio earned recognition as the Outstanding Information Technology Graduate. Lauren Bradford was awarded for her performance as the Outstanding Mechanical Engineering Graduate.

The department also acknowledged the contributions of its faculty, with Dr. Robin Ghosh, assistant professor of computer and information science, receiving the Outstanding Faculty Award in Scholarship. Jacob Weidenfeller, senior instructor of electrical engineering and lab director, earned the Award in Service, while Dr. Jerry Wood, a professor in computer and information science, was honored for his teaching excellence.

Lastly, the Department of Mathematics and Physical Sciences presented awards to exceptional students, including Lucia Perez Hruba, Natalie Spadoni, and Gavin Hurbanek for their achievements in chemistry, mathematics, and physics, respectively. Caitlin Drake and Joseph Temple were recognized as Outstanding Chemistry and Physics Students. The department also honored Skye Palmer and Jaycie Massengale with senior fellowships in physics and chemistry, respectively.

Faculty accolades in this department were awarded to Dr. Matt Hankins, assistant professor of physics, Dr. Mariusz Gajewski, professor of chemistry, and Dr. Rajib Choudhury, associate professor of chemistry, for their commitment to scholarship, service, and teaching. Additionally, Terre Taylor, a university instructor of mathematics, received the Outstanding Instructor Award.

The awards dinner not only highlighted the remarkable accomplishments of students and faculty within the ATU College of STEM but also served as a reminder of the important role these individuals play in advancing knowledge and innovation in their respective fields. As STEM education continues to evolve, the contributions of these awardees will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on their disciplines and the community at large.

For further information about the ATU College of STEM and its programs, visit www.atu.edu/stem.