2023 Medallions
2023 Medallions
2023 Medallion Awards & Other Notable Awards
Cameron Brady
Excellence in Physics Award: This award, donated by the Department of Physics and Astronomy, is presented to a Physics major who has demonstrated potential for continued academic or professional growth, and has significantly contributed to the department.
Cameron Brady is graduating with a B.S. in Physics after an outstanding academic career in the Department of Physics & Astronomy. She has excelled in experimental research using nonlinear atomic spectroscopy to measure low-frequency electric fields with unprecedented sensitivity. As a summer REU student, she performed research on ultracold atoms at Lehigh University and on exotic optical-fiber spatial modes at Stonybrook University. Cameron has been accepted to several physics graduate programs and plans to begin work on her PhD in Fall 2023. Outside the classroom, Cameron can be found playing on a club volleyball team, rock climbing, or knitting.
Gabrielle Krouse
Molecular & Cellular Biosciences Award of Distinction
Gabrielle Krouse is a devoted scientist in the Translational Biomedical Sciences program, who will be graduating with a TBS major and Chemistry minor. In addition to maintaining an outstanding academic record in biomedical sciences, Gabby developed an enthusiasm for viruses while carrying out research in the laboratory of Dr. Claude Krummenacher, where she worked on identifying and characterizing new drug candidates against infections by herpesviruses and coronaviruses. Gabby looks forward to continuing her promising scientific career as a Ph.D. student in Fall 2023 at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.
Michael Lombardo
James M. Shafer Excellence in Mathematics Award: This medallion is donated by the Department of Mathematics in honor of Dr. James M. Shafer, a member of the Department from 1965 to 1980 and instrumental in the development of the Mathematics major at the University.
Michael Lombardo is graduating Summa Cum Laude with a B.S. in Mathematics and a minor in Statistics. He was a physics learning assistant for Dr. La Porta’s Intro Mechanics and Intro E&M classes where he helped teach fundamental concepts to undergraduate students. He is also a consistent soulwinner at Love Assembly Baptist Church in Montgomeryville, PA. One of his personal goals is to become proficient in Muay Thai. After graduating, he will pursue a career as a software engineer working for the leading tech companies in America.
Cora Mejia
James M. Lynch Jr. Courage in Adversity Award: This medallion is awarded each year to a graduating student and is sponsored by Dennis Lynch, son of Dr. James Lynch, who spent 22 years at Rowan where he served as the Dean of Students and later as a member of the Department of Educational Leadership.
Cora Mejia is graduating with a B.S. in Biochemistry and a minor in Italian Studies from Rowan University. During her time at Rowan, she was involved in molecular biophysics and high-performance liquid chromatography research. Cora was involved in a number of organizations on campus, but notably, she founded the Italian Culture Club and served six semesters as a BLAST Mentor of the John H. Martinson Honors College. She was also extensively involved in the Physics & Astronomy club and the Rowan Photo Club, as well as the United Latinos Association, as a nod to her Puerto Rican heritage. Cora was a co-founder and Communications Director of the student-created and led ArtSci symposium in which student artists and researchers collaborated for on-campus conference. Cora joined the Collegium Musicum ensemble in 2022 as a percussionist and plans to use her musical and scientific skills in her future endeavors.
Rosalind Moore
Maria Tahamont Award: This award is presented to a graduate who has excelled in the study of biological sciences and is named after retired Department of Biological Sciences faculty member Dr. Maria Tahamont.
Rosalind Moore transferred to the Glassboro campus from the Rowan College at Burlington County and the Rowan College of South Jersey. She will graduate with a B.S. in biological sciences after successfully navigating coursework, independent research, working full time in a veterinary ER/ICU, and being a single parent. Her independent research with Drs. Grove and Richmond focused on the connections among environmental conditions, harmful algal blooms, and zooplankton abundance and diversity in South Jersey reservoirs. She will present posters at two meetings this spring, and will begin a Master’s program in microbial biology at Rutgers University this fall.
Alyssa Ochetto
Excellence in Biological Sciences Award: This award is presented to a graduating student who excels in the field. The student must have an outstanding record of involvement in research opportunities within the department or within the community of biology. This award is donated by the Biology Club.
Alyssa Ochetto is a passionate scientist and an Honors student, who is graduating with a B.S. in Biological Sciences. Alyssa discovered scientific research while working on viruses that infect bacteria at the Rowan College of South Jersey before transferring to Rowan in a cohort of meritorious students supported by an NIH Program. Her passion for research and scientific discoveries flourished in the laboratory of Dr. Claude Krummenacher, where she worked on identifying new protein markers at the surface of various human breast cancer cells. Alyssa also spent a summer working on control of bacterial growth on biocompatible materials at the Penn State College of Medicine, which she will join as a Ph.D. candidate for the next step of her promising scientific career.
Ashton Paladino
Robert N. Renlund Preprofessional Award in the Allied Health Field: Established in memory of Dr. Robert Renlund, a faculty member in the Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences, this medallion is awarded to two students for excellence in premedical or preprofessional studies. This award is donated by the Preprofessional Club.
Ashton Paladino completed the Equine Science Program at RCSJ-Gloucester and, upon transferring to Rowan, immediately became active in Pre-Vet Club where she served as Treasurer and as Co-President. Ashton earned a B.S. in Biology, graduated with honors (summa cum laude), completed the Bantivoglio Honors program, completed research on animal behavior, and obtained summer funding for her project. She has extensive experience working in vet practices and has worked at the Delaware Valley Vet Hospital, the Gypsy Rose Animal Clinic, she completed a vet tech internship at the Gloucester Co. Animal Shelter, and an Equine Science Internship at the DREAM Park in Logan, NJ. Ashton loves heavy metal music, is an avid collector of star wars memorabilia, is a huge fan of J.R.R. Tolkien, and loves going to Disney World where she recently got engaged in front of Cinderella’s castle. Ashton has been accepted into several DVM programs, including UPenn, and will be starting vet school in the fall.
Deklin Parker
Michael Miller Award for Excellence in Chemistry: Donated by the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, this medallion is presented to a senior student who excels in chemistry or biochemistry, demonstrates leadership, and shows potential for advancing the chemical profession.
Deklin Parker is graduating with a B.S. in Chemistry from Rowan University. During his time at Rowan, he has been involved in a number of research projects involving chromatography and analytical instrument design. He has published two scientific articles focused on parallel chemical analysis platforms and presented posters at top analytical chemistry conferences. In the fall, he will be pursuing graduate studies in pharmaceutical sciences.
Aarsh Patel
Dr. Mark M. Chamberlain Excellence Award in Chemistry/Biochemistry: This award honors the memory of Dr. Mark M. Chamberlain who became the fourth president of Rowan University in 1969. In 1984, Dr. Chamberlain left the presidency and joined the Department of Chemistry and Physics as a distinguished professor until retiring in 2000. This award is presented by his loving wife Barbara Chamberlain, Ph.D., APRN, MBA.
Aarsh Patel is graduating with a B.S. in Biochemistry from Rowan University. While a student, Aarsh has also diligently served as a member of the National Guard. In research projects at Rowan, he has focused on the development of microfluidic analytical system, especially related to detection approaches. Aarsh has also worked on developing computational modeling of chemical properties using low-cost single-board computers. Aarsh is interested in pursuing a career in medicine and will be attending medical school in the future.
Natalie Policella
Excellence in Psychology Award: This medallion, sponsored by the Psychology Department, is presented to an outstanding Psychology major who exhibits excellence in scholarship, service, leadership, and scholarly achievement in research.
Natalie Policella is a graduating senior majoring in psychology. She is an active research assistant (RA) in the R.O.A.D lab, and RA for Drexel University’s Center for Weight, Eating, and Lifestyle Science. She and her team received Best Undergraduate Oral Presentation in 2022 at the Annual Psychology Research Conference. She also completed an internship at Helping Hand Behavioral Health. After receiving her undergraduate degree, she plans to pursue her Psy.D. in clinical psychology. Natalie is an active member of the psychology department’s peer mentor program, and a member of Psi Chi and Psyc Alliance. She’s been on the President’s Scholars of Excellence List, as well as the Dean’s List. Natalie also balances involvement as a sister of Delta Phi Epsilon. Natalie truly embodies the ideals of the Medallion Award and I have no doubt that she will continue to do incredible things as she leaves Rowan.
John Simmermon
Paul Dike Award for Excellence in Physical Science: This award, donated by the Department of Physics & Astronomy and the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, is presented to a Physics or Chemistry major who has demonstrated outstanding potential for continued academic or professional growth in the field of science education, and has significantly contributed to their department and community.
John D. Simmermon is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Physics. John is passionate about helping others learn physics, and he has enrolled in a Combined Advanced Degree Program at Rowan University to earn a Master of Arts in STEM Education and begin a career as a high school physics teacher. John will fully transition to the M.A. in STEM Ed program in Fall 2023, as he begins a year-long teacher residency supervised by a Rowan faculty member and a veteran high school teacher.
Mursalin Singh
Robert N. Renlund Preprofessional Award in the Allied Health Field: Established in memory of Dr. Robert Renlund, a faculty member in the Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences, this medallion is awarded to two students for excellence in premedical or preprofessional studies. This award is donated by the Preprofessional Club.
Mursalin Singh is graduating with a B. S. in Biological Sciences, along with three minors in Neuroscience, Chemistry, and Psychology. Since February 2021, Mursalin has been conducting research with Dr. Chun Wu and Dr. Xiaoyang Mou researching Computer Aided Drug Design and cell-based assays for testing chemotherapeutic drug candidates, contributing to two scientific publications and an upcoming Co-first-author manuscript. Mursalin's Certificate in CCMA, leadership roles in the Muslim Student Association and Biology Club, as well as her volunteer work with the Red Cross and teaching Arabic to elementary school students demonstrate her commitment to serving her community. Mursalin will pursue medical school to continue her services to the community.
Stephen Teeple
Nhan Huynh Award for Excellence in Computer Science: Donated by members of the Computer Science Department, this award is named in memory of Nhan Huynh, a graduate of the Class of 1989. It is presented to the student with the highest grade point average in computer science courses.
Stephen Teeple exemplifies the highest standard of excellence with the 2023 Computer Science Nhan Huynh Medallion Award. In addition to his high academic achievements, he serves on the Upsilon Pi Epsilon Honor Society E-Board and is a member of the Pi Mu Epsilon Math Honor Society. He also volunteers his time as a Math tutor and gives back to the department as a CS Learning Assistant and Tutor. This summer, Stephen plans to return to Lockheed Martin for his fourth internship and will continue with his graduate studies in our Rowan Computer Science Combined Advanced Degree Program in the Fall.
