2023 Chemistry Student Award Winners

Jihye Kang
American Institute of Chemists Outstanding Graduate Student Award

Jihye is originally from South Korea and began her Master’s studies in the fall of 2021. Jihye has carried out her thesis research utilizing DNA-binding proteins and nanomaterials for diagnostic application under the guidance of Dr. Moon-Soo Kim. Jihye presented her research at the 2022 American Chemical Society meeting, and a manuscript on her thesis project is currently under review. She received the McNally Award in the fall of 2022 for her strong work ethic and research effort. Jihye has also been invaluable as a teaching assistant in various courses, including Organic I and Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry.

Charles Uland
WKU Freshman Chemistry Award

Charles Uland has proven to be an exceptional student here at WKU. He performed at the top of his class in freshman chemistry, both in lecture and laboratory, and continues to excel in upper-level courses. He is presently working towards an ACS Chemistry major with a minor in Computer Science. Charles is a fine example of a hardworking, gifted individual with excellent character.

Hemali Patel
WKU Analytical Chemistry Award

Hemali has been very active in the chemistry department and holds numerous leadership roles across the college. She is pursuing a Chemistry major with minors in Biology and Psychological Sciences. Hemali has demonstrated exceptional skills in the analytical laboratory and performed at the top of her class. Her personality, skills, and dedication have been invaluable to the chemistry department.

Emma Gilliam
WKU Organic Chemistry Award

Emma is majoring in Chemistry with a minor in Criminology. Emma was selected for the Organic Chemistry award based on her outstanding performance in organic chemistry coursework and her enthusiasm for the subject matter. Emma started as a student researcher this semester and is currently on track to complete a Chemistry Master’s degree through the Joint Undergraduate Master’s Program.

Leah Jessee
ACS Division of Organic Chemistry Undergraduate Award

Leah Jessee is a graduating Biology major with a minor in Chemistry who has her sights on attending dental school. Her impressive dedication to the study of organic chemistry is evident through her exceptional achievements. In the fall of 2022, Leah attained a remarkable score on the national exam administered by the American Chemical Society.

Nathan Gillispie
ACS Division of Physical Chemistry Undergraduate Award

Nathan is a junior in the ACS-Certified Chemistry major program. The physical chemistry sequence is mathematically and conceptually intensive, but Nathan was able to meet that challenge and still ask deeper questions after class. He has been able to leverage his minor in Mathematics into research projects that involve computational simulations of the chemistry of Earth’s atmosphere, and he is considering computational chemistry as one possible track for his doctoral research work. Outside of Ogden’s walls, Nathan has somehow also found the time to self-publish several albums of original music and enjoys a wide range of other hobbies.

Zach Stichter
Nell Skean Outstanding Laboratory Assistant

Zach is a lead TA in the general and organic chemistry labs. He is also a support TA in the Fundamentals of General Chemistry Laboratory course. He doesn’t hesitate to help students, other TAs, and professors when needed. He goes above and beyond his duties and offers suggestions when appropriate. His professionalism is commendable, and the department is proud to have him in our graduate program. His plans include a Ph.D. program and becoming a university professor.

Sean Denham
Nell Skean Outstanding Laboratory Assistant

Sean Denham is an excellent student and one of the chemistry department’s outstanding teaching assistants. Sean is majoring in Chemistry, coupled with a minor in Political Science. He is currently interested in attending pharmacy school. Sean has been invaluable as a TA in our freshman chemistry labs for the past two years. Comments from the students have been consistently positive. His skills and dedication have been invaluable to the chemistry department.

Rajib Nath
Nell Skean Outstanding Laboratory Assistant

Rajib, a second-year M.S. student, has taken on the role of the lead teaching assistant for the Organic Chemistry II labs. He is known for being an extremely responsible and hardworking individual who is always willing to help and support others. His students appreciated his instruction in the organic labs, and his teaching style is well-received.

Langley Williams
American Institute of Chemists Outstanding Graduating Senior in Chemistry Award

Langley joined Dr. Kim’s group in the fall of 2020. Langley’s honors thesis focuses on developing CRISPR/Cas technology for diagnostic applications. She co-authored a research article in the Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology and presented her research at multiple national meetings. Langley is a valued student in our department, where she has served as a Chemistry Ambassador and teaching assistant. She has a strong work ethic, which is evident in her dedication to her leadership roles, classes, and research. The skills and knowledge gained throughout her academic training, paired with her positive attitude, will lead to great success in the future.

Tristan Skipworth
Outstanding Chemistry Major Award

Tristan, an outstanding senior majoring in Biochemistry, has been accepted to the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. Over three years, Tristan has showcased remarkable efforts in conducting cutting-edge research that is supported by the National Science Foundation. His research has resulted in two peer-reviewed publications as the first author. Additionally, he has presented his research at regional and national conferences.