Clarion University has announced its 2010 nominees and finalists for the Syed R. Ali-Zaidi Award for Academic Excellence Scholarship.
The nominees include: Joseph Cairone, Richard Eckert, Laurie Grieshober, Levi Miller, Heather Puhalla, and Justin Rock.
Ali-Zaidi, a charter member of the Board of Governors and a strong advocate for our Universities, established the Award to inspire and honor Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) students who excel in the pursuit of knowledge. Students were nominated based on outstanding academic performance in the academic major and in other areas of study, recognition of scholarship by members of the university faculty, participation in extra/co-curricular activities during undergraduate years, and the quality of the nominee's essay, written by the nominee, addressing how the university prepared him/her for the next career step and what that next step will be.
Cairone, a senior molecular biology/biotechnology major with a minor in chemistry, is from Clarion and is a graduate of Crystal Lake South High School. He has been working with Applied Computational Technologies in Windber to design software to calculate the optimum dosage and radiation angles for radiation therapy, and has received a patent for one of the software components. His future aspiration is to enter a Ph.D. program in neuroscience.
Eckert, a senior business administration major with a focus in management and minors in sports management, athletic coaching, is a son of Glenn and Ilgra Eckert of Versailles and a graduate of McKeesport High School. He is also the recipient of numerous scholarships in both academics and athletics. A member of the Honors Program, he will present his senior Honors research, "A Collaborative Recruitment Model Between Honors and Athletics," on April 15.
Grieshober, a senior mathematics major with minors in biology (cellular/organismal), physics, is a daughter of Dave and Cindy Grieshober of Erie and is a graduate of McDowell High School. She completed research at the Penn State Erie - The Behrend College Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) in mathematical biology, a program, which only selects six students. She is the recipient of numerous honors and awards. A member of the Honors Program, she will present her senior Honors research, "The Impact of Technology on the Spread of Infectious Disease: A Mathematical Approach," on April 15.
Miller, a senior molecular biology/biotechnology with a concentration in pre-medicine and minors in English writing, is from Coopersburg and is a graduate of Southern Lehigh High School. He has received numerous academic awards, and has been active in Clarion University's men's cross country and track and field teams, and the Student Advisory Council. A member of the Honors Program, he will present his senior Honors research, "Design of a Reliable Model for the Induction of Superficial Skin Infections in Lab Rats," on April 15.
Puhalla, a senior management and international relations major with a minor in leadership, is a daughter of James and Melinda Puhalla of Aliquippa and is a graduate of Center High School. She has been active in numerous organizations, serving as president for the Clarion University Student Senate, vice president for the Society for the Advancement of Management Clarion Chapter, and as an officer for the Society for the Advancement of Management National Organization. She recently instigated the organization of a "Good Neighbors Program," which works to bridge the relationship between the university students and the Clarion community.
Rock, a senior chemistry/molecular biology major with a minor in mathematics, lives in Clarion and is a graduate of Upper Perkiomen High School. He is a son of Joseph Rock of East Greenville and Cynthia Rock of Alburtis. He has maintained a 4.0 grade point average and has received a Foundation Honors Scholarship, Board of Governors Scholarship, Reinhard Scholarship, and a Chemistry Achievement Award. A member of the Honors Program, he will present his senior Honors research, "Further Characterization of a Urpathogen-Biofilm Inhibitor," on April 15.
These nominees will be formally recognized by a ceremony held on Saturday, April 17 during the Academic Convocation in Hart Chapel. Academic Convocation is part of Academic Excellence Series, April 13-19, which also includes Faculty and Staff Scholarship Recognition Reception, Senior Honors Program Presentations, Undergraduate Research Conference, and Graduate Research Seminar and Reception.
Clarion University is the high-achieving, nationally recognized, comprehensive university that delivers a personal and challenging academic experience.