Several graduate students affiliated with the Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology (GDCB) received Research Excellence and Teaching Excellence awards from the Graduate College in fall 2022 and spring 2023. 

In fall 2022, Abesh Bera and Sahiba Siddiqui received Teaching Excellence Awards and Ching-Yi Liao and Chang-Yong Oh received Research Excellence Awards. Trevor Burh, Jodi Callwood and Zakayo Kazibwe received TEX Awards and Linkan Dash and Ha Vu received REX Awards in spring 2023.

Research Excellence Award recipients

Ching-Yi Liao received a REX Award through her major program, plant biology, for her work in the lab of Distinguished Professor Diane Bassham. Liao, who earned her Ph.D. in fall 2022, is described as “creative and enthusiastic” and “full of ideas.”

Chang-Yong Oh received a REX Award for his work in the lab of his co-major professor, GDCB Professor Eric Henderson. Oh is a biochemistry major in biochemistry, biophysics and molecular biology (BBMB). His other co-major professor is BBMB Professor Rich Honzatko. 

Chang is described as embracing his research with “formidable enthusiasm and uncanny patience.”

Linkan Dash, who majored in genetics and genomics, received a REX for his work in the lab of GDCB Assistant Professor Dior Kelley. Dash, who graduated in summer 2023, is described as “a highly skilled and accomplished plant biologist.”

Ha Vu received a REX Award through her major program, bioinformatics and computational biology. She is a student in GDCB Assistant Professor Geetu Tuteja’s lab.

Vu is described as “a highly motivated, intelligent, thoughtful, meticulous, creative, and productive researcher.”

Teaching Excellence Award recipients 

Abesh Bera, a graduate student in the lab of GDCB Associate Professor Moe Gupta, received a Teaching Excellence Award for his “outstanding work in Bio 211L, Principles of Biology Laboratory I.” His strong attributes include “his professionalism and reliability.”

Bera’s major is in microbiology.

Sahiba Siddiqui, a graduate student in the lab of GDCB Associate Professor Maura McGrail, received a TEX award for “her outstanding work in Bio 211L, Principles of Biology Laboratory I.” She is described as “a natural leader.”

Siddiqui’s major is in genetics and genomics. 

Trevor Buhr, a graduate student majoring in neuroscience in the College of Human Sciences’ Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, received a TEX award for his work in Biol 212L. Buhr has taught BIOL 212L for seven semesters. 

His “approachability” is described as one of his greatest strengths. The “friendly, relaxed atmosphere” Buhr creates in his classes make his students “feel comfortable and excited to learn.” Buhr is also praised for his willingness to share insightful feedback and suggestions to other TAs. 

Jodi Callwood, a graduate student in the lab of GDCB Assistant Professor Dior Kelley, received a TEX award for her work in the Principles of Genetics Laboratory (Biol 313L). Callwood is described as possessing “an outstanding work ethic and a genuine passion for teaching.” 

Callwood’s major is in bioinformatics and computational biology.

Zakayo Kazibwe received a TEX award for his work in the Principles of Genetics Laboratory (Biol 313L). His major is in genetics and genomics, and his minor is in bioinformatics and computational biology. His major professor is Distinguished Professor Diane Bassham. 

Kazibwe is described as “a dedicated instructor who works hard to ensure all his students meet the learning goals for the course.” 

The Graduate College accepts nominations for REX and TEX awards in fall, spring and summer.