Gonzology Forums

[pauw]

The Biology Department honored two graduating seniors with awards at the annual Academic Honors Convocation. This year's winners were Katherine Jochim and Ryan MacDonald.

The Biology Department has two awards to honor individuals demonstrating academic excellence in biology and a commitment to their field as indicated by exceptional research or service experience. The first award is named in honor of Robert and Claire McDonald, and the second award is named in honor of Robert D. Prusch.

This year's McDonald award recognizes a student who is well known for her ability to master and integrate mountains of material. As one faculty member noted "Her answers on the exam were better than mine would have been." The 2005 Robert and Claire McDonald award for distinction in biology is awarded to Katherine D. Jochim.

This year, the Prusch award is awarded to a student who in addition to having a strong academic record has served our community in meaningful ways, from arranging for a group of students to regularly entertain hospitalized children to making significant research contributions. His work on unusual skin glands in salamanders has been accepted for publication. The 2005 Robert D. Prusch award for distinction in biology is awarded to Ryan J. MacDonald.

Each award is accompanied by a plaque and a check for $200.