Awards and Honors

National and International Honors

Rhodes Scholarship

The Rhodes Scholarships are the oldest and most celebrated international fellowship awards in the world. Each year 32 young students from the United States are selected as Rhodes Scholars. Rhodes Scholars are chosen not only for their outstanding scholarly achievements, but for their character, commitment to others and to the common good, and for their potential for leadership in whatever domains their careers may lead.

Deirdre Collins (’17) to pursue a Masters in Philosophy in environmental change and management.

Barry Goldwater Scholarship

This award honors former Senator Barry Goldwater through the operation of an education scholarship program. It is financed by a permanent trust fund endowment, and is designed to encourage outstanding students to pursue careers in mathematics, the natural sciences, and engineering. Selected colleges and universities are invited to submit up to 4 candidates for the national competition.

2017 – Ayan Mandal (’18)
2014 – Sarah Waye (’15); Kirsten Craddock (’15) received Honorable Mention
2012 – Frederick Ghandchi (’13)
2011 – Jess Hebert (’12); Eric Mooring (’13) received Honorable Mention
2010 – Jackie DesJardin (’11)
2007 – Sara Madanikia (’08)
2006 – Katherine A. Sperle (’08) and Marta M. Wegorzewska (’07)
2005 – Natalie Pica (’06)
2004 – Victoria Rafalski (’05) and Kirk Lohmiller (’05)
2003 – Kyle Brown (’04), Andreas Rauschecker (’04), Iga Wegorzewska (’04) and John McClure (’05)
2002 – Gillian Fell (’04) and Olumide Ojeifo (’04)
2001 – Connie Chan (’03) and Gabriella Rizzuto (’02)
2000 – Courtney Peterson (’02) and Susan Shamimi-Noori
1999 – Aaron Sylvan Lord and Michael G. Kattah
1998 – Kiran Reddy and Roderick Tan

Fulbright Scholarship

The Fulbright US Student Program is the largest exchange program offering opportunities for students to undertake international graduate study, advanced research, or teaching worldwide. It was established in 1946 to promote goodwill between countries through the exchange of students and ideas. Approximately 8000 grants are awarded annually by the Fulbright Program.

2018 – Maeher Grewal, to go to Spain as an English Teaching Assistant
2018 – Laura Dickinson, to go to Malaysia as an English Teaching Assistant
2017 – Jose Mendez, to travel to Vietnam
2016 – Alisha Dua, to travel to London to complete a Masters of Research in Biosciences at University College London.
2015 – Alex O’Neill, to travel to India to study plant-based medicine.
2014 – Kaley Beins, to travel to INDICASAT in Panama to study the correlation between different vegetative covers and nitrates found in water.
2014 – Sarah Kramer, to travel to Berlin Germany to model disease dynamics and human behavior in HIV disease transmission.

Churchill Scholarship

The Scholarships from the Winston Churchill Foundation of the United States support students to spend a year at Churchill College, University of Cambridge, England for advanced study in engineering, mathematics, and the biological and physical sciences. In 2013, only fourteen scholarships were awarded nationally.

2013 – Eric Mooring, Environmental Biology and Government double major
2006 – Cara Manlandro, Biology major
2004 – Iga Wegorzewska (she is the first Churchill Fellow at Georgetown)

Gates Cambridge Scholarship

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship program was established in 2000 by the Bill and Melindda Gates Foundation to the University of Cambridge to support post-graduate studies. Scholarships are awarded to students with outstanding intellectual abilities, leadership potential, and a commitment to improving the lives of others.

2018 – Ayan Mandal (’18)

British Marshall Scholarship

The Marshall Scholarship supports young Americans of high ability to study for a degree in at a university in the United Kingdom. The scholarship provides for two years of undergraduate or graduate study in any discipline, leading to the award of a British university degree.

2016 – Seamus Caragher, Neurobiology Major
2002 – Courtney M. Peterson, Biology Major

Clarendon Fund Scholarship

The Clarendon Scholarship, from the University of Oxford, is good for up to three years of post-baccalaureate study toward a master’s degree or Ph.D. in any subject area. Students must be from overseas.

2004 – Andreas Rauschecker, to study neuroscience

Clare Boothe Luce Scholarship

The Clare Boothe Luce Program stands alone as the single most significant source of private support for women in science, engineering and mathematics. Clare Boothe Luce, the widow of Henry R. Luce, was a playwright, journalist, U.S. Ambassador to Italy, and the first woman elected to Congress from Connecticut. She appreciated, however, that many women face obstacles in their chosen professions. In her magnificent bequest establishing this program, she sought to encourage women to enter, study, graduate, and teach in the sciences (including mathematics) and engineering.

2012-2013 – Sarah C. Kramer
2007-2009 – Amalia Aruda
2002-2004 – Jessica Melone
2000-2002 – Courtney M. Peterson

Beckman Scholarship

The Beckman Scholars Program recognizes outstanding undergraduate research by providing scholarships that contribute significantly in advancing the education, research training and personal development of select students in chemistry, biochemistry, and the biological and medical sciences.

2010 – Rocco Ferrandino
2009 – Kelsey Murphy
2008 – Paul Sampognaro

George J. Mitchell Scholarship

The George J. Mitchell Scholarship is named for former senator George J. Mitchell (D- Maine), who helped broker peace in Northern Ireland, and provides for a year of graduate study at a university in Ireland.

2013 – Wardah Athar, Neurobiology Major

National Science Foundation Graduate Fellowships

The NSF supports research through the awarding of highly competitive Graduate Research Fellowships. Undergraduate students who plan to attend graduate school apply for these prestigious awards.

2015 – Sarah Waye, entered the Ph.D. program in the Developmental, Regenerative, and Stem Cell graduate program, at Washington University in St. Louis
2010 – Amalia Aruda, entered the Ph.D. program in Biological Oceanography at the MIT/Woods Hole Oceanography Institute.
2005 – Kirk Lohmueller, entered the Ph.D. program in Genetics and Development at Cornell University to study population genetics
2005 – Victoria Rafalski, entered the Ph.D. program in Neuroscience at Stanford University (she was also awarded the prestigious Endowed University Fellowship)
1999 – Michael Do, entered the Ph.D. program in Neuroscience at Harvard University

Undergraduate Research Fellowships and Awards

Many research societies seek to encourage participation of undergraduates in research through the sponsorship of research fellowships.

2008 Zachary Dobbin (’08) received first place in the 2008 American Association for Cancer Research Undergraduate Poster Competition at the annual meeting.
2007 Zachary Dobbin (’08) received the Thomas J. Bardos Science Education Award from the American Association for Cancer Research
2006 Trey Picou (’09) received the outstanding poster presentation at the Molecular Parasitology meeting
2004-2005 Melissa Altura (’05) from the American Academy of Microbiology
2004 Adam Raff (’05) received a competitive Oncology Fellowship
2003 Jason Robertson (’04) from the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation
2003 Kyle Brown (’04) from the National Science Foundation
2003-2004 Rasha Khoury (’04) from the American Society of Microbiology
2002-2003 Rachel Bouttenot (’03) from the American Society of Microbiology
2001-2002 Matthew Neale (’02) from the American Society of Microbiology
2001-2005 Olumide Ojiefo (’05) from the National Institutes of Health
2001 Ziva Petrin (’02) from the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation

Boren Awards

Boren Scholarships, an initiative of the National Security Education Program, provide unique funding opportunities for U.S. undergraduate students to study less commonly taught languages in world regions critical to U.S. interests, and underrepresented in study abroad. Boren Scholars represent a vital pool of highly motivated individuals who wish to work in the federal national security arena and for the federal government.

Alexander O’Neill (’15) to study in Nepal

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship

The Gilman Scholarship Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs is an undergraduate program for U.S. citizens of limited financial means to enable them to study abroad, thereby internationalizing their outlook and better preparing them to thrive in the global economy.

Fei Yan (’20) to study in Argentina
Sophia Griffith (’19) to study in Denmark
William Mualem (’18) to study abroad
Elizabeth Borneman (’17) to study abroad
Samantha Wu (’15) to study abroad

Georgetown University Honors

Coakley Medal

This medal is the highest award in the University and is in honor of Lieutenant Hank Coakley, ’41, who died in the service of his country in World War II. This medal was founded to encourage and reward leadership and to keep alive Hank’s great love for Georgetown and is awarded annually to the senior who manifested the qualities of Catholic leadership in all phases of his or her college life.

2003 – Justin Kopa
1998 – Karen Hallermeier
1996 – Joline Staeheli

Katherine Kraft Medal

This award was established in memory of Katherine Kraft, by her daughter Mrs. Cornelia Kraft McKee, and is to be awarded each year to the graduating student who best exemplified the Jesuit ideals in his or her collegiate life. The recipient must have manifested a spirit of humility, cooperation, and perseverance, combined with leadership, sportsmanship, sacrifice and courage in overcoming difficulties.

2020 – Mahesh Krishna Kumar
2013 – Wardah Athar
2004 – Gillian Fell

Distinguished Service

This award is presented from time to time, at the discretion of the College Dean, to a member of the senior class who has distinguished himself or herself by his or her dedication in service to the ideals of the College.

1999 – Ellen Mowry

Lambert H. Spronck Medal

The Spronck Medal was founded in 1963 by the students of the College in memory of Lambert H. Spronck (C’1963). It is awarded to that student who has, throughout his or her college career, combined good scholarship with significant contributions to extracurricular activities, and who has manifested a spirit of giving completely to whatever Georgetown project or activity he or she is engaged in. The recipient must be respected and admired by the students, faculty, and administration of Georgetown.

2021 – Saham Ali

Louis McCahill Award

Mr. Eugene McCahill and Mr. Francis McCahill founded this medal in 1960 in memory of their brother, Louis, who died in the service of his country in the first World War. It is awarded to the student of the graduating class who has shown perseverance and determination of a high order in pursuing his or her educational objectives at Georgetown.

2011 – Mary Kathryn Hannan
2007 – Mahdi Shadkamfarrokhi

Edward L. Mahoney Medal

This medal was founded by Dr. Edward P. Luongo and Mrs. Virginia P. Luongo and is awarded annually to the pre-medical student of the senior class who has accomplished outstanding achievement in the Humanities.

2022- Ceylan Gül Metin
2021 – Christina Bi
2015 – Leah Kay Life
2011 – Beth Haneman Rutstein
2009 – Adeline Plesiu
2007 – Keith C. Summa
2005 – Amy L. Nicholas
2004 – Olumide (Lou) A.E. Ojeifo
2003 – Justin M. Sporrer

Thomas Francis Graham Award

This award is presented at the discretion of the Dean of the College and was founded by the Graham family in honor of their father, Thomas Francis Graham, CAS ’49. This honor is bestowed on a graduating senior who has demonstrated throughout his or her college career concern of others, academic achievement, sportsmanship as a member of an intercollegiate team, and dedication to the educational and spiritual goals of Georgetown University.

2004 – Gillian Fell

Dr. Michael Barrette Medal

This medal was founded by James C. Shannon, Jr. (C’50) to honor the memory of Dr. Michael Barrette (C’50, D’54). It is awarded annually to the pre-medical or pre-dental strudent whose academic record is outstanding and who by his or her co-curricular activities and interests has contributed to the educational goals of the College.

2021 – Georgia Payne
2020 – Lauren Yap
2018 – Kelly Clancy Zochowski
2015 – Kirsten Emily Stewart Craddock
2014 – Nimrah A. Baig
2011 – Mary Kathryn Hannan
2009 – Nino Mihatov
2007 – Sarah S. Pickard
2005 – E. Philip Lehman
2003 – Vikram Palanivel

The Horace Medal

This medal was founded by personal friends in the memory of Reverend John J. Murphy, S. J., at one time Prefect of Discipline and Professor of Moral Philosophy at the College. The medal is awarded to a student of the College for proficiency in both oral and written translation of the odes of Horace. The candidate, on the day of the examination, will present in writing an original verse translation of one other code of his choice.

2009 – Faiza Khimji

Sigma Xi Medal

This award is given by the Georgetown University Chapter of Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society, to undergraduate science students (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) who exhibit outstanding research.

2011 – Matt Spitzer and Mark Wilber
2010 – Lauren Westbay and Murad Mamedov
2009 – David DeMaria and Stephanie Zare
2008 – Irene Say and Zachary Dobbin
2007 – Anuj Jayakar and Ari Marciscano
2006 – Cara Manlandro and Himabindu Ekanadham
2005 – Adam Raff
2004 – Rasha Khoury
2003 – Devon Haydon and Connie Hai-Yee Chan
2002 – Jason Savich and Courtney Marie Peterson
1998 – David Cognetti and Eric Lind

GUROP Summer Fellowship Award

The University awards two summer fellowships to students who have previously participated in the Research Opportunities Program.

2015 – Erica Rapheal, Patrick Schlitt, and Breanna Walsh
2012 – Ian Gaston, Christopher Griffey, Claire Lang, Alyssa Miller, Kerry Ryan
2011 – Waseem Khaleel and Armon Ayandeh
2009 – Christine Helou
2008 – Dan Rogan, Mike Hrdy, Paul Sampognaro, Luke Johnston
2007 – Fabio Frisoli
2003 – Melissa Altura, Julia Maslov
2001 – Rachel Bouttenot, Katherine Bracke, Kristen Cam

Georgetown University Student Research Day Award

The Undergraduate Research Conference showcases undergraduate research from Biology and the School of Nursing & Health Sciences; this conference is sponsored by the SNHS. Since 2010, many biology undergraduates, particularly those doing bio-medical research, have joined in these proceeding. Prior to 2006, Biology undergraduates participated in Student Research Days, sponsored by the School of Medicine, that showcased the scientific research efforts of students and postdoctoral fellows at Georgetown University. Biology undergraduate students competed with masters students from the GU Medical School in the Bachelors/Masters Division.

2014 – Christopher Griffey, Best Oral Presentation, and Jennifer Purks, Best Poster Award
2013 – Michael Kiritsy, Outstanding Undergraduate Poster Award
2012 – Jess Hebert, Best Research Award; Michael Wytock and Sophie Clark, Best Poster Awards
2006 – Laura Magill
2004 – Gilly Fell
2003 – Rasha Khoury

George F. Baker Scholar

The Bakers Scholars Program provides a select group of juniors and seniors in Georgetown College with a unique opportunity to connect their studies to the world of business.

Katherine Mangialardi (COL ’16), Biology of Global Health major
George Roche (COL ’10), first Biology major in the program

Department of Biology Honors

Chapman Medal

This award is named in honor of the former Chair of the Department of Biology, Prof. George Chapman, who initiated the Senior Thesis and dedicated himself to research and education. This medal is awarded to the undergraduate student with the most outstanding research project.

2022- Liam Horan-Portelance and Finn Thompson
2021 – Ian Yannuzzi
2020 – Zachary Susswein
2019 – Natalie Utley
2018 – Joshua Tobin
2017 – Emma Spikol
2016 – Seamus P. Caragher and Kayleigh C. Hauri
2015 – Dongeun Heo
2014 – Jennifer Marvin
2013 – Nicole DesForges
2012 – Jess Hebert
2011 – Trey Picou and Alexander Tai
2010 – Paul Sampognaro and Joe Tesoriero
2009 – Alisa Alayan
2008 – Katherine Sperle
2007 – Laura Magill
2006 – Erin Murphy
2005 – Maria Gaspar and Kirk Lohmueller
2004 – Kyle Brown
2003 – Rachel Adams and Justin Sporrer
2002 – Erin Wilson and Matthew Neal
2001 – Iona O’Neil Dunne
2000 – Anoushka Afonso
1999 – Athir Morad
1998 – Arezoo Zomorrodi and Jeffrey Krygier
1997 – Jennifer Ellis
1996 – Jamal Bullocks

Biology Medal

This medal is awarded to the senior(s) who exhibit the highest degree of industry, perseverance, leadership, maturity and promise in the field of Biology.

2022- Finn Thompson, Alexa MacKinnon, Paige Curcio
2021- Grace Keegan, Emily Mazur, and Ian Yannuzzi
2020- Madeline Kuney, Lucy Morrison, Mary Meg Valentine, and Annika Sundlof
2019 – Julie Bevilacqua, Agnes Donnelly, Brooke Fiedler, and Michael Papazian
2018 – Joshua Tobin, Sarah Powell and Victoria Smith
2017 – Bre Walsh, Emma Spikol, Ali Galezo and Marissa Stepler
2016 – Seamus P. Caragher, Madison A. Pachoe and Patrick K. Schlitt
2015 – Maggie Axelrod, Christopher Jones, Margaret Stebbins and Sarah Waye
2014 – Sara Gianfagna and David Schaffer
2013 – Eric Mooring and Samuel Dowling
2012 – Jess Hebert and Caterina Profaci
2011 – Alexandra Russo and Mary Catherine Daly
2010 – Vivienne Foroughirad and Lauren Westbay
2009 – Andrea Dawe
2008 – Lauryn Stevens
2007 – Sarah E. Bronko and Mahdi Shadkamfarrokhi
2006 – Jon Iaccarino
2005 – Nirica M. Borges and Jennifer S. Moore
2004 – Jason Robertson and Megan Brooks
2003 – David Andolino
2002 – Alex Chang and David Thuillier
2001 – Emily LaVigne
2000 – Patrick (Rick) Hlubik
1999 – Ellen Mowry
1998 – Eileen Hsu
1997 – Elizabeth Bailey and Jenkins Bush

Taylor-Weber Memorial Scholarship

This alumni-endowed prize is for the student or students who enter the senior year with the highest academic record among majors and is named for two outstanding teachers in the Department’s history.

2021-2022- Jordan E. Kramer
2020-2021- Liddy Kasraian and Georgia Payne
2019-2020- Lauren Yap and Mahesh Kishna Kumar
2018-2019 – Julie Bevilacqua and Agnes Donnelly
2017-2018 – Thea Johnson
2016-2017 – Connor Peterson
2015-2016 – Shan Guleria
2014-2015 – Nicole Kelly
2013-2014 – Sarah Kramer, Catherine Kulick
2012-2013 – Leighton Daigh, Anne Duckles, Eric Mooring, Marie Smithgall
2011-2012 – Stefano Daniele, Jess Hebert, Meghan O’Hearn, Megan Oblaczynski
2010-2011 – Jacob Beckerman, Mary Hannan, Jeffrey Kubiak, Beth Rutstein, Matthew Spitzer
2009-2010 – Colleen Bennett, Matthew Toth, Paul Sampognaro, Samuel Wiles
2008-2009 – Alisa Alayan, John Tyler Steubs, Faiza Khimji and Nino Mihatov
2007-2008 – Sara Madanikia, Samantha Powell, Irene Say, and Katherine Sperle
2006-2007 – Mary Conlon, Sarah Pickard, Keith Summa and Stephanie Wappel
2005-2006 – Fariborz Baghai, Catherine Bennett, Horace “Jory” Caulkins, Cara Manlandro, Stephanie Steele and Natalie Wolkow
2004-2005 – E. Philip Lehman and Renee E. Westley
2003-2004 – Gillian Fell
2002-2003 – Connie Hai-Yee Chan and Vikram Palanivel
2001-2002 – Gabrielle Rizzuto
2000-2001 – Rachel Monastra
1999-2000 – Charan Gowda and Robert Hruby
1998-1999 – Edward Hwang and Kiran Reddy
1997-1998 – Eileen Hsu and Scott Thomas
1996-1997 – Jose Mora and Jessica Thompson

Zukowski-Kolleng Undergraduate Research Scholarships in Biology

The Zukowski-Kolleng Undergraduate Research Scholarships were made possible through generous gifts from Dr. Mark M. Zukowski, a 1971 graduate of the Biology Department, and Dr. John Kolleng, a 1977 graduate. Their fond memories of their senior theses and the role they played in their careers underlie their commitment to today’s undergraduate student researchers.

2015 – Monica Brady, Madeline Campbell and Sara Carioscia
2014 – Jacqueline Summers, Katharyn Stefos and Amanda Smart
2013 – Kamil Lupicki, Nimra Baig and Neil Sood
2012 – Jennifer Marvin and Joseph Wiedemer
2011 – Michael Kiritsy and Alison O’Neill
2010 – Peter Metzger and Jenine Boileau
2009 – Harrison Bookstein and Alexander Tai
2008 – Sari Khalil and David DeMaria
2007 – Trey Picou and Stephanie Majeski
2006 – Brenda Huang
2005 – Ben Vaccaro and Himabindu Ekanadham
2004 – Matt Minor, Cara Manlandro and Christi Bird
2003 – Sarah Connolly, Megan Brooks, Gillian Fell
2002 – Kyle Brown, Erin Wilson, Devon Haydon