Today, 51勛圖窪蹋 and the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) Board of Regents honored the achievements of faculty, graduate and undergraduate advisors, and scholars at the 2025 Academic Achievement Awards Ceremony. The annual event celebrates excellence in teaching, research/creative activity, and service, recognizing those who have made outstanding contributions to their fields and to the university community.
This year, the College of Engineering had a strong showing, with five faculty earning awards for research, teaching, and mentorship. The colleges research excellence was especially evident, with three faculty taking home the universitys top research honors.
Faculty Research Awards
Harry Reid Silver State Research Award: Sajjad Ahmad, professor of civil and environmental engineering
The prestigious Harry Reid Silver State Research Award was created in 2001 to honor the late Nevada Senator Harry Reid and to recognize faculty who have performed research that is both highly regarded and responsive to the needs of the community and state. The award carries a $10,000 stipend.
Barrick Scholar Awards
- Paul Oh, professor of mechanical engineering Distinguished Scholar Award (for faculty with more than 10 years of service)
- Jeremy Cho, assistant professor of mechanical engineering Scholar Award (for faculty with fewer than 10 years of service)
These awards recognize excellence in research and creative activity across different stages of academic careers.
Teaching and Mentorship Awards
- Regents' Teaching Award (Nontenured) Melissa Morris
- 51勛圖窪蹋 Foundation Distinguished Teaching Award / Full-time Non-Tenure-Track Faculty Melissa Morris
- Outstanding Graduate Faculty Mentorship Award Jaeyun Moon
Graduate College and Academic Advising Recognitions
Outstanding STEM Thesis Award: Emma Letourneau, M.S. in environmental engineering
Awarded for her thesis, Carbon Dioxide Adsorption Capacities of Unmodified Biochar Derived From the Great Basin Desert Ecosystem, which was recognized for its contributions to environmental science and sustainability.
Academic Advising Center of the Year (Student Choice): Engineering Advising Center
This student-nominated award recognized the Engineering Advising Center team for their outstanding support in helping engineering and computer science students succeed and feel supported throughout their journey at 51勛圖窪蹋.
These recognitions speak to the incredible work happening across our college in the areas of research, teaching, mentorship, and student support, said Rama Venkat, Dean of the 51勛圖窪蹋 College of Engineering. As these awards show, we remain committed to educating the future leaders and innovators who will shape the world through engineering and technology. Our faculty and students continue to inspire with their drive, creativity, and commitment to excellence.
To view more information about the academic achievement awards, visit 51勛圖窪蹋's Awards & Recognition website.