BMES Annual Banquet

At the BMES Annual Banquet several undergraduate students were recognized for their achievements in leadership, research, academics, service and teaching. The banquet also offered an opportunity for students to honor Professor Laurel Carney as the BME faculty member of the Year.

This year the following students were honored:

Michael Lowenstein Memorial Award: Kelli Summers - Class 2011

This award, named for Michael Lowenstein, class of 1960 is presented to the University of Rochester River Campus undergraduate who deepens student, faculty and community awareness of existing social, racial, or political inequities. This undergraduate through his/her work and actions has endeavored to promote the ideals which Michael cherished. Michael sought to give a fresh view of things around us, to focus upon issues, to probe deeply using fact and objectivity and to open a dialogue with the community to find some answers.

Award for Athletic Leadership: Andrew Flack - Class of 2009/Key Program Year 2010

This award recognizes the positive contributions athletes make to the campus community. It is awarded to a student athlete who has contributed to campus life and demonstrated leadership within their club or varsity sport.

Outstanding Senior: Shehkar Gadkaree - Class 2010

In recognition of academic excellence and achievement in Biomedical Engineering.

Outstanding Junior: Stephen Antos - Class 2011

In recognition of academic excellence and achievement in Biomedical Engineering.

BME Faculty for Excellence in Research: Renea Faulknor - Class 2010

Recognizes an outstanding student for service to the Department of Biomedical Engineering. These efforts may include leadership in undergraduate organizations, engineering activities, or teaching activities.

Since the summer of 2008 Renea has been conducting independent research in my laboratory. She is an exceptionally hard working and motivated student who has generated considerable meaningful data. She is co-author on a conference paper and we are currently writing a manuscript for a peer reviewed journal. Renea is a team player and is an exceptionally confident student at this early stage in her career. She is well on her way to becoming a successful scientist and professional . Lisa DeLouise

BME Faculty Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Service: Imoh Ikpot - Class 2010

Recognizes an outstanding student in the Department of Biomedical Engineering for research excellence. The criterion for eligibility is authorship on a published manuscript or abstract, or presenting author of a public presentation or poster (internal or external). The Award was determined based on the level of contribution to the discipline of biomedical engineering and the level of independence of the scholarly pursuits under review.

Imoh does a good job of taking the pulse of the class and pointing out any potential issues before they become real trouble. Is has been involved in BMES since his freshman year and held elected positions. He has helped to give his fellow students a better understanding of their post-graduation opportunities. He helped arrange a student tour of Bausch & Lomb. He also assisted in the planning of the BMES Industry Night. Imoh is a thoroughly pleasant person to work and speak with. He has been of service to me personally and to his classmates. Steve McAleavey

BME Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching Assistance: Nicholas Vavalle - Class 2010

In recognition of excellence in Teaching Assistance for BME courses

Nick served as UG Teaching Assistant for BME 201L and BME 210 twice. He was outstanding as a TA: engaging easily with the students and with the other TA's, thinking creatively about ways to better explain the material diving into confusing questions to try to find good solutions. I have appreciated his talents and his help, and will miss him sorely next year. Laurel Carney