The Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry, and Physics celebrated the outstanding achievements of its students at the Annual Chemistry Honors Banquet co-hosted by the American Chemical Society and Gamma Sigma Epsilon student chapters, on Monday, April 20.
Several graduating seniors were recognized for their excellence in academics and research:
Outstanding Pre-Professional Student: Chloe Briggs
Outstanding Student in an Emerging Discipline: Jessalynn Coen
Outstanding Pre-Health Student: Patrick Hennegan
Research Achievement Award: Zachary Holmes
Top Chemistry Major: Adrian Martinez
Top Biochemistry Major: Elise Spence
In addition to senior awards, students from across all class years were honored for their academic accomplishments:
Top Freshman Student: Jenna Weiler
Top Sophomore Student: Cassidy Hemingway
Top Junior Student: Isabella Nakhla
Faculty also presented awards to the top students in individual courses:
General Chemistry: Lisa Aarakit
Analytical Chemistry: Emma Schoenrock
Organic Chemistry: Matthew Long
Biochemistry: Kayla Buczkowski
Inorganic Chemistry: Linsey Myers
Physical Chemistry: Isabella Nakhla
Physics: Lisa Aarakit
The department also celebrated new inductees into Gamma Sigma Epsilon, the national chemistry honor society, which recognizes outstanding performance in chemistry courses. Twelve students were inducted this year, along with an honorary faculty member:
Gamma Sigma Epsilon Inductees
Faith Leader
Cassidy Hemingway
Emma Schoenrock
Ryan Nguyen
Levi Martino
Andrew Jin
Linsey Myers
Jessalynn Coen
Finune Shaibi
Kinga Wronska
Alannah Long
Isaac Evans
Dr. Robert Poltis, faculty fellow of Natural Sciences, was also inducted into Gamma Sigma Epsilon. A physicist by training, he was recognized as an ‘honorary chemist’ at the banquet for his long-standing dedication to student success in the chemistry department and participation in events related to the American Chemical Society. Of particular note is his creation of ‘Science Bowl’ in 2015, now regarded as one of the most beloved traditions in the Golisano Center for Integrated Sciences. Held annually on the Friday before Thanksgiving break, this event brings students together in a team trivia competition, putting their scientific knowledge to the test across a wide range of disciplines.
Gamma Sigma Epsilon was founded in 1919 and became a co-educational honor society in 1931. Today, it includes 93 chapters across the country and has welcomed more than 20,000 members. Niagara University’s Kappa Kappa chapter was established in 2008 and is currently led by Dr. Luis Sanchez, associate professor and chair of the Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry, and Physics.
Congratulations to this year’s award recipients and to the class of 2026!
