Lander’s College of Science and Mathematics Celebrates Students’ Academic, Research Success

From studies in the classroom to research exploring topics as varied as intermittent fasting, aquatic ecosystems and muscle strength and metabolism, Lander University’s College of Science and Mathematics honored the success of its students and their ability to flourish in their chosen fields.

“In my career, this has always been one of my favorite things, watching students as they realize that they have become scientists. And I know that feeling is shared by many of the dedicated faculty in our college,” said Dr. Jennifer Yates, Lander’s dean of the College of Science and Mathematics. “It is a joy to see them thrive.”

In addition to their academic success in the classroom, Yates lauded the students for their off-campus presentations at the Association of Southeastern Biologists Annual Meeting and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Southeast Conference, among several others.

“They’ve shared their work with others in their disciplines,” Yates said, noting that many of the students received research and travel grants from Lander and professional societies for their work.

Among the college’s awards:

Department of Biology

Dr. Jason Lee, chair of the Department of Biology, presented awards.

• Biology Discipline Award: Jordyn Deason, of McCormick.
• Nell Henry Award: Anna Smith, of Westminster.
• Lander Science Scholar Award (First Year): Abigail Brown, of Taylors.
• Lander Science Scholar Award (Upperclassman): Rebekah Logan, of Greenwood.
• Biology Research Presentation Award: Katie Egan, of Columbia, and Danielle Langley, of Lexington.
• Biology Research Scholar Award: Mille Elsborg, of Roskilde, Denmark, and Rebekah Logan, of Greenwood.
• Biology Research Scholar Award, Honorable Mention: Lila Bagley, of Irmo, and Jordyn Deason and Kaitlyn Thompson, both of McCormick.

Department of Mathematics and Computing

Dr. Farha Ali, chair of the Department of Mathematics and Computing, presented the awards.

• CIS Software Development Discipline Award: Daniel Prieto Diaz, of Naron, Spain.
• CIS Networking Discipline Award: Michael Nastro, of Mt. Pleasant.
• Cybersecurity Discipline Award: Ryan Thornton, of Belton.
• Mathematics Discipline Award: Weston Reid, of Abbeville.
• Mathematics or Computing and Engineering Dual-Degree Award: Logan Dorcas, of Simpsonville.
• Mathematics Education, Secondary Certification Award: Sofia Maldonado Diaz, of Greenwood.
• Calculus Achievement Award: Kent McCathern of Lexington.

Department of Physical Sciences

Dr. Ralph Layland, chair of the Department of Physical Sciences, presented the awards.

• Chemistry Discipline Award: Cassie Lentz, of Abbeville.
• Chemistry Education, Secondary Certification Award: Hannah Hewitt, of Heath Springs.
• Chemistry, Forensic Science Award: Kasey Richardson, of Columbia.
• Chemistry, Health Sciences Award: Brayden Mack, of Swansea.
• Chemistry Research Award: Jacob Hawthorne, of Belton.
• Environmental Science Discipline Award: Charles Zorn, of Barnwell.
• Environmental Science, Forensic Science Award: Cheyenne Trautman, of Anderson.
• Environmental Science, Research Award: Keegan Finnerty, of Rock Hill.
• Physics, Algebra Award: Jenny Le, of Abbeville.
• Physics, Calculus Award: Kent McCathern, of Lexington.
• Lander Science Scholar (First Year): Kennedy Berg, of Columbia.
• Lander Science Scholar (Upperclassman): Brayden Mack, of Swansea.

Yates also recognized faculty who received promotions or tenure. “These accomplishments are significant milestones in the academic career,” she said.

The faculty highlighted for their success included Dr. Elyse Donaubauer, associate professor of biology with tenure; Patty Griffin, senior lecturer of mathematics; Dr. Trevor Leach, associate professor of mathematics with tenure, and Dr. Andrew Schwendemann, professor of biology.