Every academic year, the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s College of Arts and Sciences receives departmental nominations for the Dean’s Awards for Outstanding Undergraduate Students and Outstanding Graduate Students. The dean’s selection committee gives these awards to exceptional undergraduate and graduate students in the College who have made significant contributions to the UAB community.
After carefully reviewing the 2023 nominations, Dean Kecia M. Thomas, Ph.D., and her committee have selected three undergraduate students and four graduate students for the awards. At the upcoming 2023 commencement ceremonies, the College will acknowledge and celebrate the recipients.
Congratulations to the following students for receiving this award:
2023 Undergraduate Dean’s Awards
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Daniel Elston – Philosophy and Neuroscience
“Daniel stood out early on as an engaged student and natural leader in the classroom, and he is easily among the most intellectually curious students I have ever taught.” ¬— Excerpt from letter of recommendation authored by Brynn Welch, Ph.D., Associate Professor in the Department of Philosophy
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Lillian Kennedy – Psychology
“Personally, Ms. Kennedy is easy to work with in terms of her high level of intellectual curiosity, enthusiasm, and upbeat attitude. She also shows the ability to simultaneously manage a number of different responsibilities successfully, evidenced by working in a research lab while also serving as a TA for multiple classes, volunteering, and continuing to maintain excellent grades.” — Excerpt from letter of recommendation authored by Michael Crowe, Ph.D., Professor in the Department of Psychology
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Sarah Van Winkle – Physics
“Despite her amazing academic performance and oh-so many extracurricular activities and awards, Sarah is one of the humblest students I know. She has a friendly personality. She is courteous. And she is always respectful of everyone’s time.” — Excerpt from letter of recommendation authored by Kannatassen Appavoo, Ph.D., Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics
2023 Graduate Dean’s Awards
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Bibek Dhami – Physics
He is a helping hand to me, both during our teaching team meetings, and beyond what I am aware: when I am not around, Bibek volunteers himself as a go-to resource for other TAs and the questions they have.” — Excerpt from letter of recommendation authored by Michelle Wooten, Ph.D., Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics
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Raiful Hasan — Computer Science
“Raiful exemplifies the ideal Ph.D. student. He has an excellent track record as well as promise in pursuing interesting research in important areas; he can teach well; and he already has a successful track record and experience in writing grants.” — Excerpt from letter of recommendation authored by Ragib Hasan, Ph.D., Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science
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Ayushe Sharma – Psychology
“She demonstrates a strong work ethic in her personal life as well as in her scientific research, and I believe that she will develop into an outstanding independent scientist. She is one of the best Ph.D. students I have had the pleasure of working with.” — Excerpt from letter of recommendation authored by Christianne E. Strang, Ph.D., Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology
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Banks Stamp — Political Science and Public Administration (MPA)
“He is exceptionally bright and an engaged citizen of the classroom. He comes to classes prepared, contributes to discussions in meaningful ways, and finds important connections between classroom concepts and the real world.” — Excerpt from letter of recommendation authored by Erin Borry, Ph.D., Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science and Public Administration
