Celebrating Excellence in Biomedical Engineering

Posted: May 13, 2011

2011 Biomedical Engineering Award Winners:

Junior Outstanding Scholar Award – Emily Colin Moore
Senior Outstanding Scholar Award – Meagan Amber Bechel
Research Achievement Award – Meagan Amber Bechel (nominated by Dr. Doug Kniss) and Suzanne Mae Tabbaa (nominated by Dr. Gunjan Agarwal)
Undergraduate Service Award – Raymond William Ratliff
Graduate Teaching Associate Award – Joseph Anthony Grodecki
Graduate Service Award – Patricia Casal
Herman R. Weed Excellence in Teaching Award – Keith J. Gooch, Ph.D.

On Friday, May 6, the Department of Biomedical Engineering and BMES hosted its first annual BME Awards Picnic to celebrate the past year's accomplishments. Awards were presented to students and faculty members who had shown exemplary commitment to academics, research, service, teaching, and leadership within the department.

As part of the ceremony, the seventeen members of the inaugural graduating class were recognized for their contributions through the newly established undergraduate program. As the first students to progress through the curriculum, they provided feedback, both formally in surveys and informally in conversations, that will have a long-lasting impact as the department continues to improve and enhance the program for future students.

In the arena of academic accolades, Meagan Bechel, Emily Moore, and Suzanne Tabbaa received honors. Meagan Bechel and Emily Moore received top academic awards, earning the Senior Outstanding Scholar Award and the Junior Oustanding Scholar Award, respectively. Nominated by their faculty mentors Dr. Doug Kniss and Dr. Gunjan Agarwal, Meagan Bechal and Suzanne Tabbaa were both recipients of the Research Achievement Award to recognize their impressive independent research projects.

The evening also highlighted shining examples of stewardship outside of the classroom. Alex Hissong, a graduating senior in the undergraduate program, was selected by his fellow students for the Senior Leadership Award, due to his impressive commitment and leadership to his peers throughout their academic journey. Ray Ratliff, a Winter 2011 graduate from the Biomedical Engineering program, received the Undergraduate Service Award for his steadfast dedication to supporting the department and the undergraduate program. Patricia Casal, a graduate student, was recognized for her commitment to service within the graduate program and received the corresponding Graduate Service Award. All three of these students exhibited a remarkable willingness to go above and beyond as well as a sense of responsibility to, and investment in, the Department of Biomedical Engineering.

The awards ceremony drew to a close with awards that celebrate impressive examples of teaching and mentorship within the department, as voted by the students sitting in the classrooms. Joseph Grodecki was selected for the Graduate Teaching Associate Award, in recognition of his excellence in teaching and mentoring the undergraduate students in the Biomedical Engineering program. The final award of the evening was the Herman R. Weed Excellence in Teaching Award. Established in 1996, the award recognizes faculty members who create a remarkable impact on his or her students in the areas of instruction and mentorship toward students, qualities which Dr. Weed exhibited during his tenure at Ohio State. This year's award was presented to Dr. Keith Gooch. "There will still be pop quizzes in class," he assured the applauding students in attendance.

Following the awards ceremony, the celebration moved outside to the pavilion in nearby Fred Beekman Park. Students joined faculty, staff, and families in an evening of food, families, relaxed fun, and a few rousing matches on the sand volleyball courts! See below for pictures from the event.

Congratulations to all of our winners and to a wonderful 2010-2011 academic year!

View more pictures from the event.