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Zane Abi-Rached, Outstanding Senior, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Zane is a dedicated and focused biochemistry & molecular biology undergraduate student. He became involved in research during his freshmen year, leading to his senior thesis project on acylcarnitine biomarker formation. Zane’s work to date has yielded a Nevada Undergraduate Research Award, one research publication and a second publication in preparation. All the while, Zane was laser-focused on his pre-med preparation, campus community engagement, and support of the department’s teaching mission as a discussion leader and NevadaFIT Pack mentor. Zane’s positive attitude and intellect will serve him well as he pursues a career in the health sciences. 

Elliott Runyan, Outstanding Senior, Biotechnology

Elliott is a dedicated, inquisitive undergraduate student passionate about plant genetics and science education. As a teaching assistant for the Department of Biology and a tutor for the First-Generation Student Center, he has supported students in mastering complex biological concepts. His research focuses on accelerating plant growth and identifying homoeologous exchange trends to improve crop resilience. Additionally, his internship as a genome editing intern at KWS refined his skills in applied genetics. Elliott aims to pursue a Ph.D. in genomics at Texas A&M University. 

Benjamin Faustino, Outstanding Master's Student, Biotechnology

As an undergraduate, Ben quickly became an essential lab member, mastering complex embryo techniques and earning a research grant. His work, now under review in EvoDevo, showcases his expertise. For his master’s, Ben is developing a molecular assay for sexing ticks, with enough data for a first-author publication. Alongside his research, his outstanding academic performance and Dean’s List recognition highlight his academic excellence.

Frederica Kizek, Outstanding Master's Student, Biotechnology

Frederica was a highly decorated scholar athlete at Southern Methodist University incorporating lab work with her swimming career. There, Frederica investigated how potassium channel deficiencies in the brain affect epilepsy. Recruited to the University of Nevada, Reno, for both her scholastic achievements and athletic ability, her success continued in the pool, classroom and lab. With Associate Professor Brad Ferguson, her research has focused on how insulin sensitivity and inflammation are negatively impacted by the loss of dual-specificity phosphatase 5 (DUSP5). Completing her master's of science in biotechnology, Frederica will continue enhancing public health outcomes in the biotechnology industry, with further hopes to specialize in medical devices. 

Victoria Miguel Rodrigues, Outstanding Master's Student, Biotechnology

Victoria’s perseverance and curiosity is evident in her commitment to academic excellence throughout her biotechnology master's degree. Victoria has shown dedication and passion for teaching while interacting closely with students as a teaching assistant for six courses. Victoria’s research with Associate Professor Brian Perrino focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms behind the pathophysiology of esophageal diseases. Victoria hopes to continue her graduate studies and become a professor to help train the next generation of scientists. 

Brian Prince, Outstanding Ph.D. Student, Biochemistry

Brian is an exceptional Ph.D. student deeply committed to his research on virus-mosquito immune interactions. His maturity as a scientist is reflected in seven publications and mentorship of seven undergraduate students during his time at the University, as well as in his numerous presentations, scholarships, grants and awards. He takes interest in all molecular biosciences research and is eager to assist others whenever possible. We are proud of his accomplishments and see a bright future for Brian contributing to important academic or industry endeavors.

Elizabeth Jennings, Outstanding Ph.D. Student, Biochemistry

Elizabeth completed her Ph.D. in biochemistry in four years in Professor Robert Ryan's lab, investigating the biochemistry of organic acid excretion by subjects with inborn errors of metabolism that affect mitochondrial function. Her work established a novel biochemical pathway, the acetyl coenzyme A diversion pathway, as responsible for organic aciduria in these disorders. Her research resulted in multiple publications, invited presentations at scientific meetings and scholarship awards. Her knowledge, expertise and dedication have contributed to the teaching and research mission of the Department.