VCU Engineering celebrated its hard-working graduate research assistants and graduate teaching assistants at a virtual ceremony held by Zoom teleconference May 14. Finalists for graduate assistant awards were presented and winners in each category were named.

Winners will receive cash awards and their names will be inscribed on plaques outside the dean's office. 

Outstanding Graduate Research Assistant Award 

Winner:

Akila Katuwawala
Department of Computer Science
Adviser: Lukasz Kurgan, Ph.D.

Finalists:

Dhruv Fomra
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Adviser: Nathaniel Kinsey, Ph.D.

Smitha Gautham
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Adviser: Carl Elks, Ph.D.

Sayantan Pradhan
Computer and Life Science Engineering
Adviser: Vamsi Yadavalli, Ph.D.

Vani Narayanan
Department of Biomedical Engineering
Adviser: Daniel Conway, Ph.D.

Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant Award 

Winner:

Morgan Thomas
Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering

Finalists:

Adam Morrissett
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Benjamin Horstmann
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Rick Hite
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Outstanding Service Award

Winners:

Michael Berger
Department of Biomedical Engineering

Brooke Danielsson
Department of Biomedical Engineering