Two students have recently received awards for their research and co-curricular activities. Scott Wilson, a former student in the Department of Biomedical engineering at Texas A&M University, received the Graduate Student Award for Excellence in Research-Master’s, and Dr. Charles W. Peak, a doctoral student in biomedical engineering, received the Buck Weirus Spirit Award, both from the Association of Former Students (AFS). Both work in a laboratory in the department under assistant professor, Dr. Akhilesh Garharwar.
Wilson graduated with a Master of Science in 2017 with a thesis title of “Designing Advanced Bioinks for 3D Printing Complex Tissue Structures.” Each year, the AFS Graduate Student Award for Excellence in Research-Master’s is given to researchers who are nominated by faculty advisors or departments. An external panel of reviewers, that includes faculty and administrators, chooses the distinction of excellence winners. The panel selects the recipients based on criteria, including scholastic achievements, publications, academic awards and scholarships.
“This award adds to the pride that I have in my individual academic work and research,” Wilson said. “But more importantly, it is a testament to the great team dynamic we have in the Gaharwar Lab. I would not have been able to produce the level of research that I did without the encouragement and refinement given by my graduate student colleagues Lauren Cross, C.W. Peak, Jake Carrow, David Chimene and advisor, Dr. Gaharwar.”
The 2018 Buck Weirus Spirit Award honors up to 55 students each academic year and recognizes students with high involvement that create positive experiences that impact the Texas A&M community.
Peak was the founder and inaugural president of the Biomedical Engineering Graduate Student Association. He worked diligently to enhance the program through service to the department, enhanced professional development opportunities and improved recruiting.
“This award is a validation of the formation of the Biomedical Engineering Graduate Student Association,” Peak said. “It shows that we, as students, can identify our own areas for improvement and that we can work collectively to better our program. I am honored to have my work in establishing this organization recognized by receiving the Buck Weirus Spirit Award.”
Wilson and Peak join several of Gaharwar’s students who have received university level awards in the past.
For additional information visit the AFS Distinguished Graduate Student Award website or the Buck Weirus Spirit Award website.