Past Awardees

The faculty members of the Division of Biology recently awarded Grace Nelson, senior in biology with an emphasis in human health biology, Olathe, and Kalea Nippert, senior in environmental sciences and in biology with an emphasis in environmental and evolutionary biology, Wamego, with this year's H.H. Haymaker Award for Excellence.

Nelson and Nippert each joined the Division of Biology in 2020 and will be graduating on May 11. Both are highly capable and accomplished students who have excelled both academically and in research.

The Haymaker Award is the highest honor bestowed upon a biology student at Kansas State University by the Division of Biology. The award was named in honor of Herbert Henley Haymaker, a K-State alumnus, Bachelor of Science in agronomy graduate, and faculty member from 1917-1963. The award is given annually to one or two of more than 100 eligible seniors majoring in biology, fisheries, wildlife, conservation, and environmental biology, or microbiology, who have both an extraordinary level of accomplishment as an undergraduate and the promise to continue such quality performance in a biological sciences-related career. Nomination and selection criteria include grades, rigor of academic program, extracurricular activities, recommendations by faculty and performance in an interview. This year, eight seniors were nominated.

Nelson joined the neuroscience laboratory of Kimberly Kirkpatrick at the start of her sophomore year and that of Bethany Plakke in the spring of her junior year. Both laboratories are in the psychological sciences department. Nelson's current work with Plakke is aimed at understanding the behavioral changes and neurological mechanisms of autism spectrum disorder and Fragile X syndrome. In addition to Nelson's research experience at K-State, she had a summer research experience in neuropharmacology at Louisiana State University. In the laboratory, Nelson has proven herself to be a quick learner and keen thinker.

Nelson's research successes and potential have been recognized by awards and opportunities to share her work. She received an undergraduate research award from the College of Arts and Sciences, the Division of Biology's Most Promising Student Award, and a university scholar award. Nelson has presented her work on four occasions, including at a national meeting of the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics.

Nelson served for two years as a residential learning assistant for a CAT Community of pre-medical students. Nelson excelled at helping her students study for biology exams, organizing review sessions and mentoring the students during their first year on campus. Her remarkable organizational skills made it possible for her to serve in the residential learning assistant role, excel in her classes and conduct research.

Nelson demonstrates high motivation, commitment and intelligence. She is considerate and maintains a positive attitude. Next, Nelson will pursue a master's degree in neurobiology at Northwestern University.

Nippert began research as a high school student, initially studying embryology with Michael Veeman. Throughout her time at K-State, she has worked with the Konza Prairie Long-Term Ecological Research program for three years as a research technician and for the last year managing the biogeochemistry laboratory. For the past two years, she has also conducted research with Zak Ratajczak's group, studying the effects of fire intensity of woody encroachment. She has also contributed to projects that involve a variety of skills, including soil and DNA analysis and programming. In addition to Nippert's research at K-State, she spent a summer studying high desert plants in Oregon and contributed to an ecology research project in South Africa. Nippert's mentors describe her as a strong, smart and reliable worker with outstanding writing ability.

Nippert has presented her work in venues that include the state capitol and a national meeting of the Ecological Society of America. She has been a university scholar, a recipient of the Robert K. Nabours and the Alan and Carolyn Harms scholarships, a recipient of the Division of Biology's Most Promising Student Award, and a nominee for the Udall and Goldwater scholarships.

Nippert has been very involved in community and leadership activities. She served as a volunteer and presenter at the Kansas Science Festival, as a volunteer in the bison roundup and prescribed burning events at Konza prairie, and as a volunteer for Students for Environmental Action and for Earth Day events. She served as a mentor for freshmen in the Division of Biology. Nippert also was a co-founder of the Kansas State University Ecology Club in 2022, serving as the club's first president and currently in an advisory role to the club.

Nippert is a flexible problem solver with a wide range of skills acquired through her diverse and extensive research experiences. Nippert plans to pursue a doctorate in environmental health science at the University of North Carolina-Greensboro, where she will study the effects of extreme drought, fire and herbivory on plant communities, as well as woody plant encroachment in savanna systems in South Africa.

Taylor Bugbee joined the Division of Biology in 2019. Bugbee is a highly capable and accomplished student, who has excelled both academically and in research.

Bugbee joined the laboratory of Nicholas Wallace during her freshman year. Wallace noted her tenacity and scholarship from the start. Wallace notes that only two weeks into her research experience, Bugbee was reading the primary literature and asking insightful questions.

In the laboratory, Bugbee has proven herself to be an exceptional researcher and collaborator. She earned co-authorships on four papers for work accomplished before, during, and after the pandemic. The papers probed the mechanisms of cancer and included a protocol on next-generation DNA sequencing around double-stranded breaks and three papers on beta human papillomavirus and double-stranded break repair pathways. Wallace describes Bugbee’s contributions to these papers as “substantive and essential”.

Bugbee also is leading an independent project examining the effects of a tumor proliferation inhibitor. Bugbee has coordinated the project, which is funded by the National Institutes of Health and is a collaborative project between Wallace’s lab and a researcher at Pittsburg State University. Bugbee’s paper on this work is ready for journal submission. Wallace emphasizes that Bugbee carried out the work and wrote the paper with minimal oversight.

Bugbee’s research successes and potential have been recognized by awards, including an undergraduate research award from the College of Arts and Sciences, two research awards from the Johnson Cancer Research Center, and the Campus and STAR trainee awards from K-INBRE (Kansas IDEA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence). The Star trainee award provides financial support for outstanding prospective biomedical researchers during their senior year as undergraduates.

Besides her research, Bugbee twice served as a learning assistant for a “CAT Community” called “Exploring Scientific Research”. A CAT Community is a group of approximately 20 freshmen with a common interest and taking two classes together. It is taught by the instructor of one of the two classes and an upper-class undergraduate learning assistant. The Exploring Scientific Research CAT community students took Principles of Biology and Chemistry I and were placed in research labs to do small projects. Bugbee mentored the students via presentations, field trips, and helping them prepare and present results at an undergraduate symposium. Bugbee created a welcoming community for freshman and was adept at working with students as they created and developed poster presentations on their research projects. One student wrote that Bugbee was “amazing” and “I loved my CAT Community”.

In addition to her research activities, Bugbee has volunteered at blood drives. She is also active in a campus ministry.

Bugbee demonstrates initiative, hard work, and academic excellence. She is unassuming and supremely competent. Bugbee has already accomplished an incredible amount during her time at K-State. She will be graduating from K-State in May, after which she and her twin sister, Ashlyn Bugbee, a graduating senior in microbiology (medical option) with a minor in leadership studies, will attend graduate school at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. The faculty members of the Division of Biology are excited to see what the future will bring for Bugbee, and they are confident that she will find success wherever she goes

Tumberger joined the Division of Biology in 2019. Tumberger was a highly capable and intelligent student.

"Little, if anything, will limit John's ability not only to succeed, but to be the absolute best at what he seeks out to accomplish," one professor said.

Tumberger maintained an excellent academic record while actively committed to many activities on and off campus, including research, community service, maintaining leadership roles in multiple student organizations, serving as a teaching assistant, and working a part-time job. Tumberger had an amazing ability to excel on many fronts simultaneously.

Tumberger worked in the research laboratory of Bradley Olson, associate professor of biology, beginning his first year at K-State and accomplished a tremendous amount. In the Olson lab, Tumberger studied the evolution of multicellularity using the Volvocine algae as a model, focusing on molecular basis of predator-induced cooperation. In addition, Tumberger spent summers working at the Children’s Mercy Research Institute studying pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic effects of Naltrexone in pediatric populations. Tumberger presented his research in multiple venues. At the time of this award he had two publications in press and two more in preparation. He was second author on two of those publications.

Tumberger demonstrated the principles of leadership and service throughout his time at K-State. Tumberger cared about making the world better through helping others. For example, Tumberger served as mentorship chair for the Biology Mentorship Program. He grew the program from mentoring approximately 50 first-year students in 2020-2021 during the pilot year to mentoring almost 200 first-year students under his leadership. Tumberger's goal was to have the entire class of incoming biology majors paired with an upper-level student as their mentor. This was a huge operation, and Tumberger's innovation, organization and drive were essential to its success. Tumberger not only recruited approximately 60 volunteer mentors, but he also developed training material, built a Canvas page to allow for smooth communication between coordinators and mentors, ran two mentor training workshops over the summer, matched just under 200 incoming students with their mentors promptly and carefully, and maintained lines of communication with mentors and mentees. Simultaneously, Tumberger also served as a mentor.

One mentee said that "John was everything I needed in a mentor … John patiently guided me … which I am very grateful for. I would be way more lost today if John had not taken the time from his busy schedule to mentor me." Another mentee said that "He was always there and extremely kind."

Impressively, Tumberger brought this level of dedication to not only classes, research and the Division of Biology, but also to many other campus organizations and communities. Tumberger served as president of the Human Body Club and was philanthropic and mentorship chair of the Pre-Med Club, and volunteered with the American Red Cross. In addition, Tumberger served as a teaching assistant for Human Body 1, BIOL 441. As a teaching assistant, Tumberger devoted a considerable amount of time to helping students in and out of class.

Tumberger demonstrated initiative, academic excellence and leadership. He accomplished a huge amount during his time at K-State. He will graduate from K-State in December 2022, after which he will work at the Children’s Mercy Research Institute for spring 2023, then attend medical school. The faculty members of the Division of Biology are excited to see
what the future will bring for Tumberger and they are confident that he will find success wherever he goes.

Malmberg joined the Division of Biology in fall 2017 and excelled in every aspect of academic and community life at K-State. One professor described her as a "stellar student" and "bright star." Malmberg's personal traits included responsibility, determination, humility, compassion, and kindness. Malmberg participated in research and did volunteer work on and off campus. She served as the director of alumni relations for Blue Key senior honorary and was very active with the Cats' Cupboard.

Malmberg served as a lead teaching assistant in Human Body I for three semesters. As a teaching assistant, Malmberg was known for the outstanding help she provided and for her consistently positive attitude. She was generous with her time and was always willing to meet with students, to help them study and to provide feedback on assignments. She maintained the course website, developed animated study content to help students, and led weekly study sessions.

Malmberg served as president, vice president of outreach, and secretary of the Kansas State University Student Foundation, which raises money and provides scholarships to students in need. In this role, she aided in execution of K-State Proud, which, as of 2021, had raised more than $1.36 million to help more than 800 students continue their education.

Malmberg went on to attend medical school at the University of Kansas.

Wilden joined the Division of Biology in fall 2016 and excelled in every aspect of academic and community life at K-State. Two of her professors described her as a "powerhouse" and "superstar," respectively. Wilden was one of those rare individuals who combined true talent with unfaltering focus and effort. Wilden served in leadership roles within the K-State Pre-Med Club and Pre-Health Ambassadors, was active in research, did volunteer work on and off campus, was part of the Symphony Orchestra, completed more than 40 hours of shadowing as part of her preparation for medical school, worked for a year as an undergraduate practicum for two biology courses, and worked with the Division of Biology during Orientation and Enrollment for three summers in a row, helping first-year students as they joined biology.

She showed a great desire to learn and help others with their learning. During her time at K-State, Wilden was able to complete two peer-reviewed publications — including one with first authorship — from her research, and designed an MCAT prep course that she lead through UFM Community Learning Center.

But the things that you cannot see on paper are the ones that made Wilden truly special. Wilden was organized, focused, motivated and had a great passion for learning and sharing her knowledge with others. She was a critical thinker, and she was able to draw from her past learning experiences to get a grasp of the situations facing her, and to develop a comprehensive understanding of the subjects she was evaluating.

Wilden's leadership and compassion were unparalleled, both in her role as a practicum for microbiology and cell biology and as an undergraduate research assistant in Stella Y. Lee's lab. Wilden was invaluable in mentoring and assisting other undergraduates, from training them in learning laboratory techniques, to helping them with their understanding of biological subjects, to developing good study habits. One good example of these was how, without being prompted, Wilden developed a whole semester study schedule for cell biology (BIOL 541) students, which outlined a reading schedule, when to review material, when to do the online assignments, and daily questions to practice their knowledge.

Wilden served as the president of the Pre-Health Ambassadors, as well as vice president of the Pre-Health Honor Society. In both cases, Wilden led their efforts to reach out and connect to the pre-med student population and spearheaded initiatives and programs to prepare the student members not only for their undergraduate degree, but also for how to successfully apply and interview for admission to a medical school program.

Wilden was accepted into multiple prestigious programs for the 2020 school year and choose to attend UT Southwestern Medical School.

In 2019, two outstanding graduating seniors were recipients of the H.H. Haymaker Award for Excellence, Hallie Lucas and Fawwaz Naeem.

Lucas pursued a major in biology, secondary major in natural resources and environmental sciences, and a minor in economics. Having a breadth of research experience through the Division of Biology and the departments of economics and English, Lucas presented at both local and regional conferences. She was an active ambassador for K-State through leading the Student Alumni Board and served as a campus resource for international students, while also being involved in service activities in the community. She received numerous academic awards, including that of Rhodes Scholar nominee. Postgraduation, Lucas attended Stanford University and earned her master's degree in international policy.

Naeem pursued biology and pre-medicine, and was also involved in research throughout his undergraduate career. He presented his work at several conferences, including the national Drosophila conference in Dallas. In addition to research, Naeem was involved in numerous service and mentoring activities both on campus and in the community through leadership in the Pre-Health Ambassadors, tutoring at the Academic Achievement Center, and guiding incoming biology students through orientation and enrollment. He received numerous awards for his academic achievements and for research, including the K-INBRE Award. Postgraduation, Naeem went on to attend Ohio State University in pursuit of his doctorate in biochemistry.

The 2018 recipient of the H.H. Haymaker Award for Excellence was Vaithish Velazhahan, senior in microbiology, medical biochemistry and pre-medicine, and University Honors Program member. Velazhahan had extensive research experience and won numerous awards presenting at regional and national conferences. In addition, he was heavily involved in leadership and service roles in organizations at Kansas State University and within the Manhattan community. He received honors for academics, research, service, and leadership, including being named a Goldwater scholar in 2017 and a Gates Cambridge Scholar in 2018, the first student at K-State to do so. Velazhahan went on to attend Cambridge University in pursuit of his doctorate.

Adam J. Schieferecke, 2017 recipient of the H.H. Haymaker Award for Excellence, pursued a joint Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in microbiology, with minors in chemistry, genomics and biotechnology. Schieferecke had extensive research experience, published in peer-reviewed journals, and presented his research at local and national conferences, for which he won several awards. He was involved in the K-State and statewide community, and was an advocate for science education in settings from high schools to the Kansas State Capitol. In addition to his many accomplishments at K-State, Schieferecke was a national Barry Goldwater Scholarship winner, and was also nominated by K-State for the 2017 Harry S. Truman Scholarship. Schieferecke went on to attend University of California-Berkeley in pursuit of his doctorate.

Erika Peters received the 2016 H.H. Haymaker Award for Excellence. Peters majored in microbiology with a pre-medicine track and participated in the University Honors Program. One of Peters’ professors noted her ability to balance differing activities – she performed in the KSU Marching Band as a section leader, was a College of Arts and Sciences Ambassador, participated on the Human Body cadaver team, and was chair of Cats for the Clinic which led fundraising for the Flint Hills Community Clinic. Peters was also heavily involved in research and participated in many poster presentations, receiving one of the top awards at the annual K-INBRE Symposium and having her poster highlighted in a special session at the national NIH-sponsored NISBRE conference in Washington, D.C., a considerable honor for an undergraduate. Peters graduated from the University of Kansas School of Medicine in 2020.

2015 - Jordan E. Parker (Topeka - Biology B.S. / Pre-Medicine Track / Secondary Major in Gerontology)

2015 - Canaan K. Coker (Shawnee, KS - Biology B.S. / Pre-Medicine Track / Secondary Major in Gerontology / Minors in Leadership Studies & Spanish)

2014 - Graciela L. Orozco (Kanopolis, KS – Biology B.S. /Biomedical Systems Engineering)

2013 - KaraJo Sprigg (Norton, KS - Biology B.S. / Pre-Medicine Track)

2012 - Whitley Jackson (Lawrence, KS – Biology B.S. / Spanish B.A. / Pre-Medicine Track / Secondary Major in Gerontology)

2011 - Rebecca Martin (McPherson, KS – Biology B.S.) & Theresa Barke (Lebanon, KY – Biology B.S.)

2010 - Diana Hylton

2009 - Nathan Harms

2008 - Jenna Kennedy

2007- Bridget McGuire & Erica Cain

2006 - Caleb Knepper & Philip Brinkley

2005 - Jessica Engler

2004 - Sarah Meyer

2003 - Elizabeth Richardson

2002 - Jane Titterington

2001 - Dustin Petrik

2000 - Teresa Sweat & Sarah Glaser

1999 - Tristan Kimbrell

1998 - Wendy Reeves

1997 - Jennifer Brisson

1996 - Jon Beckman

1995 - Scott Rottinghaus

1994 - Robert Anderson

1993 - Signe Balch

1992 - Jean Sonnenfield

1991 - Laura Ward

1990 - Beth Stronach & Darrel Loder

1989 - Jolanta Jacobs

1988 - Kayla Hagman

1987 - Daniel Roeder

1986 Kara Cundy

1985 - Donna Fox & Mitch Faddis

1984 - Keith Sumner

1983 - Anthony J. Kummer

1982 - Richard D. Frederick & Melanie S. Keyser

1981 - William D. Buck

1980 - Kathy R. Gromer

1979 Elaine C. Hefty

1978 - Dana J. Komarek

1977 - Mark D. Carlson

1976 - Patricia A. Wiltz, Franklin C. Rohwer & Terry Z. Riley

1975 - Randy D. Rodgers, Billie M. Moats & Eric C. Larsen

Gabriella Beachey

Sophia Benjamin

Ethan Christopher

Gloria Gibler

Johannes Glymour

Jazmin Graham

Roberto Maldonado

Grace Schieferecke

Madelyn Seiler

Emily Tolbert

Trent Voth

Helen Winters

Lexi Ziolo

Michael Bartkoski

Emily Burnett

Luke Carney

Hailey Casey

Jordyn Coonrod

Victoria Droge

Dylan Feist

Kian Fogarty

Alexa Heseltine

Abigail Schmidt

Klara Stevermer

Will Sydzyik

Ashlyn Bugbee

Elizabeth Fangman

Cole King

Regan Konz

Juliet Nava-Chavez

Grace Nelson

Kalea Nippert

Ashley Panagakis

Irit Sanchez

Sydney Tobis

Evelyn Ary

Mayece Barnaby

Taylor Bugbee

Louie Cabrera

Davante' Hammer

Quinlyn LaFon

Thomas Leihsing

Jared Long

Hieu Nguyen

Madison Nobrega

Loren Reed

Gabriela Shipman

John Tumberger

Lydia Waner

Ryan Donnelly

Emma Francis

Victoria Gaa

Cathryn Haas

Tommy Herrera

Elise Hesseltine

Reilly Jensen

Kale Mills

Abdulrahman Naeem

Miriam Reynaldo

Elizabeth Riforgiate

Kourtney Rumback

Pranav Savanur

Adara Warner

Lake Winter

Alexandria Bontrager

Megan Campbell

Adeline Chang

Hannah Coggeshall

Quinton Elliott

Hunter Hiegert

Alex Hydock

Kate Kim

Del'Sha Roberts

Lauren West

Carolina Bueno

Sarah Hansen

Braden Johnson

Hallie Lucas

Fawwaz Naeem

Alexa Wilden

Christopher Clarkston

Trevor Elwell-Cuddy

Kathlyn Gomendoza

Katherine Hwang

Haley Smalley

Jazmine Snow

Molly Bassette

Gene Coker

Julie Cooper

Victoria Cox

Victoria Floyd

Samantha Grieger

Matthew Kranick

Anna Kucera

Chelsea Moore

Jesseca Pirkle

Tracie Thibault

Vaithish Velazhahan

Madeline Colter

Emily Johnson

Luke Kicklighter

Erika Peters

Ella Popova

Mercedes Santiago

Adam Schieferecke

Noah Trapp

Konner Winkley

Amanda Braun

Heidi Brown

Matthew Galliart

Jordan Parker

Katherine Sensenich

Robert Breeden

Olivia Eller

Jeremy Goering

Mariah Jones

Jordan Marquess

Wren Michaels

Carrie Remillard

Emily Williams

Joshua Beyer

Connor Brass

Sterling Braun

Scott Cooper

Parker Miller

Brianne Pierce

KaraJo Sprigg

Trevor Starks

Jeff Bryant

Graciela Orozco

Emily Poholsky

Parker Rayl

Rachel Roth