While everyone on campus deserves recognition for adjusting their work and carrying on their duties during a difficult year, the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences asked for nominations of LAS faculty, staff, and students who went beyond expectations to make a difference in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, and beyond.
More than 500 individuals and groups have been recognized for their efforts, including several from the Department of Chemistry.
The recipients of the LAS Impact Award represent the determination and adaptability that have helped light our way through this difficult moment in our history. We extend our utmost gratitude to those who went above and beyond the call of duty in helping our community throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Chemistry graduate student Zhuang Xu was recognized along with other graduate students in the Diao Group for 3D printing facemasks for frontline workers during the medical supply shortage. The graduate students recognized along with Xu are Bijal Patel, Daniel Davies, Prapti Kafle.
Chemistry professors Martin Burke and Paul Hergenrother were recognized along with Microbiology's Chris Brooke for extraordinary dedication and determination in devising a fast, affordable, and scalable saliva-based COVID-19 diagnostic test that has kept our campus functional and our university community safe during the pandemic.
Jenny Cox, the associate director for administration, was recognized for untiring dedication to safe and transparent operations in the Department of Chemistry.
Jordan Axelson, lecturer in the Department of Chemistry, was recognized for adapting her class to the current climate in the best possible way.