An Outstanding Four Years
Lauren Grandy (center) with her nominees, Stephen M. Kuebler, Ph.D., Assoc. Prof. of Chemistry and Optics (left) and Candice Bridge, Ph.D., Asst. Prof. of Chemistry and Forensic Science (right).
Saturday, Dec. 5, COS student Lauren Gandy was honored as the Outstanding Four-Year College Student by the Orlando Section of the American Chemical Society. The award was presented to Gandy at the Orlando Section of the American Chemical Society Annual Banquet held at the Blue Herron Restaurant, Titusville, FL. The award consists of a plaque and a modest monetary award.
Gandy is majoring in Forensic Science on the Biochemistry Track and conducts independent research with Candice Bridge, Ph.D. She is also majoring in French Honors and will complete Honors in the Major through research directed by Charlotte-Anne Trinquet, Ph.D.
In addition to her outstanding achievement in scholarship, Gandy is the president of the UCF Forensic Science Association and vice president of the UCF Sudent Chapter of American Chemical Society.
Bridge and Stephen M. Kuebler, Ph.D., nominated Gandy for this prestigious award. In their nominations, they mentioned Gandy’s dynamic and productive personality, as well as her outstanding work as a scholar. The professors highlighted how she tirelessly serves UCF and the community through extensive education outreach and community service.
“It was a great honor to be nominated by Dr. Kuebler and Dr. Bridge…I feel very lucky to have such great mentors who encourage me to strive for great things and push myself to go beyond what is expected.” said Gandy.
“The greatest opportunities have availed themselves to me because of the support of Drs. Kuebler and Bridge, and I hope that I can live up to their expectations and make them proud.”
The award recognizes undergraduate students, within the Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Sumter, or Volusia counties, who performed outstandingly that year in their chemistry courses, research, and extracurricular activities.
At the event, Karin Chumbimuni-Torres, Ph.D., was also honored for Outstanding Four-Year College Teacher. Samantha Mensah, also attended to support Torres, and represent UCF at the event.
The American Chemical Society is the leading international professional organization of chemists and chemical engineers. The Orlando Section of ACS serves a seven country area and selects one student per year for Outstanding Four-Year College Student from among nominations submitted by its members.