Auburn University’s Graduate School recently held their annual awards ceremony on April 28, 2023, where outstanding graduate students were recognized for their exceptional achievements. Two students from the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment were among those recognized.
Yufei Nan, a doctoral student under the guidance of her major advisor Maria Soledad Peresin, was recognized as one of 20 Outstanding Doctoral Students. This honor is awarded to doctoral students who have demonstrated exceptional research, leadership and academic excellence. Nan’s work is focused on the study of sustainable materials and their potential for use in the packaging industry.
Jace McCauley, under the guidance of his major advisor Adam Maggard, received the AU Outstanding Master of Science Graduate Student Award. This award recognizes the outstanding academic and research accomplishments of M.S. students at Auburn University. McCauley’s research is focused on how to improve communication between consulting foresters and landowners to increase engagement. He also hosts ‘The Forestry Project’, a podcast where he speaks with experts about managing land in a more efficient way.
Janaki Alavalapati, Emmett F. Thompson Dean of the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment, expressed his pride and gratitude for Yufei Nan and Jace McCauley’s accomplishments, stating, “We are incredibly proud of Yufei Nan and Jace McCauley for their outstanding achievements and we are grateful for the contributions they have made to their respective fields. Their dedication to research, academic excellence and leadership is a testament to the high quality of graduate students in our college.”
Additionally, the Rebecca Roden Award was presented to Audrey Grindle, the graduate programs and research administrative specialist for the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment. This award recognizes Grindle’s excellence in graduate student services, highlighting her commitment to providing students with the highest level of support and guidance.
(Written by Allison Killingsworth)
