SJSU University and College of Science Awards

2026 University Awards

President's Scholar

Ehsan Khatami, Professor of Physics & Astronomy

2026 College of Science Awards

Dean's Scholar:

Given annually to a faculty member who has established a regional, national or international reputation for excellence in research, scholarship or creative activity.

Kimberly Blisniuk, Professor of Geology

Kim’s research program is focused on landscape evolution, earthquake geology, and tectonic reconstructions of dynamic processes in Earth’s crust. Her research examines how crustal deformation and changes in Earth’s climate are recorded at the surface. This information is crucial for understanding regional climate and earthquake hazards. Dr. Blisniuk's research and expertise have been featured in the SF Chronicle, Los Angeles Times, National Geographic Magazine, New York Times, ABC News, CBS News,and KQED. Kim received an NSF CAREER Award in 2019 and an NSF IPA appointment for the GEO-EAR directorate in 2023. In 2022, Kim became a Kavli Fellow at the invitation-only Kavli Frontiers of Science symposium, sponsored by the National Academy of Sciences, and served on the planning committee in subsequent years. Since starting at SJSU, Kim has received 15 externally funded grants, 10 of which she led as the principal investigator. 

Research with and Mentoring of Students:

Given annually to a faculty member who has made a significant and sustained contribution to mentoring or otherwise involving students in research.

Faranak Abri, Assistant Professor of Computer Science

Dr. Abri’s ongoing mentorship of students provides a clear pathway from advanced coursework to independent research and professional development. This comprehensive mentoring approach equips students with the technical, research, and communication skills necessary to excel in competitive careers.

Staff Excellence:

Given annually to a staff member whose demonstrates a sustained commitment to the success of the College of Science.

Jade Nguyen, Instructional Support Technician for Chemistry

Jade is one of those amazing staff members who relieves burdens every time you work with her. When I'm working on a laboratory class and need something, Jade is there to help any way she can. She is a team player always ready with the assist. Jade keeps a level head and does not seem to get frustrated by any of the minutia, but just gets things done. It's also clear that she cares about our students and helping them make sure they have their accounts in order. Student assistants love having her as their boss and will even spend extra time in the stockroom because Jade is such a pleasant person to be around. It's true for me as well, Jade is always there to smile, laugh, or console. I'm so glad to work with her!

Innovation for Student Success:

Given annually to an employee whose work contributes significantly to the student success goals of the College.

Not awarded in 2026

Teaching Excellence:

Given annually to a faculty member in the SJSU College of Science who demonstrates sustained excellence in teaching.

Sonia Singhal, Associate Professor of Biological Science

Dr. Singhal has demonstrated strong academic leadership and instructional effectiveness through development of original course materials and impactful curricular revisions. Her classrooms are characterized by active student participation and an inclusive learning environment, informed by evidence-based strategies. Students consistently highlight her clarity, organization, accessibility, and ability to break down complex concepts.

In addition to her demonstrated teaching effectiveness, Dr. Singhal has made important contributions through curricular innovation, inclusive pedagogical practices, and instructional leadership. She emphasizes effective science communication through high-impact practices such as poster presentations, primary literature analysis, and communication of scientific concepts to broad audiences using written, artistic (cartoons!), cultural, and multimedia formats.

Outstanding Recent Graduate: 

Given annually to a graduate of the SJSU College of Science who shows outstanding early career success.

Hung Tong, Alumni, M.S. in Statistics

Dr. Tong earned both his B.S. in Applied Mathematics and M.S. in Statistics from SJSU and is now an Assistant Professor of Mathematics at Rowan University. He has established a strong and distinctive research program in cluster analysis, classification, mixture modeling, and computational statistics, with particular emphasis on developing flexible methods and statistical software for complex data involving missing values, outliers, skewness, and high dimensionality. Dr. Tong’s work also demonstrates meaningful service and broad practical impact. He has collaborated with researchers in public health, ecology, chemistry, education, nutrition, and business, applying his expertise to problems across numerous disciplines. Dr. Tong is an excellent representative of the SJSU College of Science and is highly deserving of this honor.

Award of Distinction:

Given annually to an affiliate of the College of Science who has made significant contributions to the success of the College.

Louis Caple, Alumni, '66 Biological Sciences 

Louis Caple graduated with a degree in Biological Sciences in 1966. He has long been a fan of football and SJSU.  He has been a consistent donor for 34 years to the Spartan Athletics Center, the Marching Band and the College of Science. Louis spent his entire working career in medical device sales. He's been retired for nearly 20 years. He likes to spend his vacations on cruises and with other friends and family. 

Past College of Science Awards

Dean's Scholar:

Research with and Mentoring of Students:

Teaching Excellence:

Staff Excellence:

Innovation for Student Success:

Outstanding Recent Graduate:

Award of Distinction: 

Past University Awards

President's Scholar:

Outstanding Professor:

Distinguished Service:

Outstanding Lecturer:

Staff of the Year: