Behind Every Graduate

Behind every successful graduate is a mentor who believes in them. Who’s yours?

Nominate a faculty or staff member who helped support your dreams for special recognition at commencement. They’ll receive a commemorative pin and will be recognized at your commencement ceremony. Rather than a competition, this is simply a chance to recognize someone who made a positive difference in your life. 

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2025 Fall Faculty Honorees

Here are the faculty members who made a lasting impact on our Fall 2025 graduating class, in the words of the students themselves:

Kristen Donnell
Dr. Kristen Donnell

"Dr. Donnell does everything with excellence. She puts so much time and effort into everything she signs herself up to do, which is a lot, and follows through with it with such perfection. Every student she works with, every class she teaches, and every paper she reviews is done so well. She is an amazing role model because of this." 

Cihan Dagli
Dr. Cihan Dagli

"Having Dr. Dagli showed me how to do careful, honest research and how to manage time well. He was respectful, prepared, and supportive exactly how I want to be as a professional." 

Jacob Miller
Dr. Jacob Miller

"Dr. Miller's classes are very informative, and he influenced me to get an emphasis in manufacturing engineering. He is an an outstanding professor, with a desire to revamp the manufacturing department for the student's benefit."

Merilee Krueger
Dr. Merilee Krueger

"Dr. Krueger is very kind, very understanding, excited to teach, and more than willing to work with you if you need help. As my advisor she has helped me transfer into my degree and make me finally feel welcomed onto the campus even after being here for 3 years before changing majors."

Mary Gillis
Dr. Mary Gillis

"Dr. Gillis has always been very transparent and communicative with her students, always informing us when there is a change of plans in our class schedule or assignments. She is always on time for class and ready to start the day on the best possible note she can, brightening the spirit of every student that walks through her door. She encouraged us to take notes and study, but she also assigned hands-on work that was actually applicable to our futures in teaching."

Joan Schuman
Dr. Joan Schuman

"There are too many benefits on my life that Dr. Schuman has had, but the biggest one was her being my advisor. From the start she cared about my success not just in school and the department, but in my career long term. She is one of the most phenomenal professors on this campus and she is also one of the busiest. I’m proud to say I got to have someone with such a strong character and passion for teaching to be my advisor and mentor while I went to this school."

Heath Pickerill
Dr. Heath Pickerill

"Dr. Pickerill has been an incredible role model both academically and personally. His passion for design is inspiring and he models what it means to truly care about your work and your students. He consistently demonstrates professionalism, kindness, and integrity in everything he does. Beyond the classroom, he shows that being an educator and designer is about continuous learning, empathy, and thoughtful leadership. Seeing how he balances expertise with genuine compassion has made me want to approach my own career and life with the same dedication and positivity."

Kelvin Erickson
Dr. Kelvin Erickson
"He was very attentive and always willing to help if you came to his office hours and would be willing to schedule other meetings in case you can’t meet with him. He also would see if a student had major misconceptions  on the homework assignments and would schedule a mandatory meeting with them to discuss why things are going wrong. This shows how much he cares."

Yanzhi Zhang
Dr. Yanzhi Zhang
"Dr. Zhang has been there for me every step of the way. She is not only my research advisor but also a mentor who cares about my personal growth. She teaches me lessons beyond the field of mathematics, constantly encouraging me to push my limits and become the best version of myself. The growth I have experienced under her guidance is far greater than I ever expected, and I am deeply grateful for the time and dedication she has invested in me."

Yezad Anklesaria
Dr. Yezad Anklesaria
"Yezad offered me a position as a research assistant. He gave his recommendation of me to a company coming to the protoplex. I got an interview and was hired by that company for an internship. Now I will have a full time job at the company in January. I love my job and every day is interesting and exciting. I owe it all to Dr. Anklesaria."

Matt Senter
Matt Senter
"Matt is encouraging and patient when you're struggling to understand something. He has been a great friend and teacher to me. When I was ready to give up, he was there helping me understand my work and just being a friend and making me laugh. I wouldn't be graduating without his help and encouragement."

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Dr. David Bayless
"Even before I arrived at Missouri S&T in December 2021, Dr. Bayless demonstrated exceptional leadership and care by connecting me with two graduate students to help me transition smoothly into the program. Throughout my PhD journey, he has consistently demonstrated academic excellence, integrity, and service. His commitment to sustainability, wastewater remediation, carbon capture, and engineering innovation set a professional and ethical benchmark that profoundly shaped my research approach."

Anthony Okafor
Dr. Anthony C. Okafor
"Dr. Okafor is kind patient and hard working Professor. One of the moments is, when I supposed to present in a conference, but wasn’t able to go due to visa issues. Dr. Okafor went and presented in my stead."

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Akim Adekpedjou
"Dr. Akim has been a positive role model by always emphasizing my education, and allowing me to share my interests. He provided support to me in finishing my bachelors degree by being my advisor, helping me understand career paths, and always being available to talk about classes. Beyond my bachelors degree, he encouraged me to pursue a masters degree."

Catherine Johnson
Dr. Catherine Johnson
"Dr. Johnson is one of the most amazing faculty members on campus. I’ve had the privilege of getting to know her through my role on The Rocket Design Team, where she serves as our advisor. Since meeting her during my sophomore year, she has offered invaluable guidance on leadership, academics, and navigating the industry. Despite her busy schedule, Dr. J is always willing to make time for her students."

Robin Verble
Dr. Robin Verble
"Dr. Verble has always been a positive role model, leader, and guide on my journey here at S&T. She has always brought a positive mental attitude in and out of the field. Personally, I know myself and fellow students in my major all would very much like to express our gratitude and thankfulness for the impact professor verble has brought into out lives."

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Dr. Mario Buchely
"Dr. Mario Buchely has been an incredible mentor and role model ever since I met him during my sophomore year, back when I was still majoring in Mechanical Engineering. At a time when I was uncertain about my future direction, he encouraged me to explore my interests and offered me an opportunity to join the Peaslee Steel Manufacturing Research Center (PSMRC) as an undergraduate researcher."

Katherine Grote
Dr. Katherine Grote
"Dr. Katherine Grote has exemplified many positive characteristics of both a reliable advisor and a thoughtful professor. Where she has inspired me most significantly has been in the incredible effort she puts into the assignments given in her Subsurface Hydrology classes. Her assignments are always grounded in realistic scenarios with necessary simplifications that provide opportunities for critical thought and professional work."

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Dr. Kelly Homan
"Dr. Homan embodies what it means to be a dedicated educator and researcher. He consistently goes above and beyond to ensure students truly understand the material, and he models intellectual curiosity, patience, and integrity in everything he does. His enthusiasm for fluid mechanics and thermodynamics inspired me to approach learning as a process of discovery rather than memorization."

Dave Westenberg
Dr. David Westenberg
"Dr. Westenberg has always been very supportive of Miner women's volleyball but also all of the sports in general. Every class that I have had with him he always asked me how I was doing and how the team was doing. He always encouraged us to explore and discover what we truly love to do, and to always be curious and ask lots of questions."

Jonathan Kimball
Dr. Jonathan Kimball
"Dr. Kimball is a role model not only for his dedication to his craft but also for the way he skillfully balances many pursuits. While many professors focus solely on teaching formulas or helping students check boxes toward a degree, he goes far beyond that. He shows us not just how to succeed academically, but how to grow as individuals. His guidance has empowered me to explore new opportunities, develop new ideas, and understand the ethical foundations of professionalism."

David Samson
Dr. David Samson
"Dr. Samson had made me realize that despite going for my degree, my passions can lie elsewhere, and through Dr. Samson I rediscovered that with music. Truly a good role model and wonderful professor."

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Dr. Garyfallia Katsimiga
"Dr. Lia went above and beyond the usual expectations of a teacher with regard to facilitating students learning. She would stop lectures to explain in great depth any questions or misunderstandings the class had. Additionally, she never ceased to go out of her way to provide students with extra help and tutoring, whether that be during her office hours, between classes, early mornings, late evenings, or even hosting weekend review sessions for the class."

Dr. Dua
Dr. Rohit Dua
"Dr. Dua was always available to discuss challenges that students were having in his classes and he offered real and extremely helpful solutions. many of the solutions required lots of extra work or time on his part."

Grace Yan
Dr. Guirong (Grace) Yan
"Dr. Yan was a key part of my success as a graduate student. She taught me how to be a careful researcher and how to engage with the broader community. It is very clear that she cares deeply about each one of her students. My success would not have been possible without her unwavering support of my future."

2025 Fall Staff Honorees

Here are the staff members who made a lasting impact on our Fall 2025 graduating class, in the words of the students themselves:

Marjie Grimshaw
Marjie Grimshaw

"I did not get to interact with Marjie often until this semester, but she is a key member of our school in my department. She puts together events for students and tries to help in various ways that help keep everything going smoothly. Marjie hasn't pushed me towards finishing my degree, but it is members of our staff like her that allow for students here to have so many experiences as they work to get their degree."

Rob Cummings
Robert Cummings

"Coach Cummings was a positive role model by constantly emphasizing the importance of education alongside athletics. He often reminded us that “degrees are for life” and pushed us to keep our grades up. His dedication to our growth, both as students and athletes, showed me what it means to prioritize long-term success while still competing at a high level. Beyond academics and athletics, Coach also built a true family environment within the team. He always preached that the time we share with family is the most valuable, and through that mindset, he created a culture where teammates became brothers for life. Coming from another country, I was able to find a family here through athletics, and that sense of belonging has been one of the greatest gifts of my college experience."

Kevin Walkup
Kevin Walkup
"Kevin is extraordinary. I have never met someone so willing to go out of their way for their students. Kevin always supported me and kept me accountable when others would not. I owe part of my degree to the best advisor ever! There were multiple times in my degree where I was not sure that I chose correct, or if I wanted to finish it. Kevin was always by my side giving the full picture of what would be best. He always gave options and always supported the student first, not the university. Honestly if Kevin was not my academic advisor I am not sure I would have finished my degree."

Brittany Thompson
Brittany Thompson
"Brittany cared about and made sure I was staying upright in classes. Turned my frown upside down and gave a consistent setting to expand my expertise. She is a mentor that allowed me to grow how I envisioned."

 Alivia Dean
Alivia Dean
"Over the past two years, Dean has become so much more than a mentor — she’s been a role model, an incredible employer, and a true friend. Whether offering leadership advice, academic guidance, or simply a listening ear, Dean is always there. Despite her demanding role as the Interim Director of the Design Center, she never hesitates to make time for others."

 Karen Walberg
Karen Walberg
"Karen Walberg has been an exemplary model of professionalism, empathy, and student-centered dedication. Her consistency, kindness, and clarity in communication foster an environment where students feel supported and valued. She demonstrates daily what it means to serve a community with patience, respect, and unwavering commitment. Her calm presence and approachable demeanor make her a role model not only for staff excellence but also for the culture of care that strengthens the department."

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Brian Bullock
"Brian Bullock is an extremely skilled and dedicated machinist who has gone above and beyond in supporting my work. His expertise, patience, and attention to detail has been invaluable in helping me develop a stronger understanding of machining principles and practices. He not only provided excellent technical assistance but also took the time to teach me how to safely and effectively operate every tool in the machine shop. Through his mentorship, I’ve gained hands-on experience, confidence, and a deeper appreciation for precision manufacturing."

 

 

2025 Spring Honorees

Dr. Katherine Grote
Dr. Amber Henslee
Dr. Douglas Ludlow
Dr. Christi Luks
Dr. Kyle Perry
Dr. Joan Schuman
Dr. Rohit Dua
Dr. Eric Bryan
Dr. Monday U. Okoronkwo

Dr. Thomas Schuman
Dr. Venkata Sriram Siddhardh Nadendla
Dr. Michael Peterson
Dr. Ayodeji Babatunde Alajo
Dr. Ralph Flori
Dr. Joel Burken
Dr. Warner Meeks
Dr. Henry Pernicka
Dr. Angelo Ricardo Morales

Chyna Howell
James Slone
Kevin Walkup
Robert Cummings
Samantha Kaestner
Michael Pierce
Dr. Eric Bohannan
David Edwards
Jody Seely

2024 Fall Honorees

Dr. Yezad Anklesaria
Dr. David Carpenter
Dr. Catherine Johnson
Dr. Jonathan W. Kimball
Dr. John McManus
Dr. Dev K. Niyogi

Dr. Heath Pickerill
Dr. Fateme Rezaei
Dr. Katie Shannon
Dr. Joan Schuman
Dr. Robert Woodley

Shawna Holle
Jody Seely
Debi Willy
Nancy Winterburg