As the University of Virginia prepares for Finals Weekend, the UVA School of Engineering and Applied Science congratulates the following undergraduate students, who were recognized for their outstanding contributions at a garden ceremony on Grounds.
Learn about their efforts to support a cleaner environment, conquer lupus, better understand osteoporosis, and support their peers and the local community.
Anna Harris
In the interest of water purification and clean energy, Harris’ research efforts in engineering polymer membranes for vital applications have set her apart as a scholar committed to impactful scientific inquiry. She is ranked third in her class.
Hometown: Canonsburg, Pennsylvania
Major: Chemical engineering
Organizations: Vice president of Wahoo Wizards, outreach chair for Women in Chemical Engineering, member of American Institute of Chemical Engineers, Engineering Open House and community STEAM nights outreach coordinator Clark Scholars leadership
Awards: Gregory J. Canty Research Award, North American Membrane Society Undergraduate Research Award (2023), Thompson Scholarship, David Lee Preddy Award and Chemical Engineering Faculty Award
Krishnan Perumal
Perumal has significantly contributed to cutting-edge projects, including CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, that push the boundaries of genetic understanding in osteoporosis.
Hometown: Charlottesville
Major: Biomedical engineering
Organizations: Undergraduate teaching assistant for the Integrative Design and Experimental Analysis Laboratory, president of the Genomics Society at UVA, volunteer with UVA Health
Awards: Rodman Scholar/AEMB MINDS Scholar
Julianna Hitchcock
Hitchcock’s research into systemic lupus is highlighted by her development of software tools to organize protein phosphorylation data, a project that has prepared her to mentor her successors. She has a 3.9 GPA.
Hometown: Poolesville, Maryland
Major: Biomedical engineering
Organizations: Raven Society, Tau Beta Pi Starting an Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) program
Awards: Rodman Scholar, Coulter Fellowship
Leon Crawford
Crawford has aided members of the academic community through student organizational leadership, and research and teaching assistantships. He has a cumulative 3.8 GPA and a 4.0 in his major.
Hometown: Chesapeake, Virginia
Major: Civil engineering
Organizations: President of the American Society of Civil Engineers at UVA, volunteer with UVA Health
Awards: Rodman Scholar, Gray-Carrington Scholarship Award