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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

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