March 12, 2026
Achievers, champions and visionaries were celebrated at the College of Engineering’s annual awards banquet March 12.
Mizzou Engineering recognized outstanding faculty, staff, students and alumni for their accomplishments and contributions as part of its 2026 awards banquet March 12.
“These awards celebrate just a few of the achievers, innovators and visionaries here in the college today and those who have passed through our halls in the past,” Dean Marisa Chrysochoou said. “Their dedication, determination and continual support are what make Mizzou Engineering a powerhouse in higher education.”
2026 Faculty Awards
Junior Faculty Excellence in Teaching Award: Chris O’Bryan, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Since 2022, O’Bryan has taught machine design to 60-100 Mizzou Engineering students each semester. He is currently advising two doctoral students and one postdoctoral research assistant and has advised 17 undergraduate research assistants in the college. Students consistently rank him as favorite professor in the department. He serves as model for other educators.
Junior Faculty Excellence in Research Award: Yue Jin, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Jin’s work in fluid-flow mass and heat transfer is helping establish Mizzou as a leader in nuclear engineering. Here he has published nine papers and received five grants from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the U.S. Department of the Interior totaling nearly $1 million. His professional standing as a leader in the field is critical for the success of the college and the university.
Senior Faculty Teaching Award: Christopher “Chip” Gubera, Engineering and Information Technology
Gubera is an exceptional educator with a sustained record of innovative pedagogy, student mentorship and service. His approachability and genuine willingness to support students have fostered a positive and inclusive atmosphere in his department, earning him the departmental Outstanding Professor Award eight times from 2016 to 2025. He does not treat teaching as simply delivering content; he treats it as building people.
Senior Faculty Teaching Award: Sharan Srinivas, Industrial and Systems Engineering
Srinivas is a driven researcher, passionate teacher, engaged student mentor, and overall excellent colleague. His approach is inclusive, catering to diverse learning styles while fostering curiosity and intellectual excitement. He integrates cutting-edge research methods into his courses, bridging the gap between theory and practice and equipping students with the tools to succeed in a dynamic world.
Senior Faculty Excellence in Research Award: Yaw Adu-Gyamfi, Civil and Environmental Engineering
Adu-Gyamfi’s record of sustained, high-impact scholarship and nationally recognized leadership in intelligent transportation systems and AI-enabled infrastructure research exemplifies the highest standards of research excellence. Since 2023, he has published more than 12 archival journal articles in highly respected venues and received approximately $3.5 million in research funding.
Senior Faculty Research Award: Xiaohua Liu, Chemical and Biomedical Engineering
Liu is Mizzou’s most NIH-funded investigator and the only faculty member to hold three or more NIH R01s as sole PI within a single fiscal year. Since 2023, his projects have secured more than $6.5 million in NIH support, including over $1.35 million in federal funding in 2025 alone. Over the past three years, he has published 16 peer‑reviewed articles in high-impact journals and received numerous distinguished honors.
2026 Staff Awards
Rusty Elder, academic advisor
Elder meticulously applies a motivational and empathetic approach to serving students every day, actively listening to and engaging them with care, compassion and unwavering commitment. His authenticity and work ethic make him an asset to the college and its students.
Marilyn Nevels, administrative assistant
Nevels has served Mizzou for more than 30 years and the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering for more than 15 years. She has perfected her multifaceted role in the department, where her deep knowledge, loyalty and cheerful spirit make her an essential figure.
2026 Outstanding Student Awards
Biological Engineering
- Outstanding Junior: Finn Boland
- Outstanding Senior: Emily Omohundro
- Outstanding Master’s Student: Dante Nguyen
- Outstanding Doctoral Student: Tyeaba Tasnim Dipti
Biomedical Engineering
- Outstanding Junior: Hadley Hodge
- Outstanding Senior: Miriam Perez Palomino
Chemical Engineering
- Outstanding Junior: EmilyAnne Mowery
- Outstanding Senior: Michael Ludwig
- Outstanding Doctoral Student: Gan Xu
Civil Engineering
- Outstanding Junior: Kyla Nguyen
- Outstanding Senior: Liberty Stone
- Outstanding Master’s Student: Thom Masterson
- Outstanding Doctoral Student: Camdon Murphy
Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering
- Outstanding Junior: Thao Nguyen
- Outstanding Senior: Lauren Millard
- Outstanding Doctoral Student: Xiaochuan Ke and Showmik Singha
Computer Science
- Outstanding Junior: Andrew Hellman
- Outstanding Senior: Julian Fletcher and Pari Patel
- Outstanding Master’s Student: Subrahmanya Chandra Bhamidipati and Trevor Bohl
- Outstanding Doctoral Student: Jinwen Tang, Khurram Khalil and Upasana Roy
Information Technology
- Outstanding Junior: Jose Torres-Gomez
- Outstanding Senior: Lani Nilges
Industrial and Systems Engineering
- Outstanding Junior: Luke Richey
- Outstanding Senior: Kayla Mowbray
- Outstanding Doctoral Student: Garrett Robison and Pyam Oveys
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
- Outstanding Junior: Em Ho
- Outstanding Senior: Aidan Chastain
- Outstanding Master’s Student: Christian Gastellanos
- Outstanding Doctoral Student: Manish Neupane
2025 Alumni Awards
The college also recognized three alumni with awards:
- Citation of Merit for contributions to Mizzou Engineering: William J. Alkemeyer
- James E. ‘Bud’ Moulder Distinguished Alumni Award: Amber Rowson
- Missouri Honor Award for Distinguished Service, the highest honor bestowed by Mizzou Engineering: Jim Young
Discover more accolades for Mizzou Engineering students, faculty, staff and alumni.