Class of 2022 GCoE Pursuit of Excellence Award Recipients Honored at Fall Board Meeting

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Inspired by the April 2015 challenge by Jim Gallogly, the college's namesake, to pursue excellence, the Pursuit of Excellence Award honors those who regularly and selflessly serve the college with excellence in all they do. Presented at the fall Board of Advisors meeting, the awards are among the highest recognition given by the college. In addition to a cash award, recipients receive a certificate of distinction.

Introducing the class of 2022 Pursuit of Excellence Award recipients:

Graduate Student Award - Roshan Sameer Annam
Roshan Sameer Annam is pursuing a doctoral degree in mechanical engineering. He has served as a teaching assistant for many core lab courses and theory classes. Students appreciate his gregarious and helpful attitude. He makes the educational experience fruitful and enjoyable for students. He is active in the Graduate Student Community leadership where he has served the past three years. He is also a student representative on the AME Board of Advisors.

Staff Award - Jeff Biggerstaff
Jeff Biggerstaff is the GCOE Student Life Coordinator. He is responsible for coordinating and executing two major college events - the fall Career Fair and May and December college convocations. His organization and people skills are evident as he manages these events, together with the many duties he performs with excellence throughout the year.

Undergraduate Student Award - Tekena Harcourt
Tekena Harcourt is pursuing a bachelor of science degree in biomedical engineering. He is a research student in the BME Mentored Research Program, focusing on nanoparticle synthesis, characterization, and surface modifications. He has received two research fellowships and is the recipient of the OU Henderson Scholarship. He serves as program chair for the Pre-Collegiate Initiative Program for the National Society of Black Engineers and chairs special events for the OU African Student Association. He also engages with prospective students through his involvement with the Bionanotechnology Engagement for Native Americans in Oklahoma (BE4NANO) research summer camp.

Faculty Award - Chris Dalton
Chris Dalton, Ph.D. is an associate professor in the School of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering. Dr. Dalton advises students on the Boomer Rocket, Sooner Off-Road and Aerospace Propulsion Outreach Program teams. His classes often have waiting lists due to his skill in teaching. He goes above and beyond to serve the students he mentors and teaches.






 

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