June 9, 2020
Virtual ceremony recognizes accomplishments of science majors for the 2019-2020 academic year
Hackettstown, N.J., June 9, 2020—Centenary University recently recognized 14 students for excellence in science studies during a ceremony that was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition to the students, the University recognized Brutus, a service dog owned by student Jasmine Steinwand of Cliffside Park, N.J., with a special honor called the Greatest Science Helper Award for his constant calming presence on Centenary’s campus, especially in science labs, this year.
Centenary University’s science students have gained national acclaim for their outstanding accomplishments in scientific research and presentation. Earlier this year, four Centenary students placed in the top 10—including first and second place—at an international research conference, besting Ivy league institutions and research powerhouses including Harvard, Yale, Cornell, Stanford, and Johns Hopkins. In addition, the University’s pre-vet graduates have attained a near-perfect acceptance rate to competitive veterinary schools over the past three years.
“The students honored this year have distinguished themselves for their commitment to the advancement of science,” said Krassi Lazarova, Ph.D., Science Department chair and associate professor of physics. “Despite the pandemic, they found creative ways to continue their studies virtually. I’m incredibly proud of every Centenary science student, as well as our faculty, for rising to the challenges presented by COVID-19.”
Students honored and their hometowns include:
Pennsylvania
Lansdale—Jessica McKenzie, Science Athlete Award
Roseto—Haakon Mathewson, Science Athlete Award
New Jersey
Annandale—Kevin Chroback, Certificate of Merit—Chemistry
Berlin—Danielle Ferriola, Certificate of Merit—Biology
Blairstown—Janell Chuddley, Certificate of Merit—Forensic Science
Budd Lake—Brittany Adams, Junior Merit Award
Cliffside Park—Jasmine Steinwand, Senior Merit Award
Glenwood—Jaime Vitale, Freshman Merit Award
Great Meadows—Pier Semanchik, Outstanding Achievement in Science (2nd or 3rd year student)
Hackettstown—Samantha Johnson, Certificate of Merit—Environmental Science
Kinnelon—Nikolina Perrelli, Certificate of Merit—Physics
Landing—Victoria Cattano, Outstanding Achievement in Science (4th year student)
Little Falls—Gregory Langan, Honorary Science Student Award
West Milford—Alissa Mor, Sophomore Merit Award
ABOUT CENTENARY UNIVERSITY
Founded in 1867 by the Newark Conference of the United Methodist Church, Centenary University’s academic program integrates a solid liberal arts foundation with a strong career orientation. This mix provides an educational experience that prepares students to succeed in the increasingly global and interdependent world. The University’s main campus is located in Hackettstown, N.J., with its equestrian facility in Washington Township. The Centenary University School of Professional Studies offers degree programs at two locations, Parsippany and Edison, as well as online and at corporate sites throughout New Jersey.