Several Biology students at Temple University have recently been recognized with prestigious awards, highlighting excellence in research, academic achievement, and community engagement. From national scholarships to university-wide honors and outstanding research presentations, these achievements reflect the breadth and impact of student work across the department.

Goldwater Scholarship

Jack R. Brownfield, a third-year in Evolution, Ecology, and Biodiversity, was awarded the Goldwater Scholarship, one of the most prestigious undergraduate awards in the natural sciences. His research at the Temple Ambler Field Station focuses on community ecology, examining how species assemble and coexist in ephemeral pool ecosystems formed after a 2021 tornado event. His work explores how organisms partition time and resources in constrained environments, contributing to ongoing discussions on species coexistence and community assembly.

“I am primarily interested in community ecology, exploring how organisms coexist and co-evolve in a shared environment,” Brownfield said.

Jack was also recognized with a Temple University Diamond Award, further highlighting his academic excellence and leadership.

Diamond Award

Several Biology students were also recognized with the Temple University Diamond Award, honoring academic excellence, leadership, and community impact, including Jack R. Brownfield, Michelle Tanujaya, Sun Ohm, Ginger Uhlfelder, and others.

Alexis Gonsalves

Alexis Gonsalves, a Biology major with a Healthcare Management minor, was recognized for her academic excellence and leadership. She conducts research in bacterial biology at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine and holds leadership roles across several student organizations, including the Honors Activities Board and Remote Area Medical.

Diyana Moradi

Diyana Moradi, a Biology major in the Honors Program with a minor in Information Science and Technology, was recognized with a Temple University Diamond Award for her academic excellence, research, and leadership. Her work at Fox Chase Cancer Center focuses on early-stage breast cancer outcomes and triple-negative breast cancer detection, reflecting her interest in the intersection of biology, technology, and patient care. She also serves as president of the Iranian Association at Temple University and is involved in Women in Medicine, where she supports students pursuing careers in healthcare.

“This award is a reminder of how important it is to follow what you care about, stay connected to your interests, and continue helping your community,” Moradi said.

Sun Ohm

Sun Ohm, a graduating Biology major, was recognized for her research in cancer biology and her commitment to expanding healthcare access. Her work spans multiple research institutions and includes published studies on cancer mechanisms. She also founded Temple’s chapter of Friends of Médecins Sans Frontières and has led initiatives supporting underserved communities locally and internationally.

“My work reflects a vision of medicine rooted in equity, creative empowerment, and the belief that care should reach everyone,” Ohm said.

Ginger Uhlfelder

Ginger Uhlfelder, a third-year Biology major in the Honors Program and 3+4 Accelerated Dental Program, was recognized for her leadership and community engagement. She founded a mentorship network within her program, conducted research on supporting survivors of domestic abuse, and holds multiple leadership roles across campus organizations, including Hillel at Temple.

Outstanding Research Poster Award (2026 Biology Research Showcase)

At the 2026 Biology Research Showcase, students were recognized for outstanding research presentations.

Yusuf-Zain Ansari received an Outstanding Research Poster Award for his work on minimally invasive spine surgery. His research focuses on improving patient outcomes through endoscopic techniques, and he has contributed to multiple peer-reviewed publications and international presentations in the field.

“What stands out about endoscopy is how a camera the size of a pencil can make a tangible improvement to a patient’s wellbeing,” Ansari said.

Rachel Linhart, a graduating senior majoring in Ecology, Evolution, and Biodiversity with a minor in Information Science and Technology, was recognized for her research on wildlife ecology and conservation. At the Temple Ambler Field Station, she used acoustic monitoring to record and analyze bat activity, examining how species respond to climate-driven ecological disturbances. Her work contributes to understanding the impacts of climate change on bat populations, which play a critical role in forest ecosystems.

“My research focuses on understanding how climate-driven disturbances affect bat activity and what that means for conservation,” Rachel said.

Thomas Tran, a fourth-year Biology major graduating this May, was recognized for his work on novel drug delivery systems. His research focuses on engineering rapidly dissolving edible films for vitamin D3 to improve medication compliance for patients with dysphagia. By developing a sublingual delivery system and optimizing formulation and taste, he created a unique prototype with potential clinical applications.

“I designed this project from the ground up to develop a new delivery approach that could improve patient experience and outcomes,” Thomas said.

Together, these achievements highlight the diversity of research, leadership, and service within the Biology Department. They also reflect the strong mentorship and opportunities available to students pursuing careers in science, medicine, and beyond.