Two College of Science Professors Receive Prestigious University Awards
![The College of Science interim dean stands with the two award winners holding their large plaques.](https://science.charlotte.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/689/2024/05/Bernadette-Juan-Alex-awards-resized-600x551.jpg)
The UNC Charlotte Faculty Awards Ceremony was held on Monday, May 13 and two College of Science professors were recognized with some of the University’s most prestigious awards.
Adam Reitzel, professor of biological sciences, was awarded the First Citizens Bank Scholars Medal, which recognizes research excellence.
Reitzel serves as the graduate program director for the Department of Biological Sciences and co-director of the Center for Computational Intelligence to Predict Health and Environmental Risks, CIPHER.
![Adam Reitzel wears the medal and poses with university leadership.](https://science.charlotte.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/689/2024/05/Adam-and-group-with-medal-resized-1000x666.jpg)
“Adam Reitzel offers a model for leadership and research, involving students at every level of his work. He marks the ninth winner of the First Citizens Bank Scholars Medal from the College of Science since the award’s inception, which is an outstanding accomplishment. I am so proud of the leadership our faculty provide, not just within our College, but across UNC Charlotte,” said Bernadette Donovan-Merkert, interim dean of the College of Science.
Juan Vivero-Escoto, professor of chemistry, was awarded the Harshini V. de Silva Graduate Mentor Award, which recognizes mentorship of graduate-level students.
![Juan Vivero-Escoto stands smiling with University leadership.](https://science.charlotte.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/689/2024/05/Juan-with-group-resized-1000x683.jpg)
Vivero-Escoto serves as director of the UNC Charlotte Center for Innovation, Translational Research and Applications of Nanostructured Systems, CITRANS.
“Juan Vivero-Escoto offers ceaseless support and mentorship of our students, setting high but individualized expectations for research and professionalism while supporting them every step of the way. Juan really cares about students’ growth and he builds personal connections to put our students first. He teaches important skills, developing the whole student to build their knowledge and craft experiences into a pipeline to launch them into a successful career,” said Donovan-Merkert.